REF: KNCHR/ADM/ DRAO/01/05/2026
The position is accountable to the Commission Secretary, who also serves as the Chief Executive Officer.
The role oversees four direct reports: the Deputy Director of the Reforms and Accountability Division, the Deputy Director of the Research and Compliance Division, the Deputy Director of the Public Education and Training Division, and the Deputy Director of the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Division.
The position oversees multiple teams, including an Assistant Director for the Reforms and Accountability Division, an Assistant Director for the Research and Compliance Division, an Assistant Director for the Public Education and Training Division, and an Assistant Director for the Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights Division.
A five-year contract, renewable upon mutual agreement, is available for this position.
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya, with periodic travel requirements.
A monthly remuneration of KSS. 406,750 is provided.
Other Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage, Group Life Insurance, and Work Injury Benefits Act (FIBA) coverage.
To fulfill the designated role, the successful candidate will be responsible for executing the core functions outlined in the position, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. This individual will manage key responsibilities, including but not limited to operational tasks, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration, while adhering to established policies and procedures. The ideal applicant must possess the requisite qualifications, such as relevant experience, educational background, and specialized skills, to effectively contribute to the team’s success. Additionally, they will be expected to meet performance metrics, maintain professional standards, and foster a productive work environment.
This role involves offering strategic direction and governance to create, execute, and assess policies, procedures, plans, strategies, standards, and guidelines associated with research, advocacy, and outreach functions, thereby ensuring the successful fulfillment of the Commission’s mandate.
We are tasked with overseeing core operational functions, ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures while maintaining a high standard of efficiency and accuracy. This role demands meticulous attention to detail in managing daily activities, coordinating resources effectively, and collaborating across departments to achieve organizational objectives. Additionally, the position requires proactive problem-solving, timely execution of assigned tasks, and consistent communication to uphold accountability and performance standards.
Oversee and lead a team, delegating tasks, and ensuring smooth operational workflows while maintaining high performance standards. Develop and implement strategies to enhance productivity and efficiency within the department. Provide guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to foster employee growth and engagement. Monitor team progress, address challenges proactively, and ensure adherence to company policies and industry regulations. Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that promotes accountability and continuous improvement.
Provide strategic direction and oversee all research, advocacy, and outreach initiatives at the Commission with strong leadership and coordination.
Oversee and manage the execution of all programs within the directorate to guarantee the attainment of the Commission’s strategic objectives and mandate.
Furnish strategic direction and oversee the development and execution of policies and strategies for the directorate programs, ensuring the Commission’s functions are executed efficiently.
You will lead and manage the development of statutory reports, periodic human rights assessments, and supplementary reports for submission at the national parliamentary level as well as to regional and international human rights bodies.
You will oversee the coordination, development, and submission of all Commission reports, advisories, memorandums, communiqués, research tools, donor reports, curricula, and educational materials to stakeholders at the national, regional, and international levels on critical human rights issues.
Oversee and manage the execution of the Commission’s recommendations and guidance articulated in its reports and advisories.
Responsible for supervising the management, oversight, and assessment of the directorate’s processes and overall performance.
The Directorate’s thematic areas must have their resources mobilized and utilized effectively, requiring oversight of this process. Additionally, you will be responsible for supervising the development and formulation of the Directorate’s budget to guarantee optimal allocation and efficient use of all available resources.
Coordinate and distribute responsibilities among division heads to maximize the efficiency of both human and financial resources within the Commission.
Coordinate staff performance and enhance team capabilities by providing mentoring, coaching, and conducting regular appraisals, while also facilitating professional development initiatives within the Directorate.
The directorate’s quality control framework must be meticulously planned, designed, and executed under your guidance to ensure full compliance with the Commission’s established performance targets.
The Commission will be chaired and steered by you in high-priority task forces, statutory bodies, and ad hoc Boards or Committees, focusing on emerging human rights issues within the Directorate’s operational scope.
Deliver strategic direction by cultivating collaboration, seamless communication, and alignment across all divisions within the directorate, thereby enhancing the cohesive implementation of interventions and policies to fulfill the Commission’s mandate with maximum impact.
We oversee and execute day-to-day operational activities to ensure seamless business functions, managing workflows, coordinating resources, and monitoring performance metrics to maintain efficiency and productivity. This role involves implementing standardized procedures, resolving operational challenges, and ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations. Additionally, we analyze operational data to identify trends, recommend improvements, and optimize processes for cost reduction and enhanced service delivery. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment are essential, along with proficiency in relevant software and tools to support data-driven decision-making. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and clear communication of operational updates to stakeholders are also critical components of this position.
Conceptualize, oversee, and execute the strategic planning, design, and implementation of the directorate’s initiatives to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
You will collaborate closely with the Commission to implement and uphold its strategic objectives and mandate in all assigned responsibilities.
Review, refine, and compile the directorate’s work plans and reports to verify their consistency, accuracy, and alignment with organizational objectives. Ensure each document adheres to established standards and effectively communicates progress, challenges, and outcomes.
Ensuring alignment with the established performance targets for the Directorate is a key responsibility of this position.
Coordinate the preparation and submission of quarterly and annual reporting functions for all divisions within the directorate in a timely manner.
The incumbent will develop and execute divisional reports, advisories, memorandums, communiqués, research tools, donor reports, curriculums, and educational materials in alignment with the Commission’s established standards and mandate.
Formulate innovative concepts and strategic frameworks to enhance resource mobilization and operational efficiency within the directorate.
Provide counsel to the Commission Secretary and Commissioners regarding all research, advocacy, and outreach matters within the Commission.
Serve as the Commission’s delegate in high-level forums at the national, regional, and international levels, advocating for its findings, advisories, recommendations, and official positions on pivotal human rights issues.
Develop and cultivate meaningful relationships with key stakeholders to advance research advocacy and outreach initiatives.
Oversee, manage, and track the allocation and expenditure of the directorate’s financial resources to ensure alignment with approved budgets and organizational goals.
Job Dimensions:
Responsible for overseeing and managing all financial activities and ensuring the integrity of financial records and reporting. Duties include budget preparation, financial forecasting, expense tracking, and compliance with accounting standards and regulations. Requires strong analytical skills, proficiency in financial software, and the ability to interpret financial data accurately. Must have experience in financial planning, risk assessment, and strategic decision-making to support organizational goals. Excellent communication and organizational abilities are essential for collaborating with stakeholders and presenting financial insights clearly.
Oversee the directorate’s financial resources and budgets to ensure responsible and effective utilization in alignment with the Commission’s mandate.
Oversees the strategic management of the directorate’s personnel and financial assets to ensure efficient and effective operations.
The position oversees the administration of all grants within the Directorate of Research, Advocacy, and Outreach.
The incumbent provides the Commission Secretary with comprehensive updates regarding the directorate’s financial standing and proffers tailored recommendations to promote judicious and efficient resource allocation.
Oversee the maintenance, security, and operational efficiency of all physical assets under your management. This role involves ensuring assets remain in optimal condition, implementing preventative maintenance schedules, and promptly addressing any repairs or issues that arise. You will be responsible for tracking asset performance, managing related documentation, and conducting regular inspections to verify compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Additionally, you will coordinate with external vendors and internal teams to align asset utilization with organizational objectives while minimizing downtime and maximizing longevity. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential for success in this position.
Maintains and organizes office equipment such as printers, laptops, tablets, phones, desktops, workstations, filing cabinets, coat hangers, fans, and other essential items.
Strategic decision-making and the capacity to influence pivotal business choices are fundamental aspects of this role. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to assess complex scenarios, weigh risks versus rewards, and drive initiatives that align with organizational goals. Additionally, the position requires a collaborative approach to shaping high-impact decisions that affect team performance, resource allocation, and long-term growth strategies.
Provides strategic leadership and final authorization regarding the priorities, design, frameworks, major policies, and execution of all research, advocacy, and outreach initiatives and programs within the Commission.
Provides expert counsel and strategic guidance to the Commission on all Research, Advocacy, and Outreach initiatives, ensuring informed decision-making and alignment with organizational objectives.
Crafts tactical decisions to achieve strategic objectives efficiently. Analyzes dynamic situations to identify optimal solutions while balancing risk and reward. Collaborates cross-functionally to align resources and priorities. Monitors performance metrics to evaluate outcomes and refine approaches. Ensures decisions adhere to organizational policies and compliance standards. Requires strong analytical skills, adaptability, and decisive judgment under pressure. Prior experience in strategic planning or operational execution preferred.
Responsible for overseeing all operational functions within the directorate, including delegating tasks, resolving issues promptly, managing crises, and mediating disputes to maintain uninterrupted execution of the Commission’s mandate.
The role involves providing expert guidance to the Commission regarding the State’s adherence to human rights principles and standards, alongside delivering critical recommendations on necessary actions for the Commission to undertake.
Analytical Decisions entail evaluating complex information to derive well-informed conclusions, leveraging data-driven insights to guide strategic choices. This role demands a keen ability to interpret trends, assess risks, and identify opportunities through meticulous analysis. Proficiency in quantitative methods, statistical tools, and critical thinking is essential, along with strong problem-solving skills to address multifaceted challenges. Effective communication is required to articulate findings and recommendations clearly to stakeholders, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Collaboration with cross-functional teams may be necessary to refine analytical approaches and implement solutions. Adaptability and attention to detail are key to maintaining accuracy and relevance in dynamic environments.
Evaluates and examines the effects of the directorate’s initiatives, subsequently proposing actionable recommendations to the Commission.
Operational decisions are made by evaluating current processes, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing corrective actions to optimize performance. These decisions require a thorough analysis of data, trends, and operational metrics to ensure alignment with organizational goals. Key responsibilities include assessing workflows, streamlining procedures, and addressing bottlenecks to enhance productivity. Strong analytical skills and a results-driven mindset are essential for success in this role, along with the ability to collaborate across departments to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
The incumbent is responsible for reviewing and endorsing all internal and external communications produced by the directorate. Additionally, they play a key role in driving the execution of Human Resources strategic initiatives.
Oversees the performance of division heads within the Financial Decisions department.
The incumbent is responsible for overseeing and leading the management of the directorate’s financial and personnel resources to guarantee the effective execution of the Commission’s mandate.
Working Conditions
This role is primarily based at the Nairobi Headquarters, with regular travel to field locations across the country and participation in high-level meetings at both regional and international levels.
The role involves extended working hours and requires travel to remote and challenging locations, including detention facilities, security operation zones, and conflict-prone regions. Candidates must be prepared to work in multicultural environments while monitoring settings such as hospitals, prisons, schools, and security operation areas.
Job Requirements necessitate a combination of specialized knowledge, practical experience, and a specific set of competencies. Candidates must possess in-depth expertise in relevant fields, demonstrated through prior roles or educational qualifications. Essential skills include proficiency in industry-specific tools, effective communication abilities, and strong problem-solving capabilities. Additional attributes such as adaptability, teamwork, and leadership are highly desirable to ensure success in the position.
Academic qualifications include a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as education, psychology, or a related discipline, with a preference for candidates holding an advanced degree. Additionally, possession of teaching certification or license as mandated by the applicable state or national regulations is required. Prior to teaching experience, preferably in an educational setting, is highly desirable, along with familiarity with curriculum development, instructional strategies, and student assessment methodologies.
A master’s degree in Law, Social Sciences, Peace Building/Conflict Management, Criminology, Political Science/Government, Anthropology, Sociology, Development Studies, International Relations and Diplomacy, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution is required.
A doctoral degree is considered a beneficial qualification.
Membership in recognized professional organizations is required, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing development and adherence to industry standards.
A postgraduate qualification in Strategic and Project Management, Planning, Proposal Writing/Administration, Governance, or Human Rights is required.
Membership in an appropriate professional organization is required.
A minimum six-week certificate program in strategic leadership or management from an accredited institution is required.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Project Cycle Management training are required for this role.
Minimum of one year of directly applicable professional experience is essential for consideration.
Held the position of Deputy Director for a minimum of three years.
With twelve years of professional experience, including over five years in a leadership or supervisory capacity, the ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record of effective team management and operational oversight.
Proven expertise and practical experience with international, regional, and national human rights frameworks are required.
Accomplished researchers with a proven ability to design and spearhead comprehensive research projects from inception to completion will be considered for this role.
Accomplished professionals with a proven track record in designing and spearheading advocacy and outreach initiatives are encouraged to apply.
Demonstrated proficiency in practical abilities and essential soft skills, including strong interpersonal communication, adaptability under pressure, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Exhibits a collaborative mindset, integrity, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Functional Skills encompass a broad range of practical abilities essential for navigating daily tasks and professional environments effectively. These competencies include proficiency in literacy, numeracy, communication, and digital skills, which are critical for both personal development and workplace success. Employers often prioritize candidates who demonstrate strong functional skills, as they directly impact productivity, problem-solving, and collaboration. Possessing these foundational skills enables individuals to adapt to evolving job demands, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to organizational goals. Whether in entry-level roles or specialized positions, functional skills serve as a cornerstone for career advancement and operational efficiency.
Proven capability in assembling and guiding high-performing teams toward shared objectives is required.
Demonstrated expertise in designing, implementing, and managing research initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and outreach programs is essential.
Proven ability to formulate and execute effective strategic initiatives is essential, along with a track record of inspiring and guiding teams toward overarching organizational goals through decisive leadership and forward-thinking vision.
Proficiency in critical thinking and analytical skills is essential for evaluating complex information, identifying key issues, and developing well-reasoned solutions. The ability to assess data objectively, recognize patterns, and draw logical conclusions is crucial for effective problem-solving and informed decision-making in dynamic environments. Strong analytical skills support the interpretation of multifaceted scenarios, enabling the synthesis of diverse perspectives to enhance strategic outcomes.
Proven ability to assess and resolve complex issues efficiently, coupled with strong capabilities in handling high-pressure situations and mitigating crises effectively.
Strategic thinking and the effective implementation of strategies are essential competencies for this role. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong ability to analyze complex business challenges and develop innovative solutions that align with organizational objectives. They will be responsible for translating high-level strategic plans into actionable initiatives, ensuring seamless execution while monitoring progress and adjusting tactics as needed to achieve desired outcomes. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities, mitigating risks, and driving sustainable growth through well-defined strategic measures.
Financial management and budgeting encompass the strategic planning, monitoring, and oversight of an organization’s financial resources to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This involves developing detailed budgets, analyzing financial performance, and making data-driven recommendations to optimize resource allocation. Professionals in this role must possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in financial software, and a deep understanding of accounting principles. Key responsibilities include preparing financial reports, conducting variance analyzes, and collaborating with stakeholders to align financial strategies with organizational objectives. Additionally, they must ensure compliance with regulatory standards and maintain accurate financial records to support informed decision-making.
Proficiency in the project management cycle and public administration principles is required.
We possess robust IT proficiency, complemented by practical experience with diverse software applications, along with strong behavioral competencies and personal attributes.
Proficient in managing priorities and resolving challenges efficiently, with a strong aptitude for structured planning and analytical thinking.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders is essential. Must demonstrate strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to convey ideas clearly and resolve conflicts efficiently. Capable of building rapport, fostering teamwork, and adapting to diverse personalities in a fast-paced environment. Requires emotional intelligence to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and maintain professional relationships.
Alternative Dispute Resolution skills encompass expertise in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration techniques designed to resolve conflicts efficiently and amicably. Proficiency in these methods requires strong communication abilities, active listening, and the capacity to facilitate constructive dialogue between disputing parties. Candidates should demonstrate experience in conflict analysis, problem-solving, and the ability to remain impartial while guiding parties toward mutually acceptable solutions. Familiarity with legal frameworks and ethical considerations is essential to ensure fair and legally sound outcomes. Additionally, these skills are often applied in diverse settings, including corporate environments, family disputes, and international negotiations, where structured resolution processes are critical.
Adhere to all stipulations outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.
To initiate the application process, please proceed by clicking on the provided link, which will direct you to the designated application portal. Ensure you complete all fields accurately and submit the necessary documentation for consideration. Should you require further clarification or assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to the designated contact for support.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA , PhD/Fellowship
Experience Required
3 years
