Policy and Advocacy Manager at The Action Foundation Kenya

Job Summary

The Policy and Advocacy Manager will advance The Action Foundation's (TAF) mission to create an inclusive, accountable, gender-responsive, and equitable environment for Children and Youth with Disabilities (CYWDs). This role involves strengthening effective relationships with government stakeholders at county and national levels to further program and policy change goals. It requires a deep understanding of Kenya's government structures, policies, and processes, with a proven track record of successful advocacy in health, inclusive education, and social protection. The manager will work cross-departmentally, collaborating closely with senior management and the wider TAF team while strictly adhering to TAF's child protection guidelines.

Key Responsibilities
Policy Advocacy and Thought Leadership

• Collaborate with the Policy and Advocacy Director to implement TAF's systems change strategy.
• Monitor national policy developments and foster relationships with key stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society organizations,
• Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, and media.
• Develop policy papers and positions on critical National topics on disability inclusion using data-driven insights.
• Identify key advocacy opportunities and conduct power analysis to inform strategies.
• Collaborate with program implementation teams to develop advocacy briefs and reports for strategic communications.
• Engage in policy dialogue to promote the rights of children and youth with disabilities
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the understanding of disability issues among stakeholders.

Producing Advocacy Products

• Develop messaging for national and regional advocacy issues and priorities.
• Ensure that all advocacy messages, documents, and strategies are evidence-based, drawn from field experience and assessments, highly quality, and effective.
• Advise on advocacy angles for media lines and media strategy.

External Engagement and Influencing

• Support the development of systems for research, analysis, and documentation that underpin evidence-based advocacy and influence at national and international levels.

Integrated Policy Programming Support

• Support the integration of program insights into advocacy strategy and activities and the integration of advocacy strategy objectives into programs in line with The Action Foundation’s Strategic Plan (2025-2029).
• Assist the Policy and Advocacy Director in ensuring proper planning and engagement in program proposals around advocacy activities.

Qualifications & Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, social sciences, international relations, or a related field; a master's degree is preferred.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in policy analysis, advocacy, or development work related to disability issues.
• Strong understanding of national and international policies and frameworks related to disability rights and inclusion.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in policy research, analysis, and development, including drafting policy briefs and reports.
• Knowledge of advocacy strategies and techniques for promoting systems change
• Commitment to promoting the rights and well-being of CYWDs, with a focus on gender equality and social inclusion.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in written and spoken English; proficiency in additional languages is an advantage.
• Experience working in a multicultural environment and sensitivity to cultural differences.