Senior Policy Officer - Human Rights, Peace and Security HEO

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities) 1 
Main purpose of job:

Use in depth knowledge of Kenya’s political and governance system to inform UK policy and activity in Kenya related: 1) community security 2) human rights – especially the rights of women and girls and 3) Kenya’s role in peacebuilding in the wider region.   Grow the UK’s network of political contacts and relationships (with e.g.  political actors, civil society, media and religious leaders) to deliver objectives related to these three policy areas. Provide thoughtful, balanced and timely advice on the impact of political developments. Use knowledge to spot opportunities and manage risks.  Lead implementation of policy and programmes to support delivery of these objectives.  Use knowledge and networks to support delivery of objectives under the UK Kenya Strategic partnership.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Use knowledge of Kenyan political and governance systems to inform to provide high quality analysis and advice to inform delivery of UK policy objectives related to 1) community security 2) human rights – especially the rights of women and girls and 3) Kenya’s role in peacebuilding in the wider region.  
• Lead the UK’s work on human rights, including setting policy and designing strategies (influencing, communications, programming) to achieve objectives. 
• Strengthen of understanding of the issues related to 1) community security 2) human rights and 3) Kenya’s role in peacebuilding in the wider region within the British High Commission through sharing analysis, updates, delivering seminar and other tools as required.
• Maintaining regular contact with internal and external stakeholders from GOK, 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. Including development of networks in the wider East Africa and Horn region.
• As required support implementation of programmes including the UK’s £20m REINVENT community security programme, but including the design and implementation of new programme areas.
• 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.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience 1 

• Degree level qualification in politics, international relations or a related field.
• Experience in human rights, peace and security policy design and implementation.
• 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 5 years’ experience working in the field of politics and/or governance
• Proven ability to write accurate and insightful reports quickly.
• Highly organised, proactive, able to take initiative and to work independently and accurately to meet deadlines.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience 1 

• Knowledge of UK political and governance structures.

Required behaviours 1 

• Seeing the Big Picture, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together