Oxford Policy Management (OPM) is looking for a Poverty and Social Protection practice Consultant Based in Kenya: Apply Now!!

OPM’s Poverty and Social Protection practice (PSP) is looking to hire a consultant to join our global team. PSP supports governments of low- and middle-income countries to develop social protection systems that are fair, inclusive, effective and efficient, nationally-owned, sustainable, and tailored to the local context. We work with international organisations and regional cooperation structures to expand and share the evolving evidence on what does and doesn’t work, and help build consensus on the case for social protection. Find out more about what we do here. This is a Permanent position based in Kenya Nairobi.

As a team, we implement a range of different projects that span the policy cycle and different aspects of social protection. We work globally, with team members based in Kenya, Tanzania, Germany, Pakistan and the UK, supported by a wide network of trusted associates. Our current work includes supporting national social protection programmes and systems development through needs assessment, evaluation and technical advice (for example, in Kenya, Rwanda and Pakistan); developing innovative techniques to better understand and respond to poverty; supporting the introduction of shock responsive or adaptive social protection; and advising on how to improve gender equality and social inclusion through new or adapted programmes.

As part of our growth strategy, we are looking to hire a senior consultant for OPM’s Poverty and Social Protection team to take on business development, technical leadership, bidding ownership, client relationships and contributing to strategic delivery.

We are looking for a colleague who has strong research skills, analytical rigor, a solid technical understanding and experience of working on social protection, preferably in multiple countries and with various clients. We are seeking someone who possesses a solid knowledge and a track record of work within the sector. You will have the opportunity to work across and lead a range of projects that are on-going within the team and later, to build a pipeline of work through bidding for new projects.

The successful candidate will be someone who is technically competent and able to develop and deliver projects by mobilizing expertise from across the company and external networks. The post will require project, team and budget management expertise along with experience with client management, engagement and networking. We are looking for an individual who wants to further develop their profile and reputation as a thought leader for OPM. The ideal candidate would also have experience of leading the design and implementation of social protection projects in a team leader role. The candidate will actively participate in developing the team’s strategy and taking responsibility for growing and overseeing an area of our work; and will have the chance to collaborate with other technical practices (e.g. Education, or Research and Evaluation) and contribute to sharing findings and lessons within and beyond OPM. OPM provides training and support to help staff develop their consultancy skills.

If this sounds like an interesting challenge to you, come and join us!

What we are looking for

• Technical design and delivery. You bring experience in research and evaluation methods (quantitative, qualitative and/or mixed methods, with a slight preference for quantitative expertise for this recruitment); and have experience in generating and delivering effective, evidence-driven policy advice and technical assistance.
• Business development. You can lead on or contribute to bidding for medium-to-large PSP projects (often cross-country or cross-practice). Working with colleagues in PSP and (as necessary) other practices, and supported by OPM’s Bid, Finance, Legal, HR and Project Management teams, you will prepare technical and financial proposals, often under tight deadlines.
• Client engagement. You know how to engage productively with government and development partner officials, including at senior levels. In this role, you will support market development initiatives, including building and sustaining good relationships with lead / prime organizations and clients (including donor agencies and partner government ministries). You will take an active role in developing new areas of work and new relationships through existing or new networks.
• Interpersonal skills. You work collegially and can flex your working style to meet the needs of clients, colleagues and other stakeholders (including the intended beneficiaries of projects and policies). You are a confident communicator, able to put across complex ideas in simple terms. You have attention to detail and can quality assure deliverables to meet expectations.
• Contributing to PSP and wider OPM objectives. You will participate actively in team discussions and contribute to strategic decisions on the Practice’s portfolio development, workplans and resource management. This will including taking on additional tasks as required under the direction of the Practice Lead in accordance with an agreed annual performance agreement including associated financial and other targets.

Qualifications and essential experience

• Analytical skills. A solid grounding and recent track record of delivering high quality applied research, evaluation and technical assistance projects in low- and middle-income countries.
• Sector knowledge. Proven experience in a relevant social policy area with at least two years’ directly relevant experience of working on social protection;
• Business development. Demonstrable experience in business development and managing competitive bidding with a variety of clients;
• Communications. Excellent communication skills in English, with sound attention to the quality of written or visual materials, reports and documents and an ability to tailor communications to different audiences and contexts.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly in handling challenging situations and people.
• Academic – Post-graduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. economics, development studies, social policy).
• Flexibility. Ability and willingness to travel internationally (travel restrictions permitting).
• Location. You will be based in and have the right to work in Kenya or Tanzania. This role will be based in either our Nairobi or Dar es Salaam offices, and bi- or multi-lingual ability is required.

Desirable additional experience

• Project management. Experience setting up workplans and budgets, delivering projects within time and budget constraints, and managing teams of consultants, both internal and external;
• Client engagement. Experience of working with a range of clients, which may include UN agencies

(e.g. UNICEF or WFP), the World Bank, bilateral agencies such as FCDO, and private foundations. Additional foreign languages (e.g. French or Portuguese)

Thought leadership. Evidence of relevant publications (e.g., evaluations, reports, articles, blogs, etc.)

How to Apply:

If you feel you meet the criteria above, we would love to receive an application from you. Please apply as soon as possible with a tailored CV and one page cover letter via the OPM portal. We will be reviewing application on a rolling basis so please apply today!

However, we reserve the right to close the advert, should we find a suitable candidate before the closing date. Applicants must have a pre-existing right to work in India before applying.

Oxford Policy Management is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of the business.

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