NGO Jobs Kenya. Senior Policy Systems Manager

Senior Policy Systems Manager

Context and Purpose:
Kenya Market Trust (KMT) is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) whose vision is to enable the sustainable transformation of markets for the benefit of the poor. This involves working in partnership to facilitate improved functioning of markets, and to build capacity to make markets work better.  There is widespread agreement that the best way to improve the economic conditions of the poor is through improving the functioning of markets.  One method that has found success is the “making markets work for the poor” (M4P) approach developed by the Department for international development (DFID). KMT uses the M4P methodology to facilitate “better markets, better lives”.

Kenya’s enabling environment is less effective than it should be, often sending conflicting signals which foster uncertainty and devalue evidence-based policy making.  Overall performance of the policy system and its resulting enabling environment could be measured by its ability to:

• Drive private sector upgrading, namely greater investment, enhanced competitiveness (products and operations) and societal benefit (poverty reduction, jobs, etc.).
• Crowd in participation and ensure wide awareness of rules and rights
• Learn and adapt. This implies a posture of being evidence based, transparent in monitoring and accountable to objectives.

The Senior Policy Systems Manager will be responsible for increasing awareness and understanding among influential stakeholders – particularly within government, private sector, the media, research institutions and donors – regarding the efficiency and inclusiveness of markets in Kenya.

• This includes sharing insights into how the performance of these markets could improve and the role that different players could shoulder in bringing about this transformation.
• You will also provide strategic leadership and cross cutting support to the portfolio teams in understanding and influencing positively the political economy of their market systems.  Further support will also be given to KMT’s Knowledge and Learning Practice as well as other areas as needed.
• He/She will serve as a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) of KMT and oversee, motivate and guide staff, encouraging their commitment to corporate objectives and team learning and performance.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will be expected to:

• Regularly produce stakeholder mapping and analysis to identify champions that are active or could be active in thinking through efficiency and inclusiveness of markets or in influencing those debates and decision makers.  Clarify the roles being played by different institutions, help to identify influential stakeholders and the approach and influencing strategy and partners to work with and through. This embraces National and County Government.
• Support the value proposition of evidence. In terms of messaging and evidence base, gather appropriate materials both internationally, from other programmes and sectors in Kenya and also from KMT interventions to build a compelling case on these issues and what can be achieved. Think through the range of assessment tools that are available or could be developed or adapted for assessing the functioning of markets in Kenya.
• Facilitate participation of key players including research, education, private sector, civil society, and media organisations in policy development. Support coalition building, communication and public relations, investigative journalism, and grass roots evidence based advocacy strategies.
• Build the capacity of government to publicize policy decisions including objectives/benchmarks, proposed regulatory implementation vehicles and enforcement practices.
• Catalyze the Government to shift from interventionist practices to providing regulatory and oversight frameworks that allow commercial networks to form and flourish.
• Monitor policy debates and effectiveness of policies in Kenya for use both as a baseline and to measure progress of KMT influencing on these objectives.
• Work with influential private sector associations such as Kenya Private Sector Alliance, Kenya Agribusiness Agroindustry Alliance etc as well as consumer protection bodies to enhance their advocacy capacity. Coordinate such action with other instruments such as the Business Advocacy Fund to explore synergy
• Quality assure annual work plans and supporting budgets for each system and intervention produced by managers.
• Identify and cultivate suitable implementing partners and service providers and oversee managers in managing contractual relationships and grant agreements.
• Ensure monthly financial reports and returns to the Finance and Administration Unit have been prepared and submitted by managers
• Prepare quarterly reports to inform the portfolio review process
• Proactively identify opportunities for expansion of interventions within the system
• Produce case studies in conjunction with KRT and produce research papers designed to shape the dialogue on system issues.
• Effectively manage external researchers and consultants when it is necessary to commission external research support.
• Participate in regular portfolio review meetings.
• Participate in relevant workshops and meetings and represent MAP at conferences both internationally and domestically.

Experience and skills

• Degree in a relevant discipline such as Public Policy, Economics, Development Studies, Business Management, Agribusiness or an equivalent. Post graduate qualification in relevant discipline
• 7-10 years experience working in a private sector development programme and/or public policy formulation
• Extensive experience of stakeholder engagement; developing partnerships and managing relationships with government, business membership organisations, donors and NGOs
• Prior knowledge and exposure to the making markets work for the poor (M4P) approach, or value chain analysis
• Financial management and reporting including managing sub contractual relationships and/or grant agreements
• Developing results chains and log frames, or other relevant M & E experience
• Excellent English; analytical and writing skills
• Project management
• Ability to facilitate stakeholder workshops; competent use of MS Office

How to apply: Send your application including a cover letter demonstrating why you are the best suited candidate for this role; a detailed CV highlighting relevant experience and achievements, details of current and expected salary, a day time phone contact, email address, the names of three professional referees and a recent photo to:

P O Box 6416, Nairobi, GPO 00100
Email: recruit@adeptsystems.co.ke
Web: www.adeptsys.biz

Closing Date: Friday 23rd May 2014

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Please note that we do not charge fees for receiving or processing job applications.

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