Research Officer

Kenya Association of Manufacturers is the representative organization for manufacturing value-add industries in Kenya. Established in 1959 as a private sector body, KAM has evolved into a dynamic, vibrant, credible and respected business association that unites industrialists and offers a common voice for businesses. KAM provides an essential link for co-operation, dialogue and understanding with the Government by representing the views and concerns of its members to the relevant authorities. In pursuit of its core mandate of policy advocacy, KAM promotes trade and investment, upholds standards, encourages the formulation, enactment and administration of sound policies that facilitate a competitive business environment and reduce the cost of doing business. In 2009, KAM unveiled a new corporate image as it observed 50 years since its establishment. Mission To promote competitive and sustainable local manufacturing. Vision To be a World-class BMO that effectively delivers services to its members Goal To transform KAM into a sustainable member-focused association delivering relevant, quality, timely and effective services to its members Values KAM has 6 values that are the key drivers of its corporate culture. These are Responsiveness, Integrity, Innovation, Inclusiveness, Teamwork and Excellence Purpose To create wealth at both corporate and individual levels by advocating for a competitive environment for businesses to operate, thereby creating better industries, growing the economy, creating jobs and hence resulting in better standards of living for Kenyans. Strategic Objectives Driving industrial growth and realization of 15% contribution of manufacturing sector to GDP by 2019 Supporting skills-based job creation agenda and increase manufacturing sector jobs by 33% Enhancing market access for products, locally and globally to grow exports by 33% by 2019 Retaining and recruiting a broad membership base Operational excellence

Job Purpose:

This position is responsible for carrying out research on economic, business and political trends, doing data analysis, drafting policy briefs, sector position papers and editing all publications for the organization in support of fact based advocacy initiatives at KAM.

Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties and responsibilities will include, but not limited to the following;

•  Conducting research on political, economic, and business issues particularly those affecting the business environment for the industry,
•  Write, edit and publish Policy Briefs, Economic Updates, Intelligence reports, Position Papers, Research Publications, among others;
•  Review the County and National budget processes and inform members on a timely basis for their input;
•  Provide technical support and input to inform KAM’s effective participation in budget forums and influence budget policy. This includes tracking and documenting the process and its outcomes;
•  Develop draft sector positions on various issues for validation by the sector members;
•  Editing KAM research, policy and advocacy publications;
•  Preparing a Policy Tracker, barometer and economic updates;
•  Do data collection and analysis on members’ concerns and general economic trends;
•  Carry out market and economic surveys;
•  Prepare the KAM manufacturing priority agenda (MPA) in conjunction with the research team;
•  Support the preparation of the manufacturing survey and related reports;
•  Perform any other duties as may be assigned by Supervisor or the head of unit or the CEO.

Person specifications.

• Bachelor’s degree in statistics or economics or its equivalent with a bias in research; a master’s qualification will be an added advantage.
• Proven track record of strong research and creative writing skills with a bias in policy advocacy work;
• Over five (5) years relevant work experience two (2) of which should be in writing and editing materials in a busy and comparable institution or research institution;
• The ability to stick to strict deadlines and work under no supervision;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both oral and written;
• A knack for editing and proof reading with good research skills;

Method of Application