View Vacancy - Political Advisor (30/19 NR)

Main purpose of job:

Using in depth knowledge of Kenya’s political environment, to monitor and give advice on the impact of political and security developments on UK interests in Kenya. To provide regular political analysis, and to support the wider political team in building relationships underpinning its political and security engagement. To track cross-mission engagement to enable the political team to deliver UK objectives in a co-ordinated way.

Roles and responsibilities:

The role entails planning and thinking ahead to the events which mark out the political calendar, and monitoring the political landscape and sharing timely and accurate analysis of it with relevant teams in the High Commission. Responsibilities will include:

• Providing expert analysis and advice on Kenyan politics, including affiliations and other key information on background and allegiances. Identification of (and maintaining) UK connections where they exist. Implementing processes and procedures to ensure this information is shared regularly with customers across the High Commission and the High Commissioner based on their requirements.
• Drawing on in depth knowledge and experience to provide insightful analysis of major developments and wider political and economic trends.  Spotting opportunities for and risks to UK objectives in Kenya. Ensuring stakeholders across the mission are kept updated of relevant developments.
• Working closely with the communications team, maintain strategic oversight of Kenya and international media reporting, ensuring any stories which may affect the UK, or have a UK angle, are analysed and communicated promptly to the High Commissioner and stakeholders across the mission.
• Maintaining and issuing regularly a calendar of upcoming parliamentary events and being able to explain in brief what the key ones are for the UK and what they mean for our political strategy as set out in our UK/Kenya political engagement priorities.
• Leading on the BHC’s stakeholder engagement plan. Close monitoring of relationships with Interior, Foreign Affairs and Treasury, Governors and the parliamentary leaders (including at the operational level).  Drawing on resources and priorities from across the political team and wider mission, coordinating a structured programme of engagement for the High Commissioner and the senior leadership team. This includes providing advice to teams across the wider mission on key interlocutors on priority issues (e.g. with specialist line ministries and commercial / trade partners), ensuring political engagement is coordinated and driven forward. 
• Tracking and advising on UK/Kenyan bilateral engagement at senior official and ministerial level. Working closely with visits officer, monitoring interaction with UK ministers and Kenyans and feeding into planning and setting strategic outcomes of inward and outward visits. Keeping the wider mission informed of such engagement.
• Support the Political Counsellor in more ad hoc duties that fall to the team and special projects (e.g. Commonwealth, IWT, disability summit).

• Post-graduate or equivalent qualification in politics, international relations or a related field.
• In depth knowledge of Kenyan and regional politics and governance issues.
• At least 10 years’ experience working in the field of politics and governance, with proven expertise in Kenyan constitutional and legal structures.
• Proven ability to write accurate and insightful reports quickly.
• Excellent networking skills with established and extensive relationships with key political and civil society actors in Kenya. 
• Highly organised, able to take initiative and to work independently and accurately to meet deadlines.
• Excellent IT Skills (a working knowledge or Microsoft Excel and Word is essential)
• A willingness to travel in Kenya and to do some occasional out of (core) hours work will be necessary.