PROGRAMME OFFICER- POLICY DEVELOPMENT

Our client is a not- for- profit organization that works closely with Policy making institutions, Government Departments, Members of Parliament and other stakeholders in the legislative process to draft and advocate for pro- people policies and legislation.

Role Summary

The successful candidate will play a role in the development of quality and responsive ‘pro- people’ policies and legislation in line with our vision of “A Just Society Governed by Fair and Righteous Laws” and our mission of enhancing the legislative process in Kenya by providing technical support to law making institutions and other stakeholders.

This position heads the Policy Development Programme and leads the Programme functions of policy and legislative research and analysis, review of policies, Bills and other legislative documents, drafting legislation and engaging relevant institutions to advocate on program’s areas of interest. The position reports to the Programme Manager.

FUNCTIONS OF THE POLICY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

• Organizational lead for parliamentary (National Assembly, Senate and the County Assemblies) engagement
• Conduct legislative research and analysis to document evidence for program’s legislative advocacy work
• Draft and review Bills, policies and other legislative documents in areas of IILA interest
• Identify areas for engagement within the legislative process
• Lead policy and legislative capacity development
• Strengthen institutional networks and partnerships with other organizations in the legislative space
• Lead coordination and implementation of assigned projects, and collaborate with other Programme Officers in the organization in implementing organizational projects and programmes as required
• Lead resource mobilization for policy development program and legislative engagement components of our work

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Programme officer- Policy Development Officer will be responsible for designing, implementation and overall management of the Program’s activities in consultation with Programme Manager and Chief Executive Officer, in collaboration with our other Programmes and in line with the objectives. The position will work directly with program policy and legislative partners, including policy and legislative making institutions, specific government ministries and agencies, members of National and County Assemblies, and other relevant actors in the policy and legislative process.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Providing technical, strategic guidance and leadership to the program
• Leading the design, execution and monitoring of program plans and activities to ensure effective delivery in line with organizational objectives;
• Expanding the current projects under the program and conceptualize new ones
• Prioritizing areas of research and analysis to address identified policy and legislative gaps and opportunities for intervention;
• Co-ordinating the review of relevant existing policies, Bills and other legislative documents and drafting of new legislative proposals; when needed
• Developing and undertaking policy and legislative capacity development for our partners and stakeholders in the policy and legislative process; and as required within institution’s projects
• Initiating resourcing strategies that respond to program goals and targets and supporting organizational fundraising efforts
• Coordinating administrative and logistical aspects of the program
• Leading the preparation of program implementation reports and schedules in line with the institution internal policies and in compliance with contractual agreements with funders
• Coordinating external relationships through networking and partnership opportunities with individuals and institutions relevant to the program goals
• Undertake any other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and/ or the Chief Executive Officer

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Law;
• Knowledge and understanding of policy and legislative issues and processes in Kenya
• At least 3 years’ experience in the NGO sector in a similar capacity;

COMPETENCIES

• Familiarity with concepts and processes of policy formulation and development, social and economic rights, national (including sub- National) and global policy making
• Solid understanding of the environment in which the institution operates as well as commitment to and understanding of institution’s vision, mission and values
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong networking and inter- personal skills
• Proven skills in legislative drafting will be an added advantage