Head of Government Engagement and Public Policy – East Africa
Nairobi
Posted 13 April, 2026
Deadline 27 April, 2026
Consulting and StrategyFull-TimeSenior-level(6+ yrs)
Job Description
Blue Ventures develops transformative approaches for catalysing and sustaining locally led marine conservation. We work in places where the ocean is vital to local cultures and economies and are committed to protecting marine biodiversity in ways that benefit coastal people.
About the Role
The Head of Government Engagement and Public Policy - East Africa will play a critical role in developing and leading Blue Ventures' engagement with government authorities at all levels. This role involves advocating for policies that support community-based fisheries management, ensuring existing policy is effectively implemented, and identifying strategic partnerships with government agencies.
The post holder will be responsible for building strategic relationships with government agencies and stakeholders aligned with Blue Ventures’ technical pillars: secure rights, community-based fisheries management, financial inclusion, and food security. Working closely with the Advocacy Team, Technical Team, Partner Network Team, and community partners, you will help identify cultural, religious, and policy barriers affecting coastal communities and support participatory approaches that amplify community voices in decision-making.
Responsibilities
Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies that support community-based fisheries management and ensure effective implementation of existing policies.
Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strategic relationships with government agencies and stakeholders at all levels (local, national, regional).
Strategic Support: Identify strategic partnerships aligned with Blue Ventures' technical pillars (secure rights, fisheries management, financial inclusion, food security).
Barrier Identification: Collaborate with Advocacy and Technical teams to identify cultural, religious, and policy barriers affecting coastal communities.
Community Representation: Support participatory approaches that amplify community voices in decision-making processes.
Regional Management: Provide broad support to promote effective, safe, and efficient management of Blue Ventures' presence in Kenya and Tanzania.
Requirements and Qualifications
Education: A Bachelor's degree (BA/BSc/HND) in a relevant field such as Public Policy, International Relations, Environmental Science, or Social Sciences.
Experience: A proven track record of representation at the highest levels and developing strategic partnerships for public affairs and policy changes.
Sector Knowledge: Ideally, experience in small-scale fisheries, community-based conservation, and development initiatives in the East Africa region.
Values Alignment: Commitment to human rights-based approaches to marine conservation and fisheries management.
Innovation: Openness to new ideas and experience in building effective working partnerships for conservation and/or development.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should go to the Blue Ventures career portal at careers.blueventures.org to apply.
