Position : Policy/Trade Facilitation Analyst

Project: Livestock Innovation and Feed Transformation (LIFT) Program
Organization: Rootooba Ltd
Reports to: Trade Facilitation Lead
Level: Technical Specialist / Mid-level
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Application deadline: 5:00 pm, Wednesday 10th June 2026

Background and Context

The Livestock Innovation and Feed Transformation Program (LIFT) is a five-year (2026-2030) project funded under USDA’s Food for Progress imitative which targets to reduce the cost and increase the availability of livestock feed in Kenya by reducing trade barriers and opening the market to quality feed ingredients that address key livestock sector bottlenecks in supply of quality and affordable feed ingredients. The program focuses on strengthening regulatory systems, facilitating trade, supporting industry-wide modernization and stimulating farmer demand for better feed products while strengthening producer groups, ultimately reducing costs and improving livestock productivity across the country. LIFT is implemented through a Consortium led by Counterpart International with Rootooba, American Chamber of Commerce-Kenya (Am Cham-Kenya) and the Association of Kenya Feed Manufactures (AKEFEMA) as Consortium members.

Rootooba as a Consortium member will lead the implementation of LIFT Activity 1 work-stream that aims to enhance bilateral trade and strengthen Kenya’s feed regulatory framework through regulatory harmonization, participatory rule-making, and modernization of the official control system. This includes alignment with Codex Alimentarius standards, strengthening stakeholder participation, and supporting implementation of the Food and Feed Safety Bill, once operational.

Rootooba is seeking to employ a Policy Analyst who will work under the Trade Facilitation Lead to implement Activity 1 work-stream and support overall program implementation.

Scope of Work

The Policy/Trade Facilitation Analyst will provide technical analysis, research, and implementation support for work-stream 1 activities under the direction of the Trade Facilitation Lead. The role focuses on regulatory diagnostics, stakeholder engagement support, policy drafting, and evidence generation to advance Codex alignment, trade facilitation, and strengthening of Kenya’s feed regulatory framework.

Key Responsibilities

a) Regulatory Analysis and Evidence Generation

Conduct desk reviews and support comprehensive regulatory gap analyses comparing Kenya’s feed and food safety regulations with Codex and international and regional standards.
Map institutional mandates, regulatory processes, and import procedures to identify bottlenecks affecting feed trade.
Compile and analyze trade data, regulatory texts, and stakeholder inputs to inform prioritization of reforms.

b) Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation Support

Support planning and execution of stakeholder consultations, technical workshops, and multi-stakeholder dialogues under work-stream 1.
Prepare briefing materials, presentations, consultation summaries, and action matrices for regulatory discussions.
Document stakeholder feedback and support its integration into regulatory support plans and adaptive work planning.

c) Policy Drafting and Technical Assistance

Provide analytical and drafting support for the review, revision, or development of feed standards, import procedures, and administrative guidelines.
Support technical work related to the development of feed-specific codes and regulatory classification updates.
Provide technical assistance to strengthen the official control system.

d) Policy Briefs and Knowledge Products

Draft concise, evidence-based policy briefs supporting trade facilitation and regulatory alignment.
Ensure briefs synthesize regulatory analysis, trade data, and private sector perspectives clearly and persuasively.
Support dissemination through stakeholder platforms and incorporate USDA-FAS feedback prior to release.

e) Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

Contribute to MEL learning products, including validated summaries of reform priorities and regulatory progress tracking.
Support preparation of quarterly and annual technical inputs on work-stream 1 achievements and challenges.
Maintain organized records of regulatory analyses, consultations, and policy outputs.

Required Qualifications

Education

Minimum: A degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Public Policy, International Trade, Law, or a related field.
Added advantage: A master’s degree and/or qualifications in food safety, feed standards, regulatory affairs, or trade facilitation; certification or training in Codex Alimentarius principles, WTO SPS/TBT agreements, or HACCP-based feed safety systems.

Professional Experience

Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in the livestock sector and feed value chains, preferably in Kenya or East Africa.
Proven track record in regulatory gap analyses and policy diagnostics related to feed, food safety, or animal health; stakeholder engagement; and drafting policy briefs, regulatory texts, standards, codes of practice, or administrative guidelines.
Experience working with government agencies, development partners, or donor-funded programs is highly desirable.

Technical Competencies

Strong regulatory and policy analysis skills, including desk reviews, regulatory gap analysis, and comparative analysis with Codex and EAC/COMESA standards; familiarity with Kenya’s feed regulatory framework and control systems.
Ability to translate trade data, regulatory texts, and stakeholder inputs into actionable policy recommendations.
Skills in drafting policy briefs, regulations, and guidance; stakeholder net-mapping; consultation planning; and feedback integration.
Proficiency in monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and learning, including familiarity with digital and data visualization tools.

Leadership and Management Skills

Able to provide project coordination support in planning, coordination, and timely delivery of work-stream 1 activities under the Trade Facilitation Lead.
A team player able to work effectively in multidisciplinary, multi-sectoral teams with technical experts, government officials, and private-sector stakeholders.
Strong problem-solving ability and adaptability to identify bottlenecks, propose practical solutions, and adjust work plans in response to feedback and emerging challenges.
Strong verbal and written communication, good interpersonal skills, and the ability to present complex regulatory and trade information in accessible formats.

Other Requirements

Based in Nairobi, Kenya, with willingness to travel domestically for stakeholder consultations and field engagements.
Fluency in English (required); proficiency in Swahili is an advantage.
Willingness to comply with organizational security, ethical, and compliance policies.
Able to start immediately or at short notice.
No conflict of interest with government or private-sector entities involved in feed regulatory processes.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a written application with academic and professional certificates, a detailed CV, and testimonials, via email or hand-delivery, by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, 10th June 2026 to:

The Chief Executive Officer
Rootooba Ltd P.O. Box 8019, Nairobi, Kenya
Email: info@rootooba.com
Location: Rootooba Offices, Food Crops Research Centre (next to Plant Protection Offices), Waiyaki Way, adjacent to the Waiyaki Way–James Gichuru junction fly-over.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.