Advocacy and Campaigns Officer

Save the Children is a leading global organization working to create breakthroughs in the way the world treats children. With a presence in over 100 countries, we strive to ensure that no child dies from preventable causes, all children receive quality education, and violence against children is not tolerated. In Kenya, we work closely with the Ministry of Health at national and county levels to strengthen health systems and advocate for children’s rights.

Role Overview:

Save the Children Kenya is seeking a dedicated and experienced Advocacy & Policy Officer to join our team in Mandera County. This role is crucial in coordinating health and nutrition-related policy, advocacy, and program learning work at both county and national levels. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing evidence-based advocacy strategies to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in one of Kenya’s most challenging regions.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategy Development and Implementation:

• Develop and execute annual implementation work plans for maternal and newborn health (MNH) advocacy in Mandera County

• Support climate change and child health/rights advocacy initiatives at the county level

• Identify policy and practice changes to promote and protect children’s nutrition and health

• Formulate key MNH advocacy messages based on project implementation evidence and research

2. Advocacy and Communications:

• Lead influencing efforts targeting county government and key decision-makers on MNH issues

• Conduct power mapping to identify and engage key influencers for increased resource allocation to child survival interventions

• Develop and disseminate policy briefs, IEC materials, and county profiles to advance the nutrition agenda

• Support county-level monitoring and evaluation of advocacy and policy-related activities

3. Partnership Building:

• Identify and engage with local networks, coalitions, and alliances to influence MNH policy and practice

• Represent Save the Children at strategic forums and nutrition platforms

• Build partnerships with communities and program beneficiaries to establish accountability mechanisms

4. Program Development & Management:

• Participate in Save the Children program meetings to articulate advocacy messages

• Stay informed on current research, national policies, and donor trends relevant to nutrition advocacy

• Support implementation and dissemination of nutrition-related research

Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Law, Governance, International Development, Community Development, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in advocacy work, particularly in health systems

• Proven track record in developing and implementing advocacy strategies

• Experience working in Mandera or ASAL regions of Northern Kenya is highly desirable

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent understanding of Kenya’s budget cycle and policy development processes

• Strong knowledge of devolution and its impact on the health sector

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English

• Fluency in local dialects of Mandera County is a must

• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and work effectively in coalitions

• Strong analytical and report writing skills

• Proficiency in developing policy briefs and advocacy materials

Personal Qualities:

• Commitment to Save the Children’s mission and values

• Adaptability to work in challenging environments with limited infrastructure

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams

• Willingness to travel extensively within Mandera County

What Save the Children Offers:

• Opportunity to make a significant impact on children’s lives in a challenging context

• Professional development and learning opportunities

• Competitive salary and benefits package

• Supportive and collaborative work environment

Save the Children is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages applications from qualified female candidates. We are committed to diversity and inclusion within our workforce and have zero-tolerance for child abuse. All employees are expected to adhere to our Child Safeguarding Policy.