What we do

Since 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has worked to preserve human dignity and relieve suffering caused by war and armed violence.

In collaboration with our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners around the world, we do everything we can to deliver life-saving aid, reconnect families and locate missing people – helping those who need it most, regardless of who they are and what side of the front line they are on.

We engage with authorities and armed forces on all sides, often confidentially, pressing for access to detainees to improve their living conditions and urging compliance with international humanitarian law to protect non-combatants, including from digital threats.

Purpose

The Humanitarian Affairs Adviser 2 provides support to the delegation in understanding and influencing the wider political and humanitarian environment in Kenya, Tanzania and Djibouti, and conflicts in the region.
                           
They support the Senior Humanitarian Affairs Adviser (SHAA) to shape effective engagement strategies with national, multilateral and regional stakeholders.

Accountabilities & functional responsibilities

•    Under the supervision and guidance of the Senior Humanitarian Affairs Adviser (SHAA), contributes to the monitoring and analysis for the delegation on political, economic and social issues, conflict and security situation – and related humanitarian consequences – in Kenya and the Region;
•    Builds and maintains a strong national network of stakeholders connected to humanitarian affairs and beneficial to the delegation. Engages with them autonomously, as required;
•    Identifies diplomatic and multilateral opportunities;
•    Shares relevant information on multilateral/political/humanitarian issues with the SHAA and the management of the Delegation;
•    Contributes to the design and delivery of the national and regional humanitarian diplomacy and policy objectives;
•    Identifies, prepares and/or follows-up relevant events (e.g. conferences, workshops, meetings) on multilateral issues;
•    Familiarizes themselves with the structures, objectives and mandates of IGAD and EAC and relevant African Union decentralized Organs covered by the Delegation (e.g. African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights). Manages the institutional relation with these Organisations, reinforces the cooperation in areas of institutional interest and secures a better acceptance of the Institution;
•    Participates in humanitarian coordination platforms and events involving relevant actors on topics of interest;
•    Maintains contacts with national authorities of the countries covered by the Regional Delegation on topics relevant, on request of the SHAA. 

Professional experience required

•    University degree in International Relations, Social or Political Sciences or Law (preferably with a focus on Public International Law esp. International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and/or International Human Rights Law (IHRL);
•    Minimum 5 years of experience in humanitarian action or political affairs;
•    Prior field experience with the ICRC or another international organization, and/or experience working with Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a similar government institution;
•    Proven ability to map stakeholders, build and maintain networks, and influence key interlocutors;
•    Solid understanding of national and regional relations and their interplay with humanitarian affairs, peace and security;
•    Knowledge of relevant regional and multilateral organizations, forums, agencies and platforms, and/or humanitarian organizations and civil society actors based in Kenya, Tanzania and Djibouti;

What we offer

•    Diverse and humanitarian-minded workforce;
•    An opportunity to contribute to institutional efforts to protect and assist conflict victims worldwide;
•    Training opportunities ;
•    Flexible work schedule.

Additional information

•    Location: Nairobi – Kenya (Kenyan National Position).
•    Type of contract: 1-year Fixed term contract (renewable subject to Budget discussion and performance).

•    Type of position: This position is open to Kenyan residents or individuals who possess the legal right to work in Kenya.
•    Job Level: B3
•    Application deadline: 06/11/2026  

Our values

• At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.