ACDI / VOCA Pastoral Policy Advisor Job in Kenya

Since 1963 and in 145 countries, ACDI / VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. 

Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. 

ACDI / VOCA has approximately 76 projects in 36 countries and revenues of about $170 million.  

Pastoral Policy Advisor, Kenya

We currently seek a Pastoral Policy Advisor for an ongoing, multi-year USAID-funded program focused on reducing poverty and hunger by improving the inclusiveness and competitiveness of the livestock value chain in two counties in the arid lands of Kenya. 

This position will report to the Chief of Party and be required to travel approximately 60% of the time to Marsabit and Isiolo Counties. 

The Pastoral Policy Advisor will take advantage of the ripe policy platform provided by the new constitution and the implementation of Kenyan Vision 2030.

Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the REGAL-AG team, community institutions, Government line ministries and other partners, design and implement a pastoral policy and advocacy strategy that will outline the key advocacy issues and audiences for achieving the desired impact of creating incentives and an environment conducive to commercial investment in the livestock sector.
• Analyze existing policies and practices and work with communities to remove the bottlenecks that curtail pastoralist livestock value chain competitiveness as well as spur private-sector led solutions to myriad market constraints.
• Lead research and writing of in-depth, evidence-based policy briefs to inform county authorities and other relevant value chain actors on opportunities for creating effective and inclusive policies.
• Identify capacity building needs of the private sector, community institutions, relevant government line ministries and other value chain actors in advocacy and facilitate access to relevant trainings and support services as needed.
• In coordination with the Value Chain Investment Advisor, work with private institutions to create a facilitative environment for the livestock sector by developing innovative and inclusive financial and risk mitigating products that incorporate the needs of pastoral communities.
• Work with project team to increase participation of vulnerable pastoralists in markets – particularly through building capacity for co-management – and ensure that they benefit from resources.
• Mobilize communities to identify priority upgrades to livestock market infrastructure that can be supported through the project’s Community Contracting Fund; support communities to identify and undertake efforts to improve policies related to livestock productivity, animal disease control and livestock market infrastructure.
• Monitor the investment climate and engage the national government, county authorities and other stakeholders in dialogue on reforms needed to incentivize increased private sector participation in livestock sector.
• Lobby and advocate for equitable representation of women and marginalized communities in appointed and elected institution as well as in private and public space at the community, county and national level.

Qualifications

• Strong communications and interpersonal skills with evidence of ability to productively interact with a wide range and levels of organizations (government, private sector, NGOs, research institutions)
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across projects, to be flexible and creative
• Demonstrated skill in strategic thinking and policy analysis and ability to dialogue with host country government
• At least 8 years of professional experience working in livestock or agricultural development programs in the Horn of Africa, especially in the pastoral areas

How to Apply

To be considered for these positions, please e-mail your resume to REGALAG@joinav.org.

Please include the position title in the subject line.

No phone calls please.

Only finalists contacted.

Women and minorities encouraged to apply.

EOE.

Please apply by close of business, September 4, 2013.