Since 1963 and in 146 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has approximately 49 projects in 30 countries and total revenues of $151 million.

Background

USAID/Kenya East Africa (USAID/KEA) awarded Kenya Livestock Market Systems Activity (LMS) an cost extension activity between October 2022 and June 2024. The purpose of the extension period is to enable USAID/Kenya East Africa (USAID/KEA) to respond to the devastating effects of four consecutive failed rainy seasons, the COVID pandemic, food shortages resulting from the Ukraine crisis, and any civil disruptions resulting from the concluded national elections held in August 2022. The LMS mechanism will enable USAID/KEA to assist communities in mitigating the impact of severe drought conditions in affected areas of Kenya. Additionally, save development gains made by existing USAID activities, and stimulate market-based solutions to protect livelihoods and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Position Summary:

LMS invite qualified candicates to apply for the position of a Governance and Policy Advisor. The position will be based in Nairobi office under the supervision of the DCOP and will be responsible for providing technical support and guidance to LMS programs. The Advisor will guide policy work in LMS’s 6 operational counties of Turkana, Isiolo, Marsabit, Garissa Wajir Samburu , and collaborate with technical teams under the LMS leader to build capacity at national and county levels while strengthening linkages between the two levels of government to promote equitable growth within the livestock sector in northern Kenya. He/she will also support county governments, to harmonize and implement policy related to livestock sector, ranageland and conflict managementand advocate appropriate policies with the relevant line Ministries. He/She will support and build the technical capacity of county governments to advocate for their needs within line Ministries, and to effectively articulate the principles of devolution. Targeted areas include but not limited to County Livestock Strategies, Sales yard bills, Cooperatives and Chambers strategic plans, County Sector Plans, , Livestock and Fisheriespolicies the business enabling Environment, CIPs, and County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs), County Annual Development Plans, among others.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Leads Associate LMS Activity policy and regulatory capacity building activities for the County Governments, in alignment with theBig Four Agenda.
• Supports county governments to harmonize and implement livestock market systems policies and adopt/promote inclusive market systems principles.
• Reviews current policies, codes, regulations, and taxes across target counties to gain a thorough understanding of how they affect the livestock market system and identify any policy gaps
• Researches and supports policy, regulatory and management frameworks, and strategic investment plans necessary for the livestock sector to thrive in northern Kenya
• Coordinates with relevant PREG and Feed the Future partners on information sharing, and Colaboration Learing and Adaption
• Complement LMS work to strengthen county and community rangeland and water management and emergency response
• Harmonize and implement policy related to livestock market systems and to advocate with relevant line ministries such as Sales yard bills, Cooperatives and Chambers strategic plans, County Sector Plans, , Livestock Policies, County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs), County Annual Development Plans, among others.
• Build on LMS work by continuing to contribute to county-level planning and support capacity building for county employees

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in one of the following; organisational development, development studies, policy development, international development or equivalent qualifications and experience. Advanced degree desirable
• Minimum of five (5) years of proven experience in leading policy and regulatory activities in the development sector or closely related field
• Experience in institutional strengthening and of working with rural communities required.
• Demonstrated experience working in collaboration with multiple stakeholders and project implementation teams.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of, and experience with, governance bodies and international corporate governance requirements
• Demonstrated experience in policy development, analysis, and implementation.
• Outstanding planning and coordination skills, with ability to handle multiple activities concurrently, work under pressure, and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal, diplomatic and negotiating skills and ability to build relations at all levels.
• Ability to work across different cultures and nationalities.
• Devoid of workplace harassment
• Thorough knowledge of Kenyan laws and policies related to livestock market.
• Excellent critical thinking skills and judgment. Proven willingness to make timely and sound decisions.
• Excellent oral communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with persons on all levels both inside and outside the company.
• Strong written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to write required documents in a clear, concise, well-organized manner.
• Ability to work effectively in an atmosphere of multiple projects and deadline pressure. Self-motivated and able to follow through to end of assignments while meeting goals and deadlines.
• Ability to travel independently within the county.
• Fluency in English and Swahili, written and oral.