Disability Policy and Research Analyst – Kenya

Background:

USAID/Kenya and East Africa’s 2020–2025 Country Development Cooperation Strategy focuses on inclusive systems and services to enhance skills and promote meaningful inclusion for persons with disabilities. Despite progress through various initiatives in 2023 and 2024, the strategy aims to be more impactful by integrating disability inclusion across all objectives, establishing clear frameworks and indicators, amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities, and using disaggregated data for planning and evaluation. Stronger institutional frameworks and accountability mechanisms are also necessary to prioritize inclusion and meet goals.

The newly adopted USAID Disability Policy 2024 seeks to empower persons with disabilities as equal partners in development by dismantling barriers, fostering accessibility, engaging diverse disability groups, improving data collection, and advancing inclusive programming. It emphasizes promoting political will and institutional accountability for disability-inclusive practices.

Scope of Work:

The LISA program, implemented by SoCha , is seeking a local Disability Policy and Research Analyst to conduct a comprehensive review of the current disability context in Kenya. The Disability Policy and Research Analyst will analyze existing literature, reports, and data to provide a detailed overview of the challenges, opportunities, and status of disability inclusion across key sectors in Kenya.

The Disability Policy and Research Analyst will be contracted by SoCha and will report directly to the designated supervisor. They will implement the following tasks:

• Conduct an extensive review of national, regional, and global literature on disability inclusion in Kenya.
• Analyze sectoral policies, programs, and interventions impacting persons with disabilities in Kenya.
• Identify key challenges, systemic barriers, and opportunities for enhancing disability inclusion.
• Compile findings into a well-structured and evidence-based report with actionable recommendations.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Advanced degree in Social Sciences, Public Policy, Disability Studies, Development Studies, or a related field.
• At least seven (7) years of professional experience in disability-related research, policy analysis, or program design and evaluation.
• At least ten (10) years of demonstrated experience working on disability inclusion or social equity projects.
• Strong understanding of disability law, policy frameworks, and accessibility standards at local, national, and international levels.
• Experience engaging with key disability organizations, movements, and current issues impacting people with disabilities.
• Experience working with or on behalf of persons with disabilities is highly desirable.
• Experience working with USAID and USAID implementing partners and stakeholders is an added advantage.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information in a clear and accessible manner.
• Strong critical thinking skills, with the ability to develop practical, evidence-based solutions to complex policy challenges.
• Ability to work independently and deliver results within tight deadlines.
• A passion for advancing the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities, and a deep understanding of the challenges they face.

Location: Nairobi, with expected travel to the counties.

Period of Performance: January 2025 – April 2025.

Level of Effort: 15 days.