Research and Policy Advisers (RPA) Wanted

Ambitious? Collegiate? Driven? Inquisitive? Interested in public policy? Self-motivated? Fast learner?

Join Coffey Kenya’s project, the Business Advocacy Fund (BAF) and explore the opportunity both to support the Business Membership Organisations (BMOs) to undertake research, to prepare policy positions and to advocate reforms of public policy. We will provide intensive training covering all aspects of research and public policy development and mentoring support as you develop your skills and build your experience.

Position: 3 Research Policy Advisers (RPAs)

Duration: One year contract up to June 2020

Location Nairobi, Kenya

The Program

Business Advocacy Fund (BAF): Funded by DANIDA, supports Business Membership Organisations (BMO), trade unions and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) with an interest in supporting business to engage in public private dialogue and to advocate improvements in the business environment in Kenya in the expectation that, if successful, changed policies will lead to more investment, and, ultimately, more jobs. Specifically, the fund provides grant funding to BMOs to undertake research, to prepare policy positions and to advocate reforms of public policy.

The Position

The overall scope of work is to support BMOs to deliver more effectively on their core advocacy function, including:

Develop and maintain good relationships with the BMOs supported by BAF to which RPAs are assigned.

Assist BMOs in identifying issues of public policy related to the business enabling environment which need to be addressed.

Define and frame the problems faced by business clearly and support BMO to prepare concept notes and applications for funding.

Undertake basic research for BMOs and, as necessary, support BMOs to prepare terms of reference to commission research to gather the necessary evidence to understand the extent and depth of the problem and the potential economic impact if the problem was addressed.

Prepare, jointly with the BMO, compelling policy positions based on the research evidence available, both to ensure that they are committed to the policy and to build their capacity.

Work with the BMO to engage in dialogue and advocacy. This will involve preparing a strategy and a plan for advocacy identifying primary and secondary audiences, forming coalitions with other BMOs and stakeholders, and assist with organising the necessary meetings.

Participate in monthly review meetings held at BAF.

Participate in training as directed by BAF.

Offer peer support to RPA colleagues undertaking similar assignments in other BMOs.

Advise and assist BMOs on the implementation of their BAF-assisted advocacy projects including financial management, accounting for funds and completing quarterly progress reports.

Liaise with BAF for further support to the BMO regarding potential future advocacy projects.

Any other duties as may be required, including researching and developing policy positions on topics selected by BAF.

The Person

Degree (ideally in Economics, Politics, Law or Business though the qualification is less important than your approach to the work)

At least two years’ work experience

Demonstrate a high level of ambition, initiative and self-motivation

Travel within Kenya and some out of hours work might be required

Applications close:  10^th May, 2019.