Main purpose of job:

Use in depth knowledge of Kenya’s political and governance system to inform UK policy and activity in Kenya related to governance and anti-corruption – including designing and implementing action plans.  Lead UK anti-corruption programming, taking overall responsibility for setting direction, monitoring, financial management etc.  Maintain and grow the UK’s network of relationships (with e.g. political actors, civil society, media and religious leaders) to support delivery of objectives. Provide thoughtful, balanced and timely advice on the impact of wider political developments to UK interests in Kenya. Use knowledge to spot opportunities and manage risks. Use knowledge and networks to support delivery of objectives under the UK Kenya Strategic partnership.

Roles and responsibilities 

• Provide high quality technical advice, analysis and reporting based on deep experience and knowledge of the Kenyan political and governance systems to inform delivery of UK governance and anti-corruption objectives.
• Support delivery of the BHC Transparency and Accountability campaign, by leading on the anti-corruption objectives, including ensuring that clear policy priorities are identified, developing action plans, and tracking progress.
• Identify strategic, innovative and realistic options for governance programming with Government, key institutions and civil society, including technical approaches, entry points and key facilitators, while thinking and working politically. This requires experience of government systems and good practice in technical and programmatic support for reforms.
• Design and implement a new cross mission anti-corruption strategy, and enhance coherence between different strands to embed anti-corruption approaches.
• Bringing experience of the design and delivery of governance programmes to support excellence in BHC programming, including robust monitoring, evaluation and learning of BHC programming. This requires experience of managing funding to national and local partner organisations, including experience of a wide range of risk management and compliance functions.
• Maintaining regular contact with internal and external stakeholders from Government, donors, civil society, academia and the private sector, providing advice to different teams across the mission as appropriate.  Support colleagues, including the High Commissioner, develop contacts and network to progress UK priorities.
• Build strong relationships with HMG colleagues to support delivery of wider UK objectives under the UK Kenya Strategic Partnership – including through political analysis, advice and influencing. Take on leadership for delivery of additional areas of UK policy as needed.
• Take on ad hoc duties as needed, for example arranging Ministerial and other senior inward and outward visits, arranging events such as roundtables.

• Degree level qualification in politics, international relations or a related field.
• Experience in governance and anti-corruption policy design and implementation, including demonstration of applied political economy analysis and ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders across a larger organisation and with external stakeholders.
• Excellent networking skills with established and extensive relationships with wide range of political actors in Kenya.  Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Enthusiasm and ability to establish strong relationships with a variety of senior stakeholders in national Government, international community, civil society, business and local government.
• Experience of overseeing programme management, including an understanding of risk management, value for money, safeguarding, and delivering results.
• At least 7-10 years’ experience working in the field of politics and/or governance
• Proven ability to write accurate and insightful reports quickly.
• Organised, proactive, able to take initiative and to work independently and accurately to meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to work across multiple areas in a flexible manner, identifying priorities and opportunities as they evolve.