Job Description
Meru County Government is inviting applications from highly accomplished and visionary professionals for the position of Director Research and Strategy. This senior leadership opportunity is designed for an individual with exceptional analytical ability, strategic thinking, and a demonstrated commitment to strengthening public sector performance through evidence-based planning, policy development, institutional research, and organizational transformation. The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping strategic priorities that support sustainable development, improved public service delivery, and efficient utilization of county resources.
The Director Research and Strategy will provide leadership in developing comprehensive research programs that generate credible information for informed decision-making across county departments. Working closely with executive leadership, technical teams, development partners, and key stakeholders, the office holder will coordinate strategic planning initiatives, evaluate policy outcomes, identify emerging development trends, and recommend practical interventions that enhance operational effectiveness. The role requires balancing long-term strategic objectives with immediate institutional priorities while ensuring alignment with national legislation, county integrated development plans, and applicable governance frameworks.
The successful candidate will establish systems that promote innovation, performance measurement, institutional learning, and continuous improvement. This position demands a professional capable of translating complex research findings into practical recommendations that strengthen governance structures and improve socio-economic outcomes for residents. The Director will oversee the preparation of strategic reports, policy briefs, monitoring frameworks, performance dashboards, and research publications that support executive decisions and legislative planning.
In addition, the position requires collaboration with government agencies, research institutions, universities, development organizations, private sector stakeholders, and community representatives to strengthen partnerships that contribute to county development objectives. The Director will champion data-driven leadership by encouraging the adoption of modern analytical tools, digital information systems, and evidence-based management practices throughout county operations.
This role also involves overseeing multidisciplinary research teams, mentoring technical staff, promoting professional excellence, and ensuring that research methodologies meet recognized ethical and quality standards. The successful applicant will contribute significantly to institutional reforms, organizational resilience, service innovation, and strategic resource allocation while fostering accountability, transparency, and measurable performance across county programs.
Meru County Government offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to transformative public service by supporting initiatives that improve livelihoods, strengthen governance, promote inclusive economic growth, and advance sustainable county development. Candidates who possess strong leadership capability, outstanding communication skills, exceptional analytical expertise, and a passion for public sector excellence are encouraged to submit their applications for this influential leadership position.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for the county's research, policy analysis, and institutional planning functions.
- Design and implement comprehensive research frameworks supporting evidence-based governance.
- Lead preparation of long-term strategic development plans aligned with county priorities.
- Coordinate organizational strategic planning exercises across departments and agencies.
- Develop performance measurement indicators for county programs and projects.
- Evaluate implementation progress against approved strategic objectives.
- Produce high-quality research reports, policy briefs, and executive advisory documents.
- Conduct socio-economic, demographic, financial, and governance studies supporting public policy.
- Identify emerging development trends affecting county planning and service delivery.
- Recommend innovative policy solutions based on verified research findings.
- Coordinate monitoring and evaluation activities for strategic initiatives.
- Strengthen institutional capacity for data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
- Promote evidence-driven decision-making throughout county leadership structures.
- Establish reliable research databases and knowledge management systems.
- Guide departmental strategic reviews and continuous organizational improvement initiatives.
- Build collaborative partnerships with universities, research organizations, development agencies, and technical institutions.
- Coordinate stakeholder consultations during strategic planning and policy formulation.
- Ensure compliance with national legislation governing public planning and performance management.
- Lead policy impact assessments and recommend appropriate adjustments where necessary.
- Supervise multidisciplinary research professionals and planning specialists.
- Mentor staff through coaching, technical guidance, and professional development initiatives.
- Prepare annual strategic implementation reports for executive management.
- Present research findings during executive meetings and policy consultations.
- Coordinate institutional risk assessments related to strategic priorities.
- Promote innovation in planning methodologies and analytical approaches.
- Strengthen organizational learning through knowledge-sharing initiatives.
- Review existing policies to identify opportunities for modernization and efficiency improvements.
- Support preparation of county development frameworks and implementation roadmaps.
- Develop quality assurance standards for research activities.
- Ensure ethical standards are maintained throughout research projects.
- Coordinate external consultancy assignments related to strategic development.
- Facilitate performance review sessions involving departmental leadership.
- Monitor global and national policy developments relevant to county governance.
- Prepare presentations supporting executive decision-making processes.
- Advise senior leadership on strategic investment priorities.
- Strengthen interdepartmental collaboration during planning processes.
- Coordinate resource prioritization based on research evidence.
- Develop institutional performance improvement recommendations.
- Promote transparency through accurate reporting and accountability mechanisms.
- Perform additional strategic assignments delegated by authorized county leadership in support of organizational objectives.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in economics, Public Policy, Strategic Management, Development Studies, Statistics, Public Administration, Research, Planning, or another relevant discipline from a recognized institution.
- Master's degree in a relevant field is highly desirable.
- Professional training in strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, policy analysis, research methodology, or organizational development is an added advantage.
- Excellent strategic planning and organizational leadership capability.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Advanced report writing and presentation skills.
- Outstanding quantitative and qualitative research expertise.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Strong policy formulation and implementation knowledge.
- High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
- Ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams.
- Excellent project coordination and organizational skills.
- Strong computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and data analysis tools.
- Ability to interpret complex information and provide practical recommendations.
- Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
- Strong problem
- solving and decision
- making capability.
- Ability to manage multiple strategic assignments simultaneously.
- Knowledge of government planning frameworks and performance management systems.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and professional ethics.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit a comprehensive application consisting of a signed application letter quoting the position title, a detailed curriculum vitae, certified copies of academic and professional certificates, National Identity Card or Passport, and any other supporting testimonials required for public service recruitment. Applicants should ensure that all submitted information is accurate, complete, and verifiable. Only candidates who satisfy the advertised requirements will be considered for the next stage of the recruitment process. Shortlisted applicants may be required to present original documentation during interviews or verification exercises. Meru County Government is committed to fair, transparent, merit-based, and equal opportunity recruitment. Canvassing in any form may result in automatic disqualification. Applications should be submitted through the official recruitment procedure communicated by Meru County Government before the stated application deadline. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.