ReDSS Kenya Policy Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDSS) is a coalition of 14 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to finding durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons in East Africa. Established to address the complex challenges faced by these communities, ReDSS serves as an interagency coordination and information hub, focusing on research, knowledge management, program support, capacity development, learning, and policy influencing. The Secretariat is hosted by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and operates primarily from Nairobi, Kenya, with additional country units in Somalia and Ethiopia. The organization aims to enhance collaboration among various stakeholders, including government entities, humanitarian organizations, and civil society, to promote sustainable solutions for refugees and host communities. The ReDSS Steering Committee comprises key organizations such as DRC, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). For more information, visit their official website at http://www.regionaldss.org/

Job Overview:
The ReDSS Kenya Policy Coordinator plays a crucial role in implementing advocacy and policy strategies at both national and local levels. This position requires collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders to ensure sustainable solutions for refugees and host communities in Kenya. The coordinator will work closely with the Kenya Manager to support the overall development of ReDSS's initiatives in the country. Responsibilities include representing ReDSS members in relevant forums and coordination platforms, monitoring and analyzing legislation and policy changes, and providing timely recommendations to enhance advocacy efforts. The role also involves strengthening the capacities of local authorities and stakeholders to develop integrated approaches for displaced and host communities, ensuring that the voices and needs of these communities are prioritized in policy processes. The coordinator will lead initiatives to inform local policy planning with community input and support the development of the ReDSS Kenya operational plan, ensuring alignment with DRC procedures and systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the ReDSS Kenya Policy Coordinator include:

• Advocacy and Policy Influencing: Implement and monitor ReDSS Kenya advocacy strategies at national and county levels, ensuring updates based on changing dynamics. Analyze relevant legislation and policy changes, providing timely analysis and recommendations to ReDSS members and partners. Build and maintain strategic relationships with government, development, humanitarian, civil society, and other stakeholders to advance ReDSS policy and advocacy priorities. Contribute to generating and translating evidence and learning into clear advocacy positions and policy recommendations.
• Capacity Strengthening and Learning: Strengthen the capacities of local authorities and humanitarian and development stakeholders to cooperate in developing integrated approaches for displaced and host communities. Support cross-learning and peer-to-peer exchanges between government authorities in displacement-affected counties, particularly Garissa, Turkana, and Nairobi. Ensure that ReDSS research work maximizes its impact on current policy and programming related to solutions for refugees in Kenya.
• Refugee Leadership and Accountability to Communities: Engage actively with Refugee Led Organizations and leadership to prioritize the voices, needs, and rights of displacement-affected communities in policy processes. Lead initiatives to ensure local policy planning processes are informed by the communities served. Work with the ReDSS Regional Solutions Coordinator to implement the ReDSS framework for accountability, documenting best practices across ReDSS Kenya projects. Analyze data and feedback on community engagement to identify trends and areas for improvement, reporting findings to ReDSS members and partners.
• Support Development of ReDSS Kenya Unit: Assist the ReDSS Kenya Manager in developing, implementing, and monitoring the ReDSS Kenya operational plan, ensuring that policy, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement priorities are translated into clear activities and deliverables. Support periodic reviews of the operational plan and contribute to reporting and adaptive planning. Coordinate with partners to ensure the delivery of the ReDSS Kenya workplan, ensuring compliance with DRC procedures and systems.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree in Law, Political Science, or International Relations, with a Master's degree in a related field considered an added advantage. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in similar positions involving policy coordination, evidence building, and analysis. A strong understanding of the socio-economic and political dynamics of the region, particularly regarding displacement trends, is essential. Experience working with a diverse range of national and international partners in implementing multi-stakeholder initiatives is crucial, ideally in a management, coordination, or representational role. Candidates should also demonstrate solid experience in capacity development, including adult learning, mentoring, coaching, training of trainers, and impact monitoring of capacity development activities.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Law, Political Science, or International Relations. A Master's degree in a related field is advantageous and may enhance the candidate's profile for this position.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in policy coordination, evidence building, and analysis. This experience should include working in politically sensitive contexts and managing relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the application and communication will be conducted in this language. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a one-year contract with the possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance evaluations. The salary and other conditions will be in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment. The duty station for this role is Nairobi, Kenya, with an expected availability starting in November 202

• DRC is committed to providing equal opportunities and creating an inclusive work environment, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds without discrimination based on race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. The organization emphasizes high standards of ethical and professional conduct, particularly in relation to safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. Comprehensive background checks will be conducted as part of the recruitment process.