Policy and Advocacy Manager

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Policy and Advocacy Manager will play a crucial leadership role in advancing Inkomoko’s advocacy priorities across the region. This individual will lead high-level policy engagement, build strategic partnerships, and drive cross-country advocacy efforts to influence key stakeholders, governments, and partners. They will oversee team management, track outcomes, and foster a learning-driven approach to ensure that advocacy initiatives are impactful and aligned with Inkomoko’s overall goals.

Inkomoko is looking for a dynamic and experienced professional to elevate our advocacy initiatives across multiple countries. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in shaping policy and driving effective advocacy strategies. This role requires a strong commitment to ensuring that advocacy efforts are strategic, evidence-based, and fully aligned with Inkomoko’s mission of supporting entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development.

Strategic leadership

• Support the Head of Advocacy in  the development and execution of our regional advocacy strategy aligned with Inkomoko’s mission and goals.
• Act as a key advisor to the Head of advocacy, and senior leadership on policy and advocacy matters, providing high-level analysis of regional political and economic trends.
• Represent Inkomoko at regional and international forums, building the organization’s profile as a thought leader in entrepreneurship and economic inclusion advocacy.

Policy engagement and stakeholder management

• Build and maintain relationships with senior policymakers, government officials, donors, and regional bodies to advance Inkomoko’s advocacy objectives.
• Identify and pursue high-impact opportunities to engage with policy dialogues and influence regulatory frameworks affecting entrepreneurship.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for advocacy-related partnerships and coalitions, fostering collaboration with key stakeholders.

Cross-country coordination 

• Support the head of advocacy to oversee and align advocacy activities across Inkomoko’s countries of operation (Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Chad).
• Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to country-level advocacy leads, ensuring cohesive and synergistic efforts.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration across countries to promote unified messaging and best practices.

Evidence-based advocacy

• Collaborate with the Head of Advocacy and MEL team to ensure data-driven advocacy strategies, integrating research and impact metrics into policy recommendations.
• Commission and oversee the production of high-quality policy briefs, white papers, and reports to support advocacy efforts.
• Ensure robust systems are in place to track and report on advocacy outcomes, adapting strategies based on evidence and learning

Capacity building and team leadership

• Lead and inspire a regional advocacy team, fostering professional growth and strengthening internal capacity for impactful advocacy.
• Develop and deliver training programs to build advocacy knowledge and skills across departments and country offices.
• Champion a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability within advocacy teams.

Operational excellence

• Support the Head of Advocacy to develop and manage the regional advocacy budget and Balance Score Card, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to maximize impact.
• Establish and maintain systems for documentation, knowledge management, and reporting on advocacy initiatives.
• Produce regular, high-level advocacy reports for senior leadership, donors, and external stakeholders, highlighting key achievements and strategic recommendations.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Master’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, Humanitarian Affairs, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of progressive experience in policy advocacy, with a focus on regional or multi-country initiatives.
• Proven track record of engaging with senior government officials, donors, and international organizations to influence policy.
• Extensive knowledge of regional political, economic, and social dynamics, particularly in East Africa.
• Experience in managing teams and leading cross-functional, multi-country projects.

Skills & competencies

• Exceptional leadership and strategic thinking abilities.
• Advanced communication and negotiation skills, with a talent for building relationships and influencing high-level stakeholders.
• Strong research and analytical capabilities, with the ability to translate data into actionable policy recommendations.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in French and/or Arabic is highly desirable.

Key attributes

• Visionary leader with a passion for driving systemic change.
• Results-driven, with a commitment to excellence and accountability.
• Highly collaborative, with the ability to inspire and mobilize diverse teams.
• Strong alignment with Inkomoko’s values and mission.

WHAT YOU’LL GET

This role is inside a high-growth, mission-driven social enterprise. By joining, you’ll access:

• Competitive salary, and potential Performance-based bonus
• Incredible company culture, with opportunities for learning and growth
• Diverse colleagues across the region, and policies that demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion 
• Ability to make a significant social impact to your community
• Health insurance for self and family
• Staff savings and provident fund, negotiated bank rates for long-term employees
• Generous annual leave, parental leave, and sabbatical options. 

Application deadline is on the 30th January, 2025.