REF: KNCHR/ADM/ DRAO/01/05/2026
Reports directly to the Commission Secretary, who also serves as the Chief Executive Officer, ensuring alignment with executive leadership directives and organizational goals.
The position oversees the following direct reports: Deputy Director of the Reforms and Accountability Division, Deputy Director of the Research and Compliance Division, Deputy Director of the Public Education and Training Division, and Deputy Director of the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Division.
The leadership team consists of four Assistant Directors overseeing distinct divisions: Reforms and Accountability, Research and Compliance, Public Education and Training, and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
A five-year contract, with the possibility of renewal, is being offered for this position.
Duty station is based in Nairobi, with periodic travel requirements.
Gross compensation amounts to Kshs. 406,750 per annum.
Other Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage, Group Life Insurance, and Work Injury Benefits Act (FIBA) coverage.
The primary objective of this role is to fulfill the designated responsibilities outlined within the position’s scope. This encompasses executing tasks vital to the operational efficiency and strategic objectives of the organization. The position requires adherence to established guidelines, ensuring all duties are performed with precision and professionalism. Additionally, the role demands collaboration with team members to achieve collective goals, while upholding the company’s values and standards.
This role involves leading strategically in the creation, execution, and assessment of policies, procedures, plans, strategies, standards, and guidelines pertinent to research, advocacy, and outreach functions. Its primary objective is to ensure the successful fulfillment of the Commission’s mandate through meticulous oversight and implementation.
Conduct operational duties with a focus on delivering key responsibilities, ensuring adherence to established standards and procedures. Perform tasks involving analysis, planning, and execution to support organizational objectives. Manage and oversee daily activities to maintain efficiency and productivity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve departmental goals and enhance overall performance. Address challenges proactively to mitigate risks and optimize workflows. Maintain accurate records and documentation to ensure compliance and facilitate decision-making. Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the team.
Overseeing and leading a team to ensure optimal performance and productivity is a key responsibility of this role, which involves directing workflows, assigning tasks, and evaluating team members’ progress. This position requires strong leadership skills to motivate staff, resolve conflicts, and foster a collaborative work environment. Additionally, the manager will be responsible for setting performance goals, conducting regular evaluations, and providing constructive feedback to support professional growth. Effective communication and organizational abilities are essential to align team efforts with organizational objectives and maintain high operational standards.
Provide high-level strategic leadership and oversight for all research, advocacy, and outreach initiatives undertaken by the Commission.
Oversee the execution of all directorate programs to guarantee alignment with the Commission’s strategic objectives and mandate.
Provide strategic direction and oversee the development and execution of policies and strategies for directorate programs, ensuring the Commission fulfills its functions effectively.
Oversee the preparation and submission of statutory reports, periodic human rights reports, and alternative reports, ensuring they are presented at the national parliamentary level as well as to regional and international human rights mechanisms.
Coordinate and oversee the preparation and delivery of all Commission reports, advisories, memorandums, communiqués, research tools, donor reports, curricula, and educational materials, ensuring their distribution to pertinent stakeholders at the national, regional, and international levels regarding critical human rights concerns.
Oversee and manage the execution of the Commission’s recommendations and advisories as outlined in its reports.
Responsible for directing, tracking, and assessing the directorate’s operational processes and overall performance to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and continuous improvement.
Manage the coordination and allocation of resources across the Directorate’s thematic domains while directing the preparation and execution of its budget to optimize resource utilization and operational efficiency.
Organize and distribute responsibilities among division heads to maximize the efficient use of both human and financial resources within the Commission.
Coordinate staff performance by providing ongoing mentoring, coaching, and appraisals to enhance individual and team capabilities within the Directorate. Additionally, lead initiatives to develop staff skills, foster professional growth, and strengthen overall capacity to meet organizational objectives.
Supervise and guide the strategic development, design, and execution of the directorate’s quality control framework to ensure adherence to the Commission’s established performance targets.
Coordinate and oversee the Commission’s involvement in pivotal task forces, statutory bodies, and ad hoc committees addressing evolving human rights challenges pertinent to the Directorate’s core functions.
Exhibit leadership in cultivating collaborative relationships, transparent communication, and cohesive integration across all divisions within the directorate, thereby ensuring the effective execution of the Commission’s mandate through unified operations, interventions, and strategic alignment.
Oversee and execute daily operational functions to ensure seamless business processes, maintaining high efficiency and reliability across all activities. Manage workflows, allocate resources effectively, and monitor performance metrics to identify areas for improvement. Implement and enforce policies and procedures to uphold compliance and operational standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to coordinate tasks, resolve operational challenges, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Provide leadership in optimizing workflows, reducing inefficiencies, and enhancing productivity through data-driven decision-making and strategic planning.
Conceptually lead and oversee the strategic planning, design, and execution of all initiatives within the directorate, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and operational excellence.
Execute duties in alignment with the Commission’s strategic plan and mandate, ensuring adherence to established objectives and guiding principles.
Review and integrate the directorate’s work plans and reports to verify their alignment, accuracy, and coherence. Ensure all documentation is current, thoroughly checked for consistency, and presented in a cohesive format. Maintain high standards of clarity and professionalism in all compiled materials to support effective decision-making and strategic planning.
In alignment with the established performance objectives for the Directorate, this position demands consistent achievement of key performance indicators and strategic goals, ensuring operational excellence and accountability in delivering results.
Oversee the prompt compilation, organization, and submission of quarterly and annual reporting requirements for all divisions within the directorate.
The role involves leading the development and execution of the directorate’s divisional reports, advisories, memorandums, communiqués, research tools, donor reports, curricula, and educational materials, ensuring full alignment with the Commission’s established standards and mandate.
Formulate innovative concepts and strategic frameworks to facilitate the mobilization of resources and oversee the operational activities of the directorate.
Provide strategic guidance to the Commission Secretary and Commissioners on all matters related to research, advocacy, and outreach initiatives within the Commission.
At high-level meetings conducted across national, regional, and international settings, you will advocate on behalf of the Commission, effectively communicating its key findings, advisories, recommendations, and stances on critical human rights themes.
Develop and sustain strategic networks and collaborations with key stakeholders to advance research advocacy and outreach initiatives.
Oversee and regulate the allocation of the directorate’s financial resources, ensuring adherence to approved budgets and fiscal guidelines throughout all operations.
Job Dimensions:
We are seeking a detail-oriented individual to oversee financial management duties with precision and accountability. The successful candidate will ensure accurate accounting practices, meticulous expense tracking, and strict adherence to budgetary guidelines. Responsibilities include reconciling financial records, preparing detailed reports, and providing strategic insights to support informed decision-making. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in financial software, and a commitment to ethical standards are essential. Experience in financial oversight, preferably in a corporate or organizational setting, is required.
You will oversee the stewardship of all financial resources within the directorate, meticulously managing budgets to ensure responsible and strategic allocation in alignment with the Commission’s mandate.
Delivers comprehensive leadership in overseeing the directorate’s personnel and fiscal resources.
Overseeing the comprehensive administration of all grants within the Directorate of Research, Advocacy, and Outreach constitutes the core responsibility of this role.
The directorate’s financial status and pertinent issues are reported to the Commission Secretary, with actionable recommendations provided to ensure resources are utilized prudently and optimally.
Oversee the management and maintenance of physical assets to ensure optimal performance, longevity, and compliance with organizational standards. This role involves conducting regular inspections, coordinating repair and maintenance activities, and implementing strategies to mitigate risks associated with asset deterioration. Additionally, the position requires meticulous record-keeping of asset inventories, depreciation tracking, and adherence to regulatory requirements to uphold operational efficiency and accountability.
The role requires managing a diverse array of office equipment, including printers, laptops, tablets, phones, desktops, workstations, filing cabinets, coat hangers, and fans, among other essential items.
Strategic decision-making and the ability to influence key organizational choices are critical components of this role. The position requires astute judgment and the capacity to shape significant decisions that drive the company’s direction and success. Professionals in this capacity will play a pivotal role in steering strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with long-term objectives while balancing risk and opportunity. Strong analytical skills, a forward-thinking mindset, and the ability to collaborate across teams are essential to effectively drive and implement decisions that have a lasting impact.
Provides strategic leadership and endorses priorities, design elements, frameworks, key policies, and the execution of all research, advocacy, and outreach initiatives and programs undertaken by the Commission.
Provides guidance and recommendations to the Commission regarding matters pertaining to Research, Advocacy, and Outreach.
Experts in tactical decision-making will analyze complex situations, evaluate potential outcomes, and implement effective strategies to address immediate challenges. This role requires a sharp analytical mind, strong problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to make decisive choices under pressure. Candidates must possess excellent communication skills to convey decisions clearly to stakeholders and ensure alignment across teams. Experience in high-stakes environments, such as military operations, law enforcement, or crisis management, is highly valued. Additionally, a solid understanding of risk assessment and resource allocation is essential to optimize operational efficiency and achieve mission-critical objectives.
Responsible for overseeing all functions of the directorate, delegating responsibilities, and addressing issues promptly to uphold the Commission’s mandate. This includes managing crises effectively, resolving conflicts, and ensuring uninterrupted operations to support the delivery of its objectives.
Provides guidance to the Commission regarding the State’s adherence to human rights principles and standards, offering critical recommendations on necessary actions for the Commission to undertake.
Analytical Decisions involve evaluating complex information to derive actionable insights, supporting strategic choices with data-driven reasoning. This role requires a keen ability to interpret trends, assess risks, and optimize processes through meticulous examination of quantitative and qualitative data. Professionals in this position must demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in analytical tools to effectively communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders. Experience in data analysis, statistical modeling, or business intelligence is essential, along with the capacity to translate technical insights into clear, strategic directives that drive organizational success.
Evaluates and examines the effects of the directorate’s initiatives while providing strategic recommendations to the Commission.
We are seeking a strategic thinker to drive critical operational decisions that enhance efficiency and align with organizational goals. This role demands a blend of analytical prowess and decisive action, ensuring seamless workflows and optimal resource allocation. Candidates must possess strong problem-solving skills, a data-driven mindset, and the ability to assess risks while maintaining agility in dynamic environments. Responsibilities include evaluating operational performance, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing solutions to streamline processes. Ideal applicants will have experience in cross-functional collaboration, leadership in change management, and a track record of improving productivity through innovative strategies.
The directorate’s internal and external communications receive approval from this role. Additionally, this position is responsible for driving the successful execution of Human Resource strategies.
Oversees the performance evaluation of division heads within the Financial Decisions department.
Supervises and guides the strategic allocation and utilization of all resources—both financial and personnel—within the directorate to guarantee the effective and efficient execution of the Commission’s mandate.
Working Conditions
The position is headquartered in Nairobi, requiring extensive domestic field travel alongside participation in high-level regional and international meetings.
The role involves extensive working hours and requires travel to remote and challenging locations, including detention facilities, security operation zones, and conflict-prone regions. Additionally, it entails exposure to diverse cultural environments, along with the monitoring of hospitals, prisons, schools, and security operation areas.
We seek candidates with a strong foundation in key competencies, including relevant knowledge, hands-on experience, and professional attributes or specialized skills.
Candidates must possess a relevant academic degree, typically a Bachelor’s or higher in a field pertinent to the role, such as education, curriculum development, or a related discipline.
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 any related field from a recognized institution is required.
A PhD qualification would be considered a significant asset for this role.
Membership in recognized professional organizations or attainment of relevant professional certifications is required.
A postgraduate degree in Strategic and Project Management, Planning, Proposal Writing/Administration, Governance, or Human Rights is required.
Membership in a pertinent professional organization is required.
A recognized institution must offer a strategic leadership or management course, with a minimum duration of six weeks, culminating in a certificate of completion.
Training in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methodologies or Project Cycle Management methodologies is required.
A minimum of relevant professional experience is essential for consideration.
Held the position of Deputy Director for a minimum of three years.
Twelve years of professional experience, including a minimum of five years in a leadership or supervisory capacity, are required.
Proven expertise and experience with international, regional, and national human rights frameworks and instruments are essential.
Seasoned in devising and spearheading research initiatives from inception to completion.
Accomplished professionals with a proven track record in designing, initiating, and spearheading advocacy and outreach initiatives are encouraged to apply. Demonstrated expertise in developing strategic frameworks and guiding teams through project implementation is required. Successful candidates will bring a minimum of three years of hands-on experience in crafting and executing campaigns that drive community engagement and policy influence.
Functional Skills, Behavioral Competencies, and Personal Attributes:
Candidates must possess proficiency in essential functional skills, demonstrate key behavioral competencies, and exhibit strong personal attributes aligned with the role’s requirements. Functional skills encompass technical expertise and practical knowledge necessary for effective job performance, while behavioral competencies include interpersonal abilities, problem-solving aptitude, and adaptability to dynamic work environments. Personal attributes such as professionalism, integrity, and a collaborative mindset are equally critical to fostering a productive and cohesive team dynamic.
Must possess strong functional skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Ability to analyze data, generate reports, and streamline processes to enhance operational efficiency. Excellent communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. Proven track record of problem-solving and process improvement initiatives. Must be detail-oriented, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Proven capability in assembling and guiding high-performing teams to achieve collective objectives while fostering a collaborative and motivated work environment.
Skilled in developing and implementing research, advocacy, and outreach initiatives with proven expertise in project formulation and execution.
Strategically minded leaders with a proven track record of driving vision and achieving organizational goals through effective planning and execution are strongly encouraged to apply.
Critical thinking and analysis skills are essential for evaluating complex situations, identifying key issues, and developing well-reasoned solutions. Professionals with strong analytical abilities can interpret data effectively, assess risks, and make informed decisions to drive organizational success. These competencies enable individuals to break down problems systematically, challenge assumptions, and contribute innovative strategies in dynamic work environments. Employers highly value candidates who demonstrate proficiency in these areas, as they enhance problem-solving capabilities and support evidence-based decision-making.
Proven ability to analyze complex situations and implement effective solutions under pressure, along with strong capabilities in navigating and resolving urgent challenges efficiently.
Strategic thinking and the implementation of well-defined strategies.
Financial management and budgeting involve overseeing an organization’s financial resources, ensuring accurate tracking of income and expenditures, and developing strategic financial plans to support long-term goals. This role requires proficiency in financial analysis, forecasting, and risk assessment, along with the ability to interpret financial data to inform decision-making. Responsibilities include preparing and monitoring budgets, managing cash flow, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and expertise in financial software are essential, as is the capacity to collaborate with cross-functional teams to align financial strategies with business objectives.
Proficiency in the project management lifecycle and public administration frameworks is essential.
Proficient in IT, possessing practical expertise across diverse software applications, with strong behavioral competencies and key attributes.
Highly proficient in organizational strategies and effective problem-solving techniques, with a demonstrated ability to manage complex tasks and deliver solutions efficiently.
Proficient in both written and verbal communication is essential, ensuring clarity and effectiveness in all interactions.
We seek a candidate with strong interpersonal abilities to foster collaborative relationships and communicate effectively across diverse teams. The ideal applicant must demonstrate proficiency in resolving conflicts, building consensus, and engaging with stakeholders at all levels. Experience in active listening, empathy, and clear articulation of ideas is essential, as is the ability to adapt communication styles to suit different audiences. This role requires someone who can inspire trust, mediate discussions, and maintain positive professional connections in a dynamic work environment.
Alternative Dispute Resolution skills involve expertise in negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and conflict de-escalation techniques to facilitate mutually beneficial outcomes outside traditional courtroom settings. Professionals in this field must possess strong interpersonal communication abilities, emotional intelligence, and the capacity to analyze complex disputes impartially. Key responsibilities include facilitating discussions between conflicting parties, guiding them toward sustainable agreements, and ensuring adherence to ethical standards while maintaining neutrality. Additionally, practitioners must stay informed about evolving legal frameworks and industry best practices to deliver effective resolution strategies tailored to diverse stakeholder needs.
Fulfill the stipulations outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.
To apply, submit your application through the designated method outlined below. Ensure all required documents and information are provided as specified to complete the submission process. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid any delays or complications in the evaluation of your application.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA , PhD/Fellowship
Experience Required
3 years
