Policy and Advocacy Manager at Kenya Red Cross Society

This new role is part of an initiative between ICHA at the Kenya Red Cross and the Humanitarian Policy Department at the British Red Cross. A joint work plan between these centres in Nairobi and London on mutual areas of policy interest will seek to increase evidence gathering and sharing, develop strong and relevant contextual analysis, contribute to thought leadership within the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and develop relationships with key stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop, lead and implement policy and advocacy strategies on humanitarian issues
• Ensure specialist knowledge and analysis in order to influence work within and outside the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement using a range of different approaches including high quality research, policy analysis and external representation
• Work with colleagues in different departments in the Kenya Red Cross to ensure the development and implementation of policy agendas that draw on, and inform, the work of the Movement
• Monitor developments, trends and debates relevant to key humanitarian policy issues, ensuring relevant colleagues and networks are kept abreast of priority issues and that these developments are informed by the policy and practice of the Movement
• Undertake or commission high quality research, policy briefings, and synthesis reports that can underpin advocacy and influencing work and that can inform programmatic engagement in specific contexts
• Manage key relationships and represent at senior levels externally and within the Movement
• Liaise and maintain regular contact with government officials, politicians and policy makers on key policy issues
• Manage the humanitarian policy and advocacy officer and any relevant consultants, interns, and volunteers
• Develop and manage annual work plans of the policy and advocacy officer and contribute to development of the joint workplan of ICHA and the Humanitarian Policy Department at the BRC
• Manage staff resources, and others who from time to time may be assigned to the research and formulation process
• Assist in any other duties requested by relevant colleagues

Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in law, political science, international relations or relevant field
• At least five (5) years of relevant working experience
• Demonstrable understanding of the international humanitarian system
• Knowledge of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
• Experience leading development and implementation of policy and advocacy strategies on key humanitarian issues
• Experience with senior representation and influencing work with a variety of stakeholders
• Good written and verbal communication skills and strong organisational skills
• Ability to analyse, capture, and synthesise large amounts of information in a high quality and engaging manner
• Experience of writing and disseminating policy papers and reports
• Experience of compiling and summarising materials for a variety of audiences
• Effective interpersonal skills to establish cooperative working relationships in the course of performing assigned duties
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, analyse financial and operational data and information, think analytically and critically
• Experience managing staff, budget and work plans
• Use of internet and IT to support information and knowledge management
• Ability to maintain high level of confidentiality, remain open to new ideas and experiment with improved systems and proven methods
• Commitment to upholding the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement