Principal Policy Analyst, Productive Sector

The Principal Policy Analyst in the Productive Sector Division is responsible for leading high-level public policy research and providing evidence-based advisory services to the government. This senior position involves overseeing complex data analytics, managing the production of flagship reports, and mentoring technical staff. The role entails supervising macro-economic policy analysis and ensuring all research outputs align with the Institute’s mandate and quality standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Policy Analysis & Advice: Supervise public policy analysis in macro-economics and provide objective advice to the government.
• Capacity Building: Organize capacity-building activities for senior government officers and high-level stakeholders.
• Data Management: Coordinate the collection, integration, and analysis of large, complex datasets for relevant public policy research.
• Modeling: Oversee the development and validation of statistical and machine learning models to predict future trends relevant to national development goals.
• Reporting: Coordinate data automation, reporting frameworks, and visualization dashboards tailored for policymakers.
• Publications: Supervise the development of discussion papers, working papers, policy briefs, and flagship reports like the Kenya Economic Report.
• Dissemination: Organize the dissemination of research findings through seminars, roundtables, workshops, and conferences.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinate policy engagement forums, task forces, and technical working groups while maintaining relationships with policymakers and development partners.
• Project Management: Undertake project planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and implementation to ensure timely delivery.
• Mentorship: Implement mentorship, guidance, and capacity building of staff to enhance technical skills and professional growth.
• Accountability: Prepare quarterly, annual, and donor reports in line with performance contracting and accountability frameworks.

Qualifications and Person Specifications

For appointment to this grade, an officer must have:

• Service History: Cumulative service period of twelve (12) years, with at least three (3) years at the grade of Senior Policy Analyst or in a comparable position.
• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Public Policy, Law, Engineering, Geo-Spatial Information Science, Urban Planning, Gender, Nutrition, Food Science, AI, International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Policy, Public Health, Finance, Agriculture, or Environmental Studies.
  • Master’s degree in any of the aforementioned or related fields from a recognized institution.
• Professional Training: Completion of a management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks.
• Research Record:
  • Minimum of three (3) publications in peer-reviewed journals, books, or book chapters.
  • Minimum of four (4) published research papers or reports.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in data analytics, predictive modelling, econometric modelling, and micro-simulation. Proficiency in statistical software (Stata, R, Python) and working knowledge of databases.

Functional Skills and Competencies

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strategic management and leadership capabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Presentation and negotiation expertise.
• Team building and organizational skills.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply by visiting the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) recruitment portal at https://recruitment.kippra.or.ke.