How to apply for Clean Transportation Project Manager, Kenya

About International Council on Clean Transportation

The International Council on Clean Transportation is a research organization that works on policies to improve the environmental and energy performance of transportation. It advises governments and other stakeholders on clean transportation policy. This role is a chance to shape the ICCT's work in Kenya as its first staff member based there.

About the role

The Clean Transportation Project Manager, Kenya will lead the ICCT's vehicle policy portfolio in Kenya. This involves building relationships with policymakers, government agencies, NGOs, industry, academics, and media. The role supports fuel-efficiency standards, zero-emission vehicle requirements, and other policies to improve on-road transportation in Kenya.

A typical day

A typical day might involve meeting with Kenyan government officials or NGO representatives to discuss policy priorities, analyzing transportation data or research to inform recommendations, and coordinating with ICCT's global staff on strategy. You might also work on outreach materials or media engagement to raise the profile of the ICCT's work in Kenya.

Who International Council on Clean Transportation is looking for

• Knowledge of the transportation sector and environmental or energy topics.
• Understanding of Kenyan policy-making processes.
• Demonstrated experience engaging and building relationships with stakeholders in the Kenyan government, industry, NGOs, and media.
• Transportation research and modeling experience is highly desirable, as is experience developing communications or media strategies.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any experience you have working directly with Kenyan government agencies or policymakers on transportation or environmental issues.
• Provide concrete examples of how you have built and maintained relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as NGOs, industry, or media, in Kenya.
• If you have experience in transportation research or modeling, describe specific projects and the impact of your work.
• Emphasize your ability to work independently and self-direct, since this is a remote role and you will be the sole in-country staff member.
• Show your understanding of the ICCT's global work and how you would adapt it to the Kenyan context, especially regarding fuel-efficiency standards and zero-emission vehicle policies.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your experience with Kenyan policy-making processes and how you have engaged with government, industry, NGOs, and media.', 'Specific examples of your work on transportation policy, especially fuel-efficiency standards or zero-emission vehicle requirements.', 'Your ability to work independently and lead initiatives in a remote setting, as you will be the first ICCT staff member in Kenya.', 'Any experience you have in communications or media strategies to raise the visibility of policy work.']

Research before applying

• Review the ICCT's publications and projects related to Kenya or similar markets to understand their approach and past work.
• Learn about the key Kenyan government agencies and NGOs involved in transportation and environmental policy, and their current initiatives.
• Understand the ICCT's global communications strategies and how they have raised the visibility of their work in other countries.
• Check if the ICCT has any existing partnerships or projects in Kenya or East Africa that you could build on.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you build and maintain relationships with Kenyan policymakers and other stakeholders to advance the ICCT's vehicle policy goals?
• Describe your experience with transportation research or modeling and how it has informed policy recommendations.
• What is your understanding of the current transportation policy landscape in Kenya, and where do you see opportunities for fuel-efficiency standards or zero-emission vehicle policies?
• How would you work with the ICCT's global staff and communications team to develop outreach and media strategies for Kenya?
• As the sole in-country staff member, how would you manage your time and priorities to be effective in this remote role?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not demonstrating specific knowledge of Kenyan policy processes or stakeholders, which is a key requirement.
• Failing to show how you can work independently and self-direct, as this is a remote role with no in-country team.
• Ignoring the communications aspect of the role, such as developing media strategies, which is mentioned in the job description.