ODI Trade Fellow (Kenya)

ODI Trade Fellow (Kenya)

Application Deadline: 9 July 2026

Department: International Economic Development Group

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Description

Introduction

The State Department for Trade (SDT) in Kenya and ODI Global are looking to recruit a Trade Fellow (TF) placed at the SDT to support the trade policy analysis and trade policy making process. The position will be funded by TradeMark Africa (TMA). This note describes the terms of reference of the position and the selection process of the candidate.

ODI Global will support the improvement of the trade analysis and research capabilities of the SDT. The position is embedded within that effort as part of a programme aimed at that end.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
The principal objective of this post is to facilitate and provide technical and research support in trade and trade policy making to the SDT. In that process, and with the support of ODI Global, the TF will contribute to increase the technical capabilities of the SDT to analyse trade and trade policy in Kenya.

Under the general guidance of the Principal Secretary of the SDT, the TF shall be required to undertake these specific tasks:

a) Undertake policy relevant quantitative research on trade to inform trade policy making
b) Analyse trade data relevant to Kenya trade policy
c) Prepare briefings on Kenya’s trade issues and policies
d) Present findings to SDT staff aiming at transfer knowledge and expertise
e) Take part in SDT meetings, both internally and externally
f) Present findings and other relevant outputs to external audiences
g) Liaise with the International Economic Development Group at ODI Global in London
h) Take on additional, reasonable tasks as requested by PS
i) Participate in the planning, organisation and servicing of related SDT events and meetings,
j) Participate as delegate in other meetings and negotiations as requested by the SDT
k) Liaise with the relevant counterparts in the Kenyan Government and institutions, Regional Economic Communities, other Governments and other international organisations, responsible for trade;
l) Collaborate (in coordination with the SDT) in the research agenda included in the partnership between the SDT, TMA and ODI Global
m) Performance of any other duties as may be assigned by the Permanent Secretary and ODI Global
n) Report to ODI periodically on the activities performed as part of the programme

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Minimum Qualifications:
• University Master’s degree in economics or other relevant fields;
• Five (5) years of experience in the field of trade and economic policy, in Governments, International Organisations or Academia.
• Candidates with University bachelor’s degree can be considered provided they have 15 years of relevant work experience.

Language requirements
Working knowledge of English.

Duration
A one-year assignment is envisaged initially, with a possibility of extension by one year.

Location
The SDT in Nairobi, Kenya will be the duty station. Remote working may be necessary depending on host Government directives. The programme will fund only travel expenses to the post for the selected candidate.

Selection process and management
The identification and appointment of the TF will be undertaken jointly by the SDT, TMA and ODI Global.

Interview Panel
Representatives from ODI, ST and TMA will be part of the interview panel.

Management of the TF
The Permanent Secretary will provide general guidance of the TF.

The SDT and ODI personnel responsible will discuss periodically about his/her performance and will coordinate on any necessary related action.

IMPORTANT: This vacancy includes an additional document with key information. Please ensure you review it prior to applying.

Applications will be received until 9th July (inclusive)

Why should you work for us?
ODI Global is committed to developing and supporting diverse and inclusive teams of people who share our passion, where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We welcome applicants from a range of diverse backgrounds including those who experience intersectional marginalisation on the basis of their class, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious identity or belief, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. We also welcome applications from those living with disabilities.