Elimu Yetu Coalition Policy Advisor Job in Kenya

Position: Policy and Engagement Advisor

Reports: National Coordinator

Work Station: EYC Secretariat, Nairobi

Terms of Engagement: Initial 6 months part time contract

Time: Immediately

Job Function:

This senior policy position provides strategic guidance and technical assistance for EYC’s policy and advocacy activities in Kenya.

The position is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to improve the enabling environment in support of Coalition members’ agenda in developing policy positions and pitching for them in national level forums.

S/he facilitates advocacy to national institutions and agencies and builds the capacity of secretariat staff and Urban Slum Basic Education Campaign (USBEC) members on Policy advocacy and pitching presentations to high caliber audiences.

The position requires an exceptional individual with expertise and experience working in advocacy and policy development.

The person will also have direct experience of working with political, governmental and education stakeholders in context to influence change – and will be a confident and experienced communicator in a range of mediums and contexts.

The post-holder will work with EYC partners, especially Concern Worldwide education programme; to develop and implement campaign and advocacy strategies targeting Education institutions and Semi Autonomous Agencies that will aid in the speedy implementation of the provisions on education in the new constitution.

Working closely with colleagues and staff from affiliate organizations, the post-holder will develop and implement policies and advocacy strategies that maximize Elimu Yetu Coalition’s influence on national policies and practices in education.

The post-holder will also support capacity building of EYC secretariat staff and member affiliate to enhance their campaign, policy and advocacy capacity.

Minimum requirements:

• A Post graduate qualification in education, policy analysis, and/or any relevant field.
• Excellent knowledge of international development policy issues and debates around education and human rights.
• Experience and expertise in policy development, desk-based research, advocacy/lobbying and campaigning working at national level engagements
• experience in budget analysis and tracking
• 5-10 years’ experience in policy, advocacy or related work and with management experience.
• Demonstrated political judgment and sensitivity.
• Experience of successfully working with and engaging with governmental and political targets.
• Excellent writing and public communication skills, including the ability to write for / speak to political, specialist/academic, media and public audiences.
• Proven project design/management abilities, and high level of people and process management skills including mediation/arbitration between competing interests.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently to deadlines as part of small and / or virtual teams.
• A demonstrated commitment to gender and other equality issues.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge and fluency in written and spoken Kiswahili will be a plus
• An affinity with the aims and objectives of the Education For All Campaigns in the country.
• Strong written and spoken communications skills in English and Kiswahili.
• Experience in advocacy with development organization is an asset.
• Experience of working with and/or in a private sector or business environment, or influencing business targets.
• Experience of working in alliance with external partners, including in an international context.
• Experience of working in a diverse cultural and/or international work environment.

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

Responsibilities

• Research, analysis and monitoring of policy and legislative processes in the education sector in Kenya, and to develop a clear political, advocacy and campaigning strategy in support of the campaign.
• Direct advocacy and lobbying of policy makers and political representatives and representatives of the private sector.
• Researching and developing new relationships as required.
• Provision of briefing and advice to senior EYC staff including the National Coordinator, USBEC Campaign Officer and visiting representatives of Concern affiliates.
• Developing and maintaining constructive working relationships with colleagues as well as with key allies across the NGO / expert community.
• Working with the Campaign to ensure messages are communicated to the public but more specifically to policy makers and policy agencies
• Contributing to broader analysis of politics, government policies positions as part of the Advocacy Team.

Deliverables

Date and Deliverables

By June 30th

• Develop a legislative/policy brief to present at forums to enlist participation of key education stakeholders in validation of the Basic Education Bill and policy.
• Develop a budget for the basic education shadow bill and present to Committee on implementation of the Constitution.
• Facilitate Review and update of “The Falling Short Report”.
• Develop a policy/ legislative brief for discussion during preparatory meetings with MPs and a Round Table Workshop.
• Organize Monthly Campaign review meeting
• Attend Urban slum education coordination meeting at MoE and present priority issues for urban slum education.
• Attend Education programme strategy development meeting.
• Develop and share monthly report with relevant focal persons

By July 30th

• Engage/Meet with members of the Education Committee, Nairobi City Council on urban slum education.
• Present a brief at the Bi-annual Policy Review Meeting at MoE.
• Follow up meeting with Members of the Committee on Implementation of the Constitution.
• 1 follow up meeting with MPs
• Develop and share monthly report with relevant focal persons

By August 30th

• Support USBEC to facilitate a policy meeting with the MOE/ and Donors to present USBEC agenda.
• Organize1 follow up meeting with MPs and NCC
• Facilitate publishing of “The Falling Short Report”
• Enhance capacity of USBEC and EYC staff in development of quality policy papers and briefs.
• Develop and share monthly report with relevant focal persons

By September 30th

• Organize 1 follow up meeting with MPs and NCC
• Enhance prioritization of the debate of education legislation in the Kenya
• Facilitate Monthly Campaign review meeting
• Develop and share monthly report with relevant focal persons

By October 30th

• 1 follow up meeting with MPs
• Facilitate the development of USBEC agenda for 2012
• Facilitate Monthly Campaign review meeting
• Develop and share monthly report with relevant focal persons

By November 30th

• 1 follow up meeting with MPs and NCC
• Facilitate end of term Campaign review meeting.
• Develop and share end of term report with relevant focal persons

Key Working Relationships

• National Coordinator (Head of Secretariat) EYC
• Human Rights and Advocacy Manager- Concern
• Worldwide Allies and key external stakeholders in education (special focus on the Directorate of Basic Education)

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit cover letter and CV to:nairobi.hr@concern.net. and copy the same to: info@elimuyetu.net

Phone calls are not accepted.

However, candidates are encouraged to visit the website: www.concern.net and www.elimuyetu.net before applying.

The deadline for receiving applications is: Close of Business on 20th May 2011...

Due to anticipated volume of applications, only qualified applicants will be contacted.

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