Full Time
Nairobi, Kenya
Posted 3 weeks ago

Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)

Executive Director at Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) – Nairobi | Apply by April 28, 2025

ESSENTIAL JOB DETAILS

Position Title: Executive Director
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Type of Job: Full-Time, Contractual (Renewable)
Job Category: Executive Leadership, Public Policy, Government, Research Management
Reporting To: Board of Directors
Contract Duration: Three (3) Years (Renewable once based on performance)
Remuneration: Based on guidelines by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC)
Hiring Organization: Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)
Application Deadline: Monday, 21st April 2025 at 5:00 PM EAT

INTRODUCTION

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for policy research, public sector transformation, and national development? Do you have the skills and experience to drive Kenya’s premier public policy think tank into its next phase of impact and influence?

The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) is seeking to appoint a dynamic, strategic, and values-driven individual to the role of Executive Director. This is a career-defining opportunity to lead one of Africa’s most respected research institutions, shaping policy decisions that touch millions of lives and steering evidence-based discourse at the highest levels of government, academia, and civil society.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing institutional leadership, managing stakeholder engagement, driving research excellence, and ensuring that KIPPRA’s work continues to inform Kenya’s development priorities under Vision 2030 and other national frameworks.

ABOUT KIPPRA

The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) is a public institution established by an Act of Parliament in 2006 (KIPPRA Act No. 15). The Institute is mandated to:

Conduct objective public policy research
Provide policy advice to the Government of Kenya
Serve as a hub for policy dialogue and capacity building
Promote evidence-based decision-making across public institutions

KIPPRA is instrumental in informing national policies, planning processes, and socioeconomic reforms. Its work covers a wide array of sectors including health, education, trade, governance, agriculture, infrastructure, and social protection.

Operating under the National Treasury and Economic Planning, KIPPRA enjoys autonomy in research and analysis while aligning its output with national development goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

As the Executive Director, you will serve as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KIPPRA and report directly to the Board of Directors. You will oversee the implementation of the Institute’s strategic plan, ensure adherence to its mandate, and lead a multidisciplinary team of researchers and administrative staff.

Your specific responsibilities will include:

Strategic Leadership:
Lead the formulation and execution of KIPPRA’s strategic and operational plans in alignment with its legislative mandate and government priorities.
Cultivate a strong institutional culture that emphasizes research excellence, accountability, innovation, and collaboration.
Policy Research Oversight:
Provide intellectual leadership in the design, quality control, and dissemination of research outputs.
Guide the Institute’s response to emerging policy issues and ensure timely publication of policy briefs, discussion papers, and flagship reports.
Institutional Management:
Supervise the day-to-day operations of the Institute including human resources, finance, administration, ICT, and legal affairs.
Ensure that performance appraisal systems and institutional governance frameworks are upheld across departments.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Foster partnerships with national and county governments, international agencies, development partners, and academic institutions.
Represent KIPPRA in high-level policy forums, inter-governmental meetings, conferences, and technical working groups.
Resource Mobilization:
Develop and implement strategies for sustainable resource mobilization including grant acquisition, consultancy services, and donor engagement.
Ensure prudent financial management, compliance with the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act, and adherence to SRC salary guidelines.
Compliance and Reporting:
Ensure the Institute complies with all legal, regulatory, and statutory obligations including reporting to Parliament, the Auditor-General, and other oversight bodies.
Prepare quarterly and annual reports for submission to the Board and relevant ministries.
Capacity Building and Mentorship:
Promote a knowledge-driven institutional environment by investing in staff training, research capacity development, and mentorship programs.
Support the Institute’s internship, graduate attachment, and visiting scholar programs.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

To be eligible for appointment as the Executive Director of KIPPRA, a candidate must meet the following minimum requirements:

Academic Qualifications:

A Doctorate degree (PhD) in Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or any other relevant field from a recognized university.
Demonstrated record of published research work in peer-reviewed journals or recognized policy publications.

Professional Experience:

At least fifteen (15) years of cumulative work experience, of which ten (10) years must be in senior management or leadership positions in a reputable public policy institution, research organization, university, government agency, or international body.
A minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in policy-oriented research, policy formulation, monitoring and evaluation, or public administration.
Proven experience managing donor-funded projects, research grants, and institutional partnerships.
Familiarity with Kenya’s policy framework, public sector governance, Vision 2030, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Leadership and Technical Competencies:

Strong leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
Sound understanding of corporate governance, organizational development, and strategic planning.
Ability to develop, implement, and monitor budgets.
Demonstrated experience in leading teams in a multicultural and multidisciplinary setting.
Capacity to work with minimal supervision under tight deadlines.
Excellent communication and public speaking abilities.
Proven integrity, transparency, and a track record of ethical leadership.

Additional Certifications:

Training in Leadership, Corporate Governance, Strategic Management, or Executive Coaching will be an added advantage.

TERMS OF SERVICE AND REMUNERATION

The Executive Director shall serve on a three-year contract, renewable once based on satisfactory performance as determined by the KIPPRA Board of Directors and subject to Government guidelines.
The remuneration package and terms of service will be in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
This is a full-time role based in Nairobi, Kenya, with occasional travel to counties and international forums as may be required.

Executive Director Position at Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and eligible candidates may access the detailed job description, specifications and experience required for the position from the KIPPRA’s Website https://kippra.or.ke/ or www.acalconsulting.co.ke/KIPPRA. Candidates should submit their applications including the cover letter, copy of National ID, copies of academic and professional certificates, testimonials and detailed CV, indicating current position, qualifications, working experience, names of three (3) professional referees, current remuneration and daytime telephone.

Applicants MUST submit their completed application quoting the job reference number “Executive DIRECTOR- KIP 1” and include the required attachments via E-mail to (vacancykippra@acal.co.ke) or by submitting a hard copy addressed to;

THE CHAIRMAN,
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE KENYA INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS,
UPPER HILL, BISHOP GARDENS TOWERS, 2ND FLOOR BISHOP ROAD,
P.O. BOX 56445-00200,
NAIROBI, KENYA

Physical applications should be hand delivered to ACAL Consulting, Unit No.4, Victoria Office Suites, on Riverside Drive, Nairobi. All applications should be received by 21st April 2025, 5p.m E.A.T.
It is an offence to include incorrect or misleading information in the applications as per the provisions of the Public Officers Ethics Act, 2003.

KIPPRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. PLWD are encouraged to apply.

Applications without the relevant qualifications and copies of required documents will not be considered. Any canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR APPLICANTS

KIPPRA is an equal opportunity employer.
Persons with disabilities, marginalized groups, and qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Canvassing will result in automatic disqualification.
The recruitment process will adhere to Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya on Leadership and Integrity.
Final candidates will be required to present the following clearances: