Senior Associate, Policy and Advocacy-GAIN Kenya

SENIOR ASSOCIATE, POLICY AND ADVOCACY EMPLOYER: Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) LOCATION: Nairobi, Kenya CONTRACT: One year fixed-term (subject to funding availability) APPLICATION DEADLINE: 24th July 2026 (Early applications encouraged; advertisement may close early if high volume of interest received) THE ROLE GAIN Kenya is looking for a Senior Associate, Policy and Advocacy to strengthen its policy engagement capabilities and enhance the organization's ability to shape local, national, regional, and global policy frameworks that impact food and nutrition security. In this position, you will play a critical role in translating GAIN's work into actionable policy insights and advocacy strategies. You will bridge the gap between programme implementation and policy influence, ensuring that evidence from GAIN's initiatives informs decision-making across government, civil society, and institutional partners. Based in Nairobi, you will work at the intersection of nutrition policy, food systems transformation, and institutional engagement. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Support the rollout of policy components across GAIN Kenya's diverse project portfolio Review and synthesize government policies related to food and nutrition, ensuring alignment with project objectives Collaborate with the Programme team and Policy Advisor to create compelling policy briefs, advocacy messages, factsheets, presentations, stakeholder reports, and knowledge products Research, edit, and develop policy documents in partnership with the Policy and External Relations team, Knowledge Leadership department, and Programme Services Track and participate in critical policy dialogues at global and local levels, representing GAIN where appropriate Provide technical guidance in designing policy and advocacy initiatives within the Country programme Engage with stakeholders across government, private sector, UN agencies, donors, civil society, academia, and media to strengthen support for GAIN's mission and increase nutrition-focused investment in Kenya Transform programme evidence and learning into insights that advance Kenya's nutrition and food safety policy agenda WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR You bring relevant experience from government, civil society organizations, research institutions, or international development agencies. Your background demonstrates a solid understanding of food systems, nutrition science, public policy, and regulatory frameworks. You have hands-on experience conducting policy reviews, regulatory analyses, political economy assessments, and synthesizing evidence into high-quality policy documents and advocacy materials. Your strength lies in research, analysis, and communication. You write clearly and persuasively, translating complex information for diverse audiences. You are comfortable engaging with government officials, development partners, private sector leaders, academics, civil society representatives, media, and donors, and you know how to build consensus around policy recommendations. You have proven success in project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, with demonstrated ability to contribute technical input to policy initiatives. Your stakeholder engagement skills are strong, and you have experience representing organizations in policy forums, coordinating advocacy campaigns, and turning programme insights into practical policy recommendations. You are highly organized, able to juggle multiple priorities without losing focus, and genuinely committed to advancing nutrition and food systems transformation through evidence-based policy work. Familiarity with advocacy tools such as budget tracking, advocacy scorecards, and public participation mechanisms is valued. Understanding of gender equality, social inclusion, and safeguarding principles is an added strength. SALARY AND BENEFITS Starting gross annual salary: KES 3,219,600 – KES 3,683,388 per annum, depending on experience. Comprehensive staff benefits package available. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS This role is based in Nairobi, Kenya. Candidates must have the legal right to live and work in Kenya and be currently based within a reasonable commuting distance of Nairobi. GAIN does not sponsor work visas or cover relocation costs. Candidates must confirm they have the right to work in Kenya before applying. GAIN reserves the right to withdraw employment offers for candidates deemed ineligible under these conditions. COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition is committed to equal opportunity employment and creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued. We actively encourage applications from talented individuals of all backgrounds and welcome candidates who reflect the diverse communities we serve.