Adam Smith International (ASI) is seeking a policy and advocacy adviser for a period of 20 weeks. The Adviser will work with the Kuza project, a UK Department for International Development (DFID)-funded project in Mombasa. The Adviser will support the policy and advocacy activities within the Market Development and Skill Development Components and will be based in Mombasa.
Background to Adam Smith International
Adam Smith International is a leading professional services business that delivers real impact, value and lasting change through projects supporting economic growth and government reform internationally. Our reputation as a global leader has been built on the positive results our projects have achieved in many of the world’s most challenging environments.
Our wide-ranging experience can be grouped into two main areas that contribute to government reform and economic growth. Government reform includes justice, security and peace-building, public sector reform, public financial management, revenue reform and education reform. Economic growth includes services in extractive industries governance, infrastructure, climate change, trade facilitation and private sector development.
We are headquartered in London, with offices in Nairobi, Abuja, New Delhi and Sydney, along with major project offices in many developing countries worldwide. Our projects are funded by a wide range of donor organisations, including the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID), the World Bank, the Swedish and Danish Government’s development agencies Sida and Danida, the European Commission and the Asian Development Bank. In addition, we also work directly for host governments.
Over more than 20 years, Adam Smith International has implemented some of the most complex solutions in many of the world’s most challenging environments. We apply professional standards, technical know-how and cultural sensitivity to every context. We’re proven to bring the best minds together and are known for turning policies into action. Our work is award-winning, such as the most recent 2011/12 British Expertise Development Project of the Year, Major Project of the Year, Consultancy Project of the Year and Young Consultant of the Year.
Background to the project
The three-year, DFID-funded Kuza Project intends to address the root causes of youth unemployment in Kenya’s second city, and thereby to encourage productive and sustainable job creation for Mombasa’s young men and women (specifically those aged 15-35, in the bottom two income quintiles of Mombasa County and subject to marginalisation based on education level, gender or ethnic background). It will consist of a combination of three components: skills development; market development in key business areas; and policy and advocacy support.
The policy, legal, and regulatory environment affects both education (skills) and economic performance (market development) and plays a central role in establishing the right conditions for increased youth employment in Mombasa County. It encompasses national and devolved institutions and policy making functions, covers issues of the employment, education in various sectors of the economy, and involves a broad array of actors. The project is supporting the Mombasa County government and other relevant stakeholders to collaboratively reform and improve the enabling environment for youth employment. This involves firstly the development and revision of strategy, policy and regulation concerning, skills and workforce development, and a series of economic sectors namely solid waste management. Secondly, advocacy for public participation and the effective use of information and expertise in policy making processes; and thirdly the generation and communication of information.
Responsibilities
Support/lead the policy and advocacy activities within the skills and market development components:
Manage and guide the implementation of activities, including:
Providing advice to members of the team and partners including government;
Developing strategy to coordinate and influence private sector stakeholders and civil society;
Supporting meetings and events with stakeholders;
Ensure effective knowledge management and coordination of the policy and advocacy component with the rest of the project;
Prepare and oversee project and activity reports, presentations and other deliverables;
Oversee and guide internal and external monitoring and evaluation to meet project requirements;
Work closely with the Technical Team Leader and Project Manager on all technical and operational matters.
Support the programme and intervention-level communication activities including:
Working closely with the Nairobi-based Communications Adviser;
Monitor local and international press coverage. Provide feedback to inform ongoing communications activities and future programmes;
Support the Communications Adviser to organise and coordinate outreach/media events for the project, such as launches, stakeholder workshops, and advisory committee meetings. Follow up with media to ensure coverage of public events;
Support the Communications Adviser in designing, developing, and maintaining the project’s website and online presence.
Selection criteria
We are looking for a dynamic and energetic team player with:
At least five years experience in a field relevant to the duties and accountabilities of the position;
A BA, and preferably an MA, in a relevant field such as politics, economics, development or African studies;
Experience in international development for a consultancy firm, development agency or NGO;
Good understanding of policy and legislative processes in Kenya (at County and National);
Good understanding of the political economy of Mombasa – including key drivers – and of how political economy analyses can be used to support project interventions;
Good networks and experience working with a range of stakeholders in Mombasa spanning private, public and civil society sectors;
Permission to work in Kenya;
Fluency in English and Kiswahili;
Excellent communications and writing skills; and
Teamwork, enthusiasm and flexibility.
HOW TO APPLY:
Duration and timing
This is a fixed term contract with ASI for a period of 20 weeks beginning 01 May 2015.
To apply
Please send a CV and short cover email, highlighting relevant experience and expertise, and availability, to david.owens-callan@adamsmithinternational.com, with the subject line “Policy and Advocacy Adviser ”. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Candidates from Mombasa are encouraged to apply.