Vacancy Title: Government Liaison Officer – APHRC

The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) is a leading Africa-based, African-led, international research institution headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. APHRC conducts policy-relevant research on population, health, education, urbanization and related development issues in sub- Saharan Africa.

APHRC seeks to recruit a Government Liaison Officer to join our Program Synergy team. This is a new role arising from the implementation of the current five-year strategic plan which has, subsequently triggered tremendous growth in our programs. To contribute in strengthening our approach to Evidence-Informed Decision Making, the role will be responsible for liaising and cultivating relationships with various government agencies on behalf of the Center and support implementation of programs done in collaboration with government agencies.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Prepare and continually refine a synergistic government liaison strategy.
• Support advocacy and policy engagement efforts by actively identifying opportunities with relevant government agencies and facilitating APHRC’s participation.
• Map and maintain a stakeholder database and manage the day-to-day relationships with all key influencers and other partners in various government agencies.
• Represent and offer support in relevant government technical meetings and engagements and actively seek out, identify, advice on, and implement opportunities for collaborative work across different government departments.
• Prepare and give feedback to government agencies on the program impact realized periodically and prepare joint plans.
• Ensure timely preparation of application documents for speedy submission to the relevant government agencies for approvals, and follow-up with relevant authorities.
• Engage with programs providing insights on government priorities and mode of operation
• Oversee implementation of agreed plans.
• Contribute to fundraising providing inputs relevant to their role.
• Lead the identification of government priorities in research, policy and capacity strengthening.
• Manage risks and mitigation strategies, and public policy matters that could impact APHRC’s interests in Kenya.
• Participate in managing APHRC reputation through strategic engagements with the National and County governments, the ministries, international agencies, donor community, NGOs/CBOs, and local communities.
• Participate in building relationships to strengthen the strategic positioning, skill and effectiveness of selected local, national and regional coalitions key policymakers, legislators and governments to influence policy and practice.
• Ensure that relations with other Governments and international organizations are carried out in accordance with standard liaison practices.
• Coordinate government official visits to APHRC, both inbound and outbound.
• Facilitating meetings, ensure proper etiquette for official engagements, and streamline interactions with dignitaries and other VIPs.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Masters level degree in Social Sciences or related field.
• At least 7 years of relevant experience engaging governments on issues relevant to APHRC work.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational and coordination skills.
• Very proactive with the ability to inform, influence, negotiate and connect with the relevant people.
• Stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated networks in government, civil society etc.
• Understanding of different policy making processes in Kenya.

This position is classified under Nationally Recruited Positions (NRP), Grade III in our scales.