• 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