Policy, Research & Advocacy Manager at Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI)

ABOUT US

• As a Business Membership trade-based support institution, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) works to protect the commercial and industrial interests of its members and the business community at large.

• The institution also advocates for the creation of a favorable commercial, trade, and investment environment that supports enterprise expansion and growth and most significantly creates business linkages and opportunities locally and globally.

Purpose of the Role

• To lead, direct, and coordinate all policy, research, and advocacy functions to ensure that KNCCI contributes to a policy environment that supports trade competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities

Policy

• Identify and prioritize business policy areas that need to be addressed in the interest of KNCCI members.
• Review, monitor, and document trade policies and regulations at both national and county levels.
• Initiate the development of policy briefs and position papers on key legislative and regulatory changes affecting businesses in partnership with members.
• Analyze laws affecting businesses and package insights into structured reports for stakeholders.
• Liaise with key government agencies, trade bodies, and stakeholders to advocate for favorable policies.
• Provide policy recommendations and economic development support at the National and County levels.
• Oversee the establishment and implementation of the Advocacy Annual Calendar, which will include:
  • Lobbying efforts for trade policy reforms.
  • Stakeholder consultations to align policy positions with business interests.
  • Formal policy submissions to government and regulatory bodies.
• Prepare and submit policy recommendations and proposals to county and national government stakeholders.

Research

• Conduct research on policy and regulatory changes, including trade standards, tariffs, licensing, and fiscal policies.
• Coordinating research, collation, and acquisition of product and market information for export trade and disseminating to members through regular bulletins.
• Providing appropriate information on exports macro environment and translating this to the benefit of member decision-making in sectors and regions of interest.
• Undertaking global policy analysis and interpreting economic trends and developments in the international environments that impact Kenya’s export products and markets.
• Contributing towards establishing favorable micro and macro-economic environments and responding to emerging issues from foreign policies and transnational issues affecting exports.
• Providing market intelligence on comparator strategies, policies, and factors determining export performance.
• Lead and coordinate trade policy-related research aimed at enhancing business competitiveness.
• Analyze sector-based trade flow analysis, market trends, and competitive positioning at local and international levels.
• Contribute to database development of a trade facilitation database, tracking customs procedures, non-tariff barriers, and ease-of-doing business indicators.
• Provide evidence-based insights to inform KNCCI’s policy advocacy efforts.

 Advocacy

• Develop and oversee the implementation of the department’s work plans and budgets.
• Establish mechanisms for continuous dialogue, feedback sharing, and policy engagement with Chamber members, potential investors, and regulatory agencies.
• Lead the identification, tracking, and execution of KNCCI’s annual advocacy agenda, ensuring alignment with business and trade priorities.
• Coordinate with communications teams and sector committees to disseminate advocacy issues through major media outlets and consultative forums.
• Lead the development and execution of advocacy strategies to influence policies, regulations, and industry standards that align with members' interests.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, policymakers, and key stakeholders who drive the national agenda on business matters.
• Act as the voice of the KNCCI’s members by articulating their concerns, challenges, and priorities to decision-makers.
• Develop position papers, policy briefs, and advocacy materials to support lobbying efforts.
• Design and implement advocacy campaigns, workshops, and training sessions to equip members with the tools and knowledge to effectively advocate for their interests.

Member Engagement

• Directly engage with Chamber members to identify policy challenges affecting their businesses.
• Work collaboratively with the Membership Team to address sector-specific concerns and policy needs.
• Develop and share well-researched policy insights that support informed business decisions for members.
• Organize capacity-building workshops, training sessions, and policy forums for KNCCI members in collaboration with development partners, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders.

Job Requirements

• Master's degree in Economics, Statistics, Public Policy, or any business-related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in policy, research & advocacy preferably in a Business Membership Organization (BMO), trade association, or NGO; 5 years in a managerial role.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; with the ability to engage across government, private sector, and development partners.
• Proven ability to conduct trade policy analysis, economic research, and regulatory impact assessments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in developing policy documents, government submissions, and advocacy reports.
• Strong knowledge of Kenya’s business landscape, economic policies, and trade regulatory environment.
• Strong leadership and analytical skills.
• Strategic and innovative thinking.
• Demonstrate a proven track record of personal initiative, enthusiasm, and flexibility.