The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) has announced a wide range of career opportunities for 2026, targeting professionals across different levels of experience as well as young graduates seeking to build their careers in public policy, research, and administration. These vacancies present a significant opportunity for individuals interested in contributing to Kenya’s policy development, economic planning, and governance frameworks.
KIPPRA is a leading government think tank mandated to provide quality policy advice through research, capacity building, and knowledge management. The institution plays a critical role in supporting evidence-based decision-making within the Government of Kenya and other stakeholders. As part of its continued growth and institutional strengthening, KIPPRA is seeking to recruit qualified and competent individuals to fill numerous vacant positions across its directorates and divisions.
All positions listed below have an application deadline of 21st April 2026, unless otherwise stated.
The vacancies span senior leadership roles, middle-level management, technical policy positions, and entry-level opportunities, including a structured Young Professionals Programme.
- Young Professionals Programme 2026/2027
Position Code: YP/26/27
Number of Positions: 30
Reference Number: KIPPRA/YP/26/27
The Young Professionals Programme is designed to attract and develop early-career talent into future policy leaders. The program offers structured exposure to policy research, analysis, and institutional operations.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Participate in research projects under the supervision of senior analysts
- Support data collection, analysis, and report writing
- Contribute to policy briefs, working papers, and publications
- Assist in organizing stakeholder engagements, workshops, and conferences
- Support monitoring and evaluation of ongoing programs
- Undertake administrative and coordination tasks within assigned departments
- Participate in mentorship and training sessions provided by KIPPRA
- Director-Level Positions (KIP 2)
2.1 Director, Integrated Development
Reference: HR/7/DID/2025/01
Positions: 1
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership in integrated development research and policy advisory
- Oversee development of interdisciplinary research programs
- Guide formulation of policy recommendations on national development priorities
- Coordinate collaboration with government agencies and development partners
- Supervise staff within the Directorate of Integrated Development
- Ensure timely delivery of high-quality research outputs
2.2 Director, Macroeconomics, Modelling and Forecasting
Reference: HR/7/DMMF/2025/02
Positions: 1
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead macroeconomic modelling and forecasting initiatives
- Provide policy advice on fiscal, monetary, and economic planning issues
- Oversee development of macroeconomic simulation tools
- Supervise research teams and ensure quality outputs
- Coordinate dissemination of economic forecasts and reports
2.3 Director, Capacity Development, Partnerships and Knowledge Management
Reference: HR/7/DCDP/2025/38
Positions: 1
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead institutional capacity development initiatives
- Strengthen partnerships with stakeholders and development partners
- Oversee knowledge management systems and dissemination strategies
- Coordinate training programs and policy dialogues
- Supervise staff within the directorate
2.4 Director, Social Development and Governance
Reference: HRDSDG/2025/38
Positions: 1
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide leadership in social policy and governance research
- Develop frameworks for social protection and governance reforms
- Oversee research on inequality, poverty, and social inclusion
- Engage stakeholders in governance and public sector reforms
- Supervise directorate staff and ensure delivery of outputs
- Deputy Director Positions (KIP 3)
A wide range of Deputy Director roles are available across various divisions. Each role involves supporting directorates in delivering policy research, analysis, and advisory services.
Key Duties and Responsibilities (Applicable Across Roles):
- Lead specialized policy analysis within assigned thematic areas
- Supervise research teams and coordinate project implementation
- Develop policy briefs, reports, and advisory notes
- Participate in stakeholder engagements and consultations
- Monitor and evaluate program performance
- Provide technical guidance to junior staff
Available Positions Include:
- Deputy Director, Policy Capacity Development
- Deputy Director, Policy Analysis – Governance
- Deputy Director, Policy Analysis – Infrastructure and Economic Services
- Deputy Director, Policy Analysis – Macroeconomics
- Deputy Director, Policy Analysis – Productive Sector
- Deputy Director, Policy Analysis – Social Sector
- Deputy Director, Planning, Risk and Quality Management
- Deputy Director, Policy Analysis – Trade and Foreign Policy
- Deputy Director, Legal Services
- Deputy Director, Internal Audit
- Deputy Director, Policy Analysis – Modelling
- Deputy Director, Policy Analysis – Predictive Analytics
- Deputy Director, Policy Analysis – Gender and Special Groups
- Deputy Director, Policy Analysis – Nutrition and Dietetics
- Deputy Director, Communications
- Deputy Director, Information Communication Technology
- Assistant Director Positions (KIP 4)
These roles focus on supporting departmental leadership while managing specific technical functions.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist in planning and implementing departmental work plans
- Conduct policy research and analysis
- Supervise junior staff and coordinate activities
- Prepare reports and technical documentation
- Support stakeholder engagement and coordination
Available Positions Include:
- Assistant Director, Nutrition and Dietetics
- Assistant Director, Infrastructure and Economic Services (2 Positions)
- Assistant Director, Macroeconomics
- Assistant Director, Social Sector
- Assistant Director, Planning, Quality and Risk
- Assistant Director, Legal Services
- Assistant Director, Internal Audit
- Assistant Director, Human Resource and Administration
- Principal and Senior-Level Positions (KIP 4 & KIP 5)
5.1 Principal Policy Analyst – Private Sector
5.2 Principal Policy Analyst – Productive Sector
5.3 Principal Policy Analyst – Trade and Foreign Policy
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conduct advanced policy research and analysis
- Develop policy recommendations and reports
- Lead sector-specific research initiatives
- Provide technical advisory services to stakeholders
5.4 Senior Policy Analyst – Gender and Special Groups
5.5 Senior Partnerships Officer – Partnerships
5.6 Principal Administration Officer – Administration
5.7 Principal Office Administrator – Office of the Executive Director
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Coordinate departmental operations
- Manage stakeholder relationships and partnerships
- Support administrative and governance functions
- Prepare reports and policy documents
- Technical and Mid-Level Positions (KIP 6 & KIP 7)
6.1 Policy Analyst – Nutrition and Dietetics
6.2 Senior Statistician
6.3 Senior Supply Chain Management Officer
6.4 Senior Office Administrator
6.5 Senior Assistant Office Administrator
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conduct data analysis and research
- Support program implementation
- Prepare reports and documentation
- Assist in administrative and operational functions
6.6 ICT Officer I (2 Positions)
6.7 Supply Chain Management Assistant I
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide ICT support and system maintenance
- Assist in procurement and supply chain processes
- Support operational activities within departments
- Entry-Level and Support Positions (KIP 8 & KIP 9)
7.1 Accountant II
7.2 Legal Officer II
7.3 Senior Office Assistant
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide support in finance, legal, and administrative functions
- Maintain records and documentation
- Assist in departmental operations
- Short-Term Contract Positions
Short-Term Fixed Contract Staff – Research Assistants and Casuals
Number of Positions: 21
Closing Date: 30 June 2026
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist in field data collection and research activities
- Support project implementation and logistics
- Participate in surveys and data entry
- Provide administrative support to research teams
Application Process
Interested and qualified candidates are required to submit their applications through the official KIPPRA recruitment portal as indicated under “Apply Details” for each position. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review each role and ensure they apply using the correct reference number.
All applications must be submitted on or before 21st April 2026, except for short-term contract roles which close on 30th June 2026.
KIPPRA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and merit-based recruitment. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
