Associate Director of Policy, Kenya

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Policy at Innovations for Poverty Action Kenya (IPAK) is a key leadership position responsible for driving the organization’s policy impact to advance IPA’s mission of promoting effective solutions to global poverty problems. This executive-level role combines strategic vision, high-level stakeholder management, departmental leadership, and significant contributions to IPA’s overall organizational strategy. The Associate Director oversees the policy department, shapes and executes IPA’s policy agenda, fundraises for department’s sustainability and plays a crucial role in

organizational leadership and external representation.

Responsibilities

Organizational strategy and leadership 15%

● Contribute to IPA’s overall strategic direction as a member of the senior management team in Kenya

● In close collaboration with the Country Director, lead the development and implementation of the Policy department’s strategy

● Drive innovation and excellence across IPA’s policy and policy-related business development activities

● Partnered with global policy team, advance IPA’s embedded lab program in Kenya, which aims to support selected government ministries to collect and use data and evidence for decision making.

● Collaborate with other departments to ensure alignment and synergy across the organization

● Leverage internal expertise to identify and capitalize on strategic opportunities to influence policy at national and international levels

Departmental Oversight and Development 15%

● Oversee all activities of the Policy department

● Set and track strategic priorities and performance targets for the department with support and guidance from Country Director

● Build the capacity of the policy team, enhancing their ability to engage in effective policy dialogue in collaboration with the global policy team.

● Manage departmental budget and resources, ensuring efficient and effective utilization

● Lead the management of multiple policy projects, ensuring effective implementation.

● In collaboration with the grants team, ensure adherence to IPA and donor policies and procedures for project execution.

External Relations and Partnerships 20%

● Serve as a key representative of IPA to high-level external stakeholders, including government officials, donors, and partner organizations

● Build and maintain strategic partnerships to enhance IPA’s policy influence and business opportunities, with support from global policy team

● Represent IPA at senior-level conferences, policy forums, and decision-making bodies

● With support from Country Director, strategize and oversee the execution of high-impact policy dissemination events across the organization.

● In close collaboration with Country Director, provide expert advice to partners on value of rigorous evidence and evidence use. Enhance staff and partner capacity to use evidence.

Business Development and Organizational Growth 50%

● In consultation with Country Director and global policy team, lead efforts to identify and secure new funding opportunities and partnerships

● Oversee the development of major proposals and negotiate complex agreements with support from Country Director and global policy team

● Drive the expansion of IPA’s work into new policy domains, including advancing existing embedded lab (Ministry of Education) and developing additional labs

● Contribute to the financial sustainability and growth of the department and organization

Qualifications

Required

● Master’s degree in economics, public policy, international development, or a related field

● 10+ years of experience in policy research, analysis, or related field, including at least 5 years in senior leadership roles

● Proven track record in organizational leadership and driving strategic change

● Exceptional team leadership and management skills through oversight and hands-on involvement

● Outstanding strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities

● Expert-level understanding of policy landscapes and research methodologies

● Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at the highest levels

● Demonstrated success in business development and managing complex stakeholder relationships

● Language Requirement: English fluency, Swahili familiarity

Preferred

● Recognized thought leader in international development or related fields

● Extensive experience working with government agencies and international organizations in developing countries

● Proven success in securing and managing large and complex grants and contracts

● Experience in organizational management at an executive level

● Understanding of randomized controlled trials

Reports to

Country Director

Deadline to Apply

As soon as possible, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Open until filled.

Location

Nairobi, Kenya

About IPA

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a research and policy nonprofit that discovers and promotes effective solutions to global poverty problems. IPA brings together researchers and decision-makers to design, rigorously evaluate, and refine these solutions and their applications, ensuring that the evidence created is used to improve the lives of the world’s poor. In recent decades, trillions of dollars have been spent on programs designed to reduce global poverty, but clear evidence of which programs succeed is rare, and when evidence does exist, decision-makers often do not know about it. IPA exists to bring together leading researchers and these decision-makers to ensure that the evidence we create leads to a tangible impact on the world. Since its founding in 2002, IPA has worked with over 600 leading academics to conduct over 900 evaluations in 52 countries. This research has informed hundreds of successful programs that now impact millions of individuals worldwide.

Safeguarding at IPA

At Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), we are committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults. As IPA adheres to strict safeguarding principles, selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards. By joining IPA, you become part of a team dedicated to ethical conduct, social responsibility, and meaningful impact in the fight against global poverty. Together, we work to create a better world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive with dignity and respect.

IPA’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

As an organization, IPA is dedicated to improving the lives of the world’s most vulnerable populations through evidence and policy. We also recognize how important it is for our staff to reflect the diversity of the places where we work and the communities we work with. As such, IPA is committed to hiring from a diverse pool of candidates, from a range of backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, and perspectives. We know that this makes our work stronger and more responsive to the challenges faced by those we work with and for and we encourage people from historically underrepresented groups to apply. Click here to learn more about IPA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.