Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis
Principal Policy Analyst, Productive Sector
Nairobi
Posted 31 March, 2026
Deadline 21 April, 2026
Consulting and StrategyFull-TimeSenior-level(6+ yrs)
Job Description
Role Overview
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.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) official recruitment portal. Applications can be submitted online at: https://recruitment.kippra.or.ke.