CDKN Kenya country engagement leader

Background

CDKN’s overall purpose is to support developing countries to design and deliver climate compatible development. CDKN does this by providing a combination of advisory work, research and knowledge-sharing, tailored to countries’ needs. We are partnering with progressive national and local governments to design and deliver policies that combine low carbon, climate resilient, and inclusive green growth. We strive to deliver the highest quality technical advice, forge uniquely effective partnerships and drive the latest and best thinking on climate compatible development.

CDKN is seeking to contract an individual who is resident in Kenya as its Country Engagement Leader (CEL). Kenya is one of CDKN’s priority partner countries in Africa with a growing portfolio of projects. Due to the nature, size and diversity of CDKN’s engagement in Kenya, we need a CEL who will act as CDKN’s representative with the Government of Kenya, and represent the Government of Kenya with CDKN.

The CEL will act as the engagement manager, building and maintaining relationships between CDKN and the Government of Kenya, the Department for International Development (DFID) in Kenya and other development partners, private sector, civil society and other stakeholders. The CEL will also advise on the strategic direction of CDKN’s work to ensure the continued success of its Country Programme in Kenya. The CEL will also provide strategic policy advice and support the Government of Kenya in its implementation of the Kenya National Climate Change Action Plan, at national and subnational levels, and on its participation in the international climate negotiations. The CEL will contribute to CDKN’s strategic themes and support the attainment of CDKN’s outcomes under the Country Programme.

Requirements

This is a part-time position and it is envisaged that the CEL will:

• Be a “door-opener” with GoK stakeholders, established through at least 8 years’ experience working in the environmental or climate change sectors in Kenya;
• Have good stakeholder management skills and understanding of project cycles, gained through at least 4 years’ experience working on / managing medium sized donor funded projects (at least $50,000);
• Have existing relationships with the Climate Change Secretariat / Ministry of Environment, Water & Natural Resources and other relevant government agencies. These may include Ministry of Energy & Petroleum, Ministry of Devolution & Planning, National Treasury and /or Office of the Deputy President, together with a strong understanding of the intergovernmental relationships and dynamics in Kenya;
• Have technical understanding of climate change issues in Kenya. Technical expertise in an area of climate compatible development, for example, policy and planning, green growth, renewable energy, etc. would be preferred;
• Be familiar with the donor, private sector, civil society and academic landscape in Kenya;
• Be resident in Kenya;
• Be fluent in written and spoken English.