Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)
KIPPRA is recruiting a Director to lead its Social Development and Governance Directorate, overseeing research-oriented outputs and policy analysis across multiple sectors. This full-time job in Kenya offers the opportunity to shape public policy research and guide a high-performing team in advancing development outcomes. The role involves strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and directing institutional governance across social development initiatives.
📋 Job Overview
- Category: Government Jobs
- Job Type: Full Time Jobs
- Location: Nairobi
- Company: Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)
- Application Deadline: Rolling basis
- Last Updated: March 31, 2026
Director Social Development and Governance (Directorate of Social Development and Governance) at Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) – Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) Kenya Job Details
Job Specifications
Duties and responsibilities will entail:
- Overseeing delivery of research-oriented outputs as per set targets
- Spearheading leadership and technical advice in public policy research and analysis to stakeholders
- Overseeing resource mobilization and implementation of the contracted projects
- Directing effective dissemination of research outputs
- Overseeing quality control processes of research outputs
- Initiating partnerships and collaborative research with stakeholders
- Guiding on improving performance, efficiency, and impact of Directorate functions
- Steering corporate consultation, public participation, and stakeholder engagement in the Institute’s programs and policies
- Overseeing risk management, ensuring robust systems for accountability, business continuity, and internal controls
- Spearheading the implementation of corporate governance principles, corruption prevention strategies, and adherence to relevant national policies and directives
- Initiating staff motivation, teamwork, and a culture of ethical practices, good governance, and continuous improvement
- Designing leadership in supervision, coaching, mentoring, training, and development of staff to build a high-performing and motivated team
- Spearheading the timely preparation, implementation, monitoring, and review of annual work plans, budgets, and performance management frameworks for the Directorate, ensuring alignment with the Institute’s strategic plan and performance contract
- Overseeing the development and review of the Directorate’s procurement and assets disposal plans in line with approved budgets and institutional policies
- Guiding directorate meetings to provide strategic direction, coordinate activities across departments, monitor progress on set objectives, and ensure timely decision-making and accountability in line with the Institute’s mandate
- Overseeing the timely and efficient implementation of the Directorate’s work plans
- Developing and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders, including policymakers, implementers, development partners, and research institutions
- Carrying out the formulation and review of public policies and strategies
- Coordinating and monitoring the implementation of work plans and contracted projects
- Overseeing all research outputs from the Directorate to ensure alignment with the Institute’s mandate and strategic objectives
- Carrying out the Directorate’s dissemination activities and calendar
- Overseeing project planning, budgeting, and implementation within the Directorate
- Coordinating the execution of partnership activities in line with the Institute’s priorities
- Supervising the preparation of quarterly and annual reports for management, the Board, performance contracting, and donors
- Coordinating knowledge management and data management activities for the Institute
Job Specification
Qualifications
Person Specifications
For appointment to this grade, an officer must have;
- Cumulative service period of fifteen (15) years’ three (3) of which must have been at least at the Grade of Deputy Director Policy Analyst / Senior Principal Policy Analyst or in a comparable relevant position;
- Bachelor’s degree in economics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Public Policy, Development studies, Law, Engineering, Geo-Spatial Information Science , Urban Planning, Gender, Nutrition, Food Science, International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, Political Science, International Affairs, International Relations, Social Policy, Development studies, Public Health, Public Finance, Environmental Studies or related social sciences from a recognized institution
- Master’s degree in economics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Public Policy, Development studies, Law, Engineering, Geo-Spatial Information Science , Urban Planning, Gender, Nutrition, Food Science, International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, Political Science, International Affairs, International Relations, Social Policy, Development studies, Public Health, Public Finance, Environmental Studies or related social sciences from a recognized institution
- PhD in economics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Public Policy, Development studies, Law, Engineering, Geo-Spatial Information Science , Urban Planning, Gender, Nutrition, Food Science, International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, Political Science, International Affairs, International Relations, Social Policy, Development studies, Public Health, Public Finance, Environmental Studies or related social sciences from a recognized institution
- Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution
- Minimum of six (6) publications in peer-reviewed journals, books and book chapters
- Minimum of ten (10) published research papers or reports
Functional Skills, Behavioral Competencies and Attributes:
- Leadership and supervisory skills
- Strategic management skills
- Problem solving skills
- Analytical skills
- Organizational skills
- Negotiation skills
- Proficiency in economic modelling
- Proficiency in computer applications including statistical software
- Presentation skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Team building skills
- Shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results
🎯 How to Apply
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
To apply for the Director Social Development and Governance (Directorate of Social Development and Governance) at Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) job in Kenya, you must have at least 15 years of cumulative service with 3 years at Deputy Director level or comparable position. You will need a Bachelor's degree in a related field such as economics, public policy, development studies, law, or social sciences, alongside a Master's degree in one of these disciplines. Additional requirements include a PhD in a related field, a leadership course of at least 4 weeks, minimum 6 peer-reviewed publications, and at least 10 published research papers or reports.
The Director Social Development and Governance (Directorate of Social Development and Governance) at Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) at this level oversees delivery of research outputs, provides technical advice on public policy research, and directs resource mobilization for contracted projects. Key job jobs in Kenya for this role include overseeing quality control of research, spearheading dissemination activities, leading staff development and supervision, managing annual work plans and budgets, and ensuring implementation of corporate governance principles. You will also be responsible for building strategic partnerships with policymakers, development partners, and research institutions.
To succeed in this job jobs in Kenya, you need strong leadership and supervisory skills, strategic management abilities, and excellent analytical problem-solving capabilities. The role demands proficiency in economic modelling, statistical software, and computer applications, combined with presentation and communication skills. Additional competencies include negotiation abilities, team building expertise, and demonstrated organizational skills supported by a track record of performance and merit in previous positions.
🔍 Similar Jobs You May Like
💼 Looking for more Government Jobs jobs in Nairobi?
Get daily job alerts sent directly to your WhatsApp.
Job Vacancies Now is a free job listing platform and does not charge job seekers at any point during the application process. Users are encouraged to use the platform responsibly and report any suspicious or fraudulent activity.