Senior Manager – Advocacy at Concern Worldwide

Job Summary

• The primary purpose of this role is to lead the management and implementation of the Concern Kenya Programme Advocacy Strategy in line with the Country Strategic Plan 2022 – 2026. This will entail technical leadership in advocacy and research to inform the development of high quality products for lobbying, influencing, media and communications engagement and resource mobilization. The incumbent will take a leading role in framing country programme advocacy agenda together with the Country Management Team through conceptualising and synthesising communication materials, research publications and country programme reports for advocating for change towards ending extreme poverty in our areas of operation. The incumbent will closely liaise with sector leads in the health, nutrition, livelihoods, and education sectors.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Advocacy and Research

• Oversee the implementation of the Concern Worldwide Kenya Country Programme advocacy strategy 2022 - 2026
• Define sector specific advocacy needs, developing advocacy plans and framing key sector specific advocacy
• Define key sector specific advocacy and research needs, developing advocacy research plans and overseeing together with the MEAL team on undertaking of advocacy research
• Map out key advocacy opportunities for the country programme on a quarterly basis and spearhead engagement within these spaces
• Build technical capacity and support to the country programme staff and local partners where appropriate in the implementation of advocacy strategy

Program Development and Implementation

• Provide leadership and technical guidance in the design, implementation, and monitoring of the governance and advocacy program in line with both the Concern Kenya advocacy strategy and relevant Concern Worldwide advocacy policies
• Collaborate with the Monitoring Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) team to monitor and evaluate ongoing governance and advocacy projects for program effectiveness, high quality and timely program delivery as well as integration with other programs in health, education and livelihoods and make data-driven adjustments as needed.
• In collaboration with the Senior Officer, Grants, Partnerships and Fundraising, Programmes Director and any other relevant staff, take a leading role in developing expressions of interest (EOIs), concept notes and proposals for new projects
• Coordinate the development of project costed work plans and detailed implementation plans
• Monitor over and under spending and initiate mitigation measures for funded projects under the incumbent’s management.
• Documentation of the programme process and successes including generating lessons learnt and case studies in collaboration with the Communications Officer.
• Coordinate timely development, review and submission of internal and external technical and financial project reports
• In consultation with the line manager, represent the programme in relevant meetings

Partnership management

• In close collaboration with the senior officer partnership, support in identification, engagement, assessment and management of strategic advocacy partners as appropriate in line with the country programme’s commitment to localization and strategic partnerships
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, relevant line ministries, government officials and other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

People Management

• Engage with direct reports for performance management and development through regular performance development reviews; monthly individual work plan development, implementation and review
• Participate in recruitment, induction and on boarding of new staff and provide ongoing mentorship, coaching and support for professional development.
• Manage leave planning and utilization for direct reports

Others

• Adhere to and promote the standards outlined in the Concern Code of Conduct and associated policies to their team, beneficiaries, and be committed to providing a safe working environment
• Participating and contributing towards Concern’s emergency response, as and when necessary
• Take all possible measure to meet Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS)
• Any other duties as assigned by the line manager

Person Specification

Minimum Education, Qualifications & Experience Required:

• A Bachelors’ degree in Social Sciences, Law, Development Studies, Economics, Public Policy. A Master's degree will be an added advantage
• At least 8 years’ proven experience managing advocacy, research and influencing for country programme portfolios, including development of high-quality advocacy strategies, campaigns and related products
• Strong analytical skills and proven experience in conducting social science research, publishing, , knowledge management
• Experience in communications and media engagement
• Proven experience in fundraising and development of fundraising instruments such as EOIs, concept notes, proposals for advocacy related projects
• Excellent communications, planning and problem solving skills
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Leadership experience with the ability to inspire and motivate a team
• Knowledge of budgeting and financial management
• Experience and commitment to gender equality and inclusivity

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• Strong facilitation and time management skills with an ability to plan ahead, anticipate requirements, problems and obstacles and manage competing priorities
• High integrity and demonstrated ability to follow standards and policies
• Ability to work in a systematic and organized manner and attend to details
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn

Competencies required:

Managing yourself

• Awareness of your own abilities and uses abilities to work well with others to achieve your work and Concern’s.

Individual leadership

Inspire others by clearly articulating and demonstrating the Concern’s values and principles supports others to achieve excellent results.

Communicating and working with others

• Proactively and effectively share information with others. Works effectively with others to achieve best results from.

Delivering results

• Delivers on commitments; uses appropriate techniques to help achieve agreed objectives.

Planning and decision-making

• Systematically work towards achieving objectives; informed and timely decisions (appropriate to role), to achieve work objectives.

Creativity and innovation

• Continual improvement by developing and implementing new ideas for effective and efficient progress towards the agreed objectives

Influence, advocacy and networking

• Engages effectively with others inside and outside the organisation as relevant to achieve agreed objectives