Government Liaison Officer at African Population And Health Research Center (APHRC)

 Duties/Responsibilities

• Prepare and continually refine a synergistic government liaison strategy.
• Support advocacy and policy engagement efforts by actively identifying opportunities with relevant government agencies and facilitating APHRC’s participation.
• Map and maintain a stakeholder database and manage the day-to-day relationships with all key influencers and other partners in various government agencies.
• Represent and offer support in relevant government technical meetings and engagements and actively seek out, identify, advice on, and implement opportunities for collaborative work across different government departments.
• Prepare and give feedback to government agencies on the program impact realized periodically and prepare joint plans.
• Ensure timely preparation of application documents for speedy submission to the relevant government agencies for approvals, and follow-up with relevant authorities.
• Engage with programs providing insights on government priorities and mode of operation
• Oversee implementation of agreed plans.
• Contribute to fundraising providing inputs relevant to their role.
• Lead the identification of government priorities in research, policy and capacity strengthening.
• Manage risks and mitigation strategies, and public policy matters that could impact APHRC’s interests in Kenya.
• Participate in managing APHRC reputation through strategic engagements with the National and County governments, the ministries, international agencies, donor community, NGOs/CBOs, and local communities.
• Participate in building relationships to strengthen the strategic positioning, skill and effectiveness of selected local, national and regional coalitions key policymakers, legislators and governments to influence policy and practice.
• Ensure that relations with other Governments and international organizations are carried out in accordance with standard liaison practices.
• Coordinate government official visits to APHRC, both inbound and outbound.
• Facilitating meetings, ensure proper etiquette for official engagements, and streamline interactions with dignitaries and other VIPs.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 

• Masters level degree in Social Sciences or related field.
• At least 7 years of relevant experience engaging governments on issues relevant to APHRC work.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational and coordination skills.
• Very proactive with the ability to inform, influence, negotiate and connect with the relevant people.
• Stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated networks in government, civil society etc.
• Understanding of different policy-making processes in Kenya.