Advocacy and Policy Advisor

• Do you want to do work that really matters? Help us end avoidable blindness.
• Fixed-term contract (3 years-Renewable based on Funding and Performance) role based in Nairobi, Kenya.
• Closing Date: Sunday 8th December 2024.

ABOUT THE FRED HOLLOWS FOUNDATION

The Fred Hollows Foundation (FHF) is an international development organisation working to prevent blindness and restore sight. We continue to carry on the legacy of Professor Fred Hollows, who believed every person had the right to quality eye care, no matter where they live. The Foundation is known around the world as an organisation that works with purpose and determination. With a reputation for excellence, we are well known for making change happen.

The Foundation has grown to work in more than 25 countries throughout Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific, as well as Australia. The Foundation has restored sight to more than 3 million people worldwide. We have an ambitious five-year strategic plan that aims to take us even closer to realising our vision of a world in which no person is needlessly blind, or vision impaired and Indigenous Australians exercise their right to sight and good health.

We are also proud to announce we were awarded the Employer of Choice Award (Public Sector and NFP) at the 2022 Australian HR Awards. The Foundation is also endorsed and in partnership with The Life You Can Save.

To find out more about our work, please visit our website https://www.hollows.org

THE OPPORTUNITY

In 2023, Kenya signed into Law, four new Acts of parliament that will transform the healthcare service access, quality and coverage in Kenya including eyecare. The four healthcare acts are Primary Health Care Act, Facility Improvement Financing Act, Social Health Insurance Act, 2023 and the Digital Health Act, 2023. These legal and policy frameworks present an excellent opportunity for integrating eyecare into the primary healthcare system, increased domestic investment by Kenya to the Eye sector and data integration and operatability with the Healthcare information systems thus increasing data use through visualization, planning and monitoring by policy makers and technical staffs.

The Advocacy and Policy Advisor is accountable for leading the development and overseeing the implementation of FHF Kenya advocacy major initiatives which The Foundation is engaged in at the national and county level. S/He ensures the advocacy and policy strategy is aligned to the Foundation Global Advocacy strategy. The role, working in partnership with Kenya Senior Management team (SMT) and technical staff will lead the identification and capacity building of local Civil Society Organisations that will partner with FHF for elevating eyecare as a social – economic and political Agenda and ensuring community voices are incorporated into development plans. The role will be the champion and driver of FHF Kenya Strategy (2025-29) Goal #1: Elevating Eye health as a social, economic and development issue that unlocks political will and resourcing.

Lastly, the role will enhance FHF Kenya visibility in key events, forums and policy spaces for eyecare with MOH and sectors critical to eyecare such as Social Protection, Education, Labour and Agriculture among others. The position will lead in the identification of policy champions for eyecare at the national and subnational level and engagement with legislative and executive arms of government such as the National Assembly and County Assemblies.

This role will also be expected to dedicate a proportion of its time to advocacy and policy support within Rwanda. The job holder will be expected to understand the Rwandan country context, engage with the FHF Rwanda team, and lead in developing, aligning, and advising on the Rwanda Advocacy objectives in the Rwanda Country Strategy 2025-2029, as well as designing new projects.

In terms of time allocation for technical support, the role is expected to dedicate 75% of efforts to Kenya and 25% to Rwanda and other countries in the Kenya cluster, based on the cluster director’s direction and requests from the Global Advocacy Teams.

ABOUT YOU

We are seeking a dynamic Advocacy and Policy Advisor to lead key advocacy initiatives in Kenya and provide support to Rwanda. The role focuses on elevating eye health as a social, economic, and political priority, driving partnerships with Civil Society Organizations, engaging policy champions, and enhancing visibility across key sectors. Collaborating with the Kenya Senior Management Team and technical staff, you will influence policy, align advocacy strategies, and support project development. This role is pivotal in advancing our mission and requires strategic leadership, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for impactful change.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED

• A master’s degree in public policy, Development, Public Health, Law, Communications, or a related field.
• At least 6 years of demonstrated experience in advocacy and policy work, preferably in the health sector, with reputable international or national development organizations.
• Experience with health systems strengthening, health financing, and social protection advocacy.
• Familiarity with advocacy initiatives in East Africa/Africa is an added advantage.
• Experience working with local CSOs on health-related issues.
• Proven ability to negotiate and influence policy decision-makers at both county and national levels in Kenya, with a strong understanding of devolved government functions.
• Proficiency in project design, management, budget development, and monitoring, with a track record of successfully implementing health projects that achieve desired outcomes
• Experience developing and using investment cases, policy briefs, and advocacy positions for engaging local governments.
• Demonstrated success in designing and managing innovative, high-quality advocacy initiatives and programs.
• Strong skills in stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and influencing across various levels, including government, CSOs, and internal teams.
• Outstanding interpersonal, facilitation, negotiation, capacity building, and presentation skills.
• Advanced written communication skills for diverse purposes, including program design, advocacy plans, donor proposals, and reports.

How we recognise your contribution

Through our internal programs and employee benefits we aim to create an environment where you will feel supported and empowered. Whether your focus is on continuous learning, professional development or finding an environment which enables you to thrive while balancing family or personal commitments, we have a range of programs in place to support you.

To find out more about our benefits click here