Senior Policy Officer – Security and Regional Affairs British High Commission Nairobi

Roles and responsibilities:

• Use knowledge of Kenyan political and governance systems to provide high quality analysis and advice to inform delivery of UK policy objectives related to 1) internal security and 2) Kenya’s role in peacebuilding in the wider region.
• Strengthen the UK’s understanding of the issues related to 1) internal security, 2) Kenya’s role in peacebuilding in the wider region through sharing analysis, updates, delivering seminars, supporting senior meetings and other tools as required.
• Maintaining and grow the UK’s network on these policy areas. Including regular contact with internal and external stakeholders from GOK, donors, civil society, academia and the private sector, providing advice to different teams across the mission as appropriate.
• Use this understanding to produce analysis of the conflicts in the region from a Kenya perspective and translate this analysis into effective strategies and programmes.
• Support colleagues, including the High Commissioner, to develop contacts and network to progress UK priorities. Including development of networks in the wider East Africa and Horn region.
• As required support implementation of programmes including the UK’s £20m REINVENT community security programme, including the design and implementation of new programme areas.
• Support the First Secretary in delivering the Security Compact with Kenya’s Ministry of Interior and coordinating the Security and Stability Pillar within BHC.
• Support delivery of wider UK objectives under the UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership – including through political analysis, advice and influencing. Take on leadership for delivery of additional areas of UK policy as needed.
• Take on ad hoc duties as needed, for example arranging Ministerial and other senior inward and outward visits, arranging events such as roundtables, receptions and functions with interlocutors.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Degree level qualification in politics, international relations or a conflict-related field.
• Experience working in the field of peace and security policy/programme design and implementation in Kenya and/or East Africa.
• Understanding of the Government of Kenya’s Police Reforms initiative; security structures at National and County level and how they interact.
• Understanding and excellent analysis of regional conflicts and geopolitics as pertains to East Africa and Kenya’s role in the region, as well as the impact of these on Kenya’s internal policymaking.
• Understanding of regional peace and security bodies (e.g. IGAD, AU), their role, structures and influence.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, including proven ability to write accurate and insightful reports quickly.
• Enthusiasm and ability to establish strong relationships with a variety of senior stakeholders in national Government, international community, civil society, business and local government.
• Highly organised, proactive, able to take initiative and to work independently and accurately to meet deadlines.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience  

• Knowledge of UK politics, and UK’s history in the region.
• Ability to use knowledge to influence policymaking and familiarity with diplomatic missions.
• Adaptability – regional conflicts have led to crises and ability to adapt and provide resilience to the rest of the team is important

Learning and development opportunities:

•  Completion of All Mandatory Courses on the FCDO e-learning International Academy
• Together with the Line Manager/ Countersigning Manager, explore areas of development

Working patterns:

Normal working hours for BHC Nairobi are 36.25hrs per week:  Monday – Thursday 7:15am – 4:00pm, Friday 7:45am – 1:00pm.  Note that this role will require the flexibility to sometimes work outside of conditioned hours. Flexible working requests will be looked upon favourably where possible.