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 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
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.
Please note that we do not charge fees for receiving or processing job applications.
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