Policy, Legislation & Research Officer

About Fresh Life

Fresh Life is an award-winning social venture based in Nairobi, Kenya. We undertake two exciting lines of work:

• We provide safe, sustainable sanitation services to residents living in urban informal settlements of Nairobi, Kisumu and Eldoret using end-to-end non-sewered sanitation solutions. Watch here!

• We partner with cities to develop and deliver safe sanitation and waste management for urban residents. Using a systematic methodology, we match cities’ sanitation and waste management needs with technology and service delivery models, and then offer clear guidance on the steps that governments, funders, service providers and technology developers can take to develop and implement integrated service delivery systems.

Operational since 2011, The Sanergy Collaborate serves over 150,000 urban residents with safe sanitation services every day and safely removes nearly 20,000T of sanitation waste per year. We have built a team of over 400 employees from diverse backgrounds who all embody the drive, creativity, teamwork, and passion that make us achieve our goals. For our work, we have been recognized by the Gates Foundation as part of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals accelerator and by Fast Company as one of the 10 most innovative companies in the world doing social good and one of the 10 best companies in Africa.

As a Policy & Legislation Research Officer, you will play a crucial role in reviewing legislation and policy drafts, and proposing improvements to existing policies that impact Fresh Life's work. Reporting to the Government Affairs & Policy Manager, you will contribute to the organization's vision by building a repository of relevant legislation and policies. Join us in transforming cities and communities with our services.

• Analyze policies, regulations, and legislation, preparing research briefs, submissions, and recommendations for changes on key policy issues.

• Monitor local and international policy and legislative developments, keeping internal stakeholders informed and responding to Government requests.

• Participate in national policy negotiations, forums, technical working groups, and committees on behalf of Fresh Life.

• Develop and manage stakeholder relationships, consultations, and negotiations on policy issues.

• Contribute to department-level planning through regular assessments of departmental and organizational needs.

• Develop and maintain key data assets to inform the organization's policy, advocacy, and government engagements.

• Support other areas of the department's activities as needed.

• Interactions with external stakeholders including; Government Agencies, Non-Government Organizations, Private Sector, International Organizations, Donors & Funders, Think tanks & Research Organizations, and Community Groups (CBOs).

• Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, or a relevant field.

• 3+ years of direct experience in the policy and research domain, preferably in the government sector, with a focus on environmental and sanitation issues.

• Research and Analytical Proficiency: Demonstrated strong research and analytical skills, comprehensively reviewing policies, regulations, and legislation related to sanitation and the circular economy.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional writing and communication skills to prepare research briefs, submissions, and recommendations on key environmental and sanitation policy issues.

• Sanitation policy knowledge: In-depth knowledge of policies and regulations specific to safely managed sanitation, with the ability to identify gaps, strengths, and opportunities.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and management within the realm of environment and sanitation.

• Strategic Thinking: Planning and strategic thinking skills, allowing for the regular assessment of departmental and organizational needs related to our operations.

• Adaptability and Flexibility: Seamlessly contribute to various facets of the department's activities, ensuring a holistic approach to policy and research in this specialized field.