Job Opportunity: Programme Officer – Public Finance Management Programme

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA-Kenya) is an independent think tank established in 1994 to provide a platform for informed discourse on topical issues affecting Kenya and the region. Its mission is to utilize evidence to shape decisions on public affairs by revealing unobserved insights, generating innovative approaches and dissecting policy choices. We carry out our mission through policy analysis and evidence generation; public education fora; capacity strengthening and advocacy and policy engagement.

Job Description

The IEA-Kenya is seeking to recruit a qualified professional to lead research and policy engagement in the area of public finance management policy. This is a mid- level management position forming part of the Programmes Team and will report to the head of PFM Programme. The qualified candidate’s role is to contribute to the realization of the Programme’s goal which is to provide insights, influence fiscal policy and generate ideas that strengthen demand for accountability in public finances for improved service delivery. The duties and responsibilities of a Programme Officer in Public Finance Management Program shall be: –

Research and Analysis

• Conduct research to bring out trends and insights on macroeconomic and fiscal policy as well as work in the area of devolution
• Analyze and synthesize National and County Government Budget documents and other PFM reports to produce actionable insights and recommendation for policy engagement and knowledge dissemination
• Work closely with programme officers in PFM Programme to help collect and collate relevant data/or information in implementing the programme activities.
• Help with taking programmes minutes and preparation of workshop reports.

Capacity Building and Training

• Provide support to selected public sector officials, legislators and civil society groups towards enhancing their literacy and effective engagement in the public finance management spaces.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange workshops and seminars on PFM
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations and civil society to share trends and insights on PFM
  • Represent PFMP at events of interest and benefit to the IEA-Kenya.

Policy Engagement and Communication

• Organize stakeholder consultative meetings and workshops on topical PFM and devolution matters.
• Identify, keep and manage databases of stakeholders and frequently contacted persons for PFM Programme activities with proper filling of all programme correspondences.
• Communicate with all persons and organizations participating in and associated with PFM Programme
• Provide administrative support to the PFM Programme and ensure proper record keeping of programme documents and output.

Qualification, Experience and Skills Required

1. A Masters degree in a relevant field, preferably in economics, public policy, development studies, or any relevant social science.
2. At least 3 years of relevant work experience in public finance management and devolution areas.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and command of key macroeconomic and public finance management issues as well as devolution in Kenya
4. Demonstrable ability to undertake rigorous public policy research and utilize policy information for policy engagement with state and non-state actors
5. Proficiency in data compilation and analysis and using statistical analysis packages (e.g. MS Excel, SPSS, STATA, R or any other) will be an added advantage
6. Strong organizational and project management skills