Role Overview
The Principal Policy Analyst within the Trade and Foreign Policy Division is a senior leadership role responsible for supervising public policy analysis in macro-economics and providing high-level policy advice to the government. The role involves coordinating complex research projects, leading data-driven analysis, and ensuring the quality and strategic alignment of the Institute's outputs. The position requires a high degree of technical expertise in data analytics, modeling, and effective stakeholder engagement to drive evidence-based decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervising public policy analysis in macro-economics and providing expert advice to the government.
- Organizing capacity building activities for senior government officers and high-level stakeholders.
- Coordinating the collection, integration, and analysis of large, complex datasets for policy research.
- Overseeing the development and validation of statistical and machine learning models to predict trends relevant to national goals.
- Coordinating data automation, reporting frameworks, and visualization dashboards for policy makers and stakeholders.
- Supervising the production of policy-oriented outputs including discussion papers, working papers, policy briefs, and flagship reports.
- Planning the preparation of the Kenya Economic Report and interdisciplinary research outputs.
- Organizing the dissemination of research findings via seminars, workshops, and conferences.
- Coordinating engagement with public policy forums such as task forces and technical working groups.
- Reviewing research proposals for fundraising and institutional sustainability.
- Publishing research in peer-reviewed journals and books to contribute to the global body of knowledge.
- Managing client relationships and collaborative research projects.
- Implementing project planning, budgeting, and resource allocation to ensure timely delivery.
- Providing mentorship and guidance to staff to enhance technical skills and professional growth.
- Preparing performance reports in line with accountability frameworks.
Qualifications and Requirements
- 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.
- Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Economics, Statistics, Economics and Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Public Policy, Development Studies, Law, Engineering, Geo-Spatial Information Science, Urban Planning, Gender, Nutrition and Dietetics, Food Science, Artificial Intelligence, International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, International Affairs, Social Policy, Public Health, Finance, Agriculture, Environmental Studies, or a related field from a recognized institution.
- Completion of a management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
- Minimum of three (3) publications in peer-reviewed journals, books, or book chapters.
- Minimum of four (4) published research papers or reports.
- Demonstrated merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results.
- Proficiency in data analytics, predictive modelling, econometric modelling, socio-economic modelling, and micro-simulation.
- Proficiency in statistical software and programming languages such as Stata, R, Python, and working knowledge of databases.
Functional Skills and Attributes
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strategic management and leadership capabilities.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Negotiation and team-building skills.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the official KIPPRA recruitment portal at recruitment.kippra.or.ke. Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline on April 21, 2026.