Application Guide

How to Apply for Deputy Chief of Party

at IEA Kenya: Institute of Economic Affairs

🏢 About IEA Kenya: Institute of Economic Affairs

IEA Kenya is a leading independent think tank focused on economic policy research and advocacy in Kenya, known for its evidence-based approach to influencing public policy. The organization has a strong reputation for promoting democratic governance and economic reforms, making it an ideal workplace for professionals passionate about driving meaningful change in East Africa through research and policy engagement.

About This Role

As Deputy Chief of Party, you will support leadership of the USAID-funded Clap 4 Devolution project, focusing on improving devolved health service delivery in Kenya. This role involves strategic planning, quality assurance, and potentially managing day-to-day operations, offering significant impact on healthcare governance and community outcomes in devolved systems.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve coordinating with the Chief of Party on strategic project decisions, reviewing progress reports for the Clap 4 Devolution project, supervising team members or consultants working on health governance components, and potentially representing the project in meetings with stakeholders when the Chief of Party is unavailable. You'd balance high-level planning with operational oversight of health service delivery initiatives.

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🎯 Who IEA Kenya: Institute of Economic Affairs Is Looking For

  • Has 8+ years of project management experience with at least 5 years specifically in development projects emphasizing accountable governance, inclusion, and participation
  • Possesses a Bachelor's degree in International Affairs, Economic Development, Public Management, Sociology, or Community Development
  • Has direct experience implementing USAID projects and supervising both staff and short-term consultants/experts
  • Demonstrates expertise in devolved governance systems, particularly in health service delivery contexts in East Africa

📝 Tips for Applying to IEA Kenya: Institute of Economic Affairs

1

Quantify your 8+ years of project management experience with specific metrics (budgets managed, teams led, outcomes achieved) in your resume

2

Explicitly mention your experience with USAID projects and include specific examples of working on governance, inclusion, or participation initiatives

3

Highlight any direct experience with Kenya's devolved governance system or health sector reforms in your cover letter

4

Demonstrate understanding of IEA Kenya's research-policy nexus by referencing specific publications or policy positions in your application

5

Include examples of deputizing for senior leadership or managing operations during leadership absences

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with USAID project implementation and understanding of their reporting requirements', "Examples of how you've promoted accountable governance, inclusion, and participation in previous development projects", 'Your ability to support strategic planning while managing day-to-day operations in a think tank environment', "Knowledge of Kenya's devolved health system and how you've contributed to similar governance reforms"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → IEA Kenya's recent publications on devolved governance and health policy in Kenya
  • → The Clap 4 Devolution project's objectives and previous phases (if publicly available)
  • → Kenya's current devolved health system structure and key challenges
  • → IEA Kenya's partnerships with USAID and other development actors in East Africa

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience implementing USAID projects and navigating their compliance requirements
2 How would you approach closing gaps in devolved health service delivery in the Kenyan context?
3 Share an example of when you had to deputize for a senior leader and make critical decisions in their absence
4 What strategies have you used to ensure inclusion and participation in governance projects?
5 How do you balance research rigor with practical implementation in policy-focused development work?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with generic development experience without specific examples related to governance, inclusion, or USAID projects
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of Kenya's devolved system or IEA Kenya's policy research approach
  • Not providing concrete examples of supervising staff and consultants in previous roles

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to IEA Kenya: Institute of Economic Affairs!

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