Regional Adviser – Central and Rift

Main purpose of job: The role supports strengthening the UK’s engagement and impact at county and regional levels by enhancing the BHC’s sub‑national presence. It supports delivery of the UK‑Kenya Strategic Partnership (2025

• 1. and Country Business Plan (CBP) by influencing local governance reforms, advancing development outcomes, and informing UK policy and programming. The role holder will primarily support our work in Laikipia (including improving local engagement linked to the British Army Training Unit Kenya), parts of Isiolo, Samburu, Nyeri, and Meru, with additional support to selected counties in the North and South Rift (Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Narok, and Kajiado). They are expected to spend 70-80% of their time in Laikipia (Nanyuki). The role will also lead a regional thematic priority- focusing on defence partnerships, security, climate change and others to be agreed. The postholder will provide real‑time political, development and contextual analysis, spot opportunities and risks, and ensure county‑level insights shape UK interventions. They will be part of the Democracy, Governance and Political team but collaborate closely with all the programme and policy teams across all CBP pillars. The role offers significant cross‑Mission exposure and on‑the‑job learning in political analysis, programme delivery, stakeholder engagement, and regional governance, alongside access to FCDO learning, mentoring and thematic working groups. Roles and responsibilities: Provide strategic county/regional political, economic, and development insights to shape the delivery of UK/Kenya Strategic Partnership (SP) and Country Business Plan (CBP) priorities, including horizon scanning for the 2027 elections. Exercise judgement to identify risks, threats, and opportunities for the SP & CBP, escalating issues and recommending mitigation strategies. Provide robust political analysis, shape external political engagement, and deliver timely, insightful political reporting and advice to BHC teams, from your region. Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders - county governments, civil society, private sector actors, youth constituencies, and development partners. Use these networks to strengthen the UK’s influence and responsiveness, proactively identifying opportunities for policy and programme gains. Develop a clear understanding of the UK portfolio in the Central Kenya and Rift Valley and help BHC Nairobi leadership apply a whole-of-portfolio approach to county engagement. Collaborate with the BHC Strategy Assurance and Results Team (START) to analyse county data and ensure effective information management, including maintaining up-to-date county profiles. Support programme cycle management by providing contextual input during design and implementation. Facilitate beneficiary feedback, resolve delivery bottlenecks, and identify synergies across programmes in the regions. Contribute to reviews and field visits; flag challeng