The United States Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, invites applications from eligible and qualified individuals for three Project Management Specialist (Humanitarian Assistance – Programming) positions within the Foreign Assistance Office. These dynamic roles are open to all interested applicants and will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, supporting U.S. government-funded humanitarian assistance programming focused on Sudan.
These are locally employed (LE) staff positions and come with a competitive salary, full-time work schedule, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in humanitarian assistance programming across the region.
Introduction
Humanitarian crises continue to disrupt lives across the globe, and Sudan has remained a focal point for emergency response, requiring coordinated and strategic humanitarian assistance. In line with its commitment to humanitarian values and international development, the U.S. Department of State (DoS), through its Foreign Assistance programs, provides substantial aid and technical support to address food insecurity, displacement, and public health challenges in the region.
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi plays a central role in implementing these critical programs. To strengthen its capacity, the Embassy is seeking talented and experienced professionals to join its team as Project Management Specialists (HA – Programming). This role is crucial to ensuring the effective oversight, design, monitoring, and execution of humanitarian aid programs, many of which are implemented in partnership with host government entities, multilateral organizations, and non-governmental actors.
This position is ideal for individuals with a strong background in humanitarian programming, project management, and inter-agency collaboration who are passionate about making a difference.
Position Overview
Position Title: Project Management Specialist (HA – Programming)
Vacancy Number: Nairobi-2025-016
Agency: Embassy Nairobi, Foreign Assistance Office
Grade Level: LE-1550-11
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Salary Range: KES 5,676,423 – KES 9,649,886 per year
Promotion Potential: LE-11
Number of Positions Available: 3
Telework Eligible: No
Appointment Type: Permanent, subject to successful probation
Application Deadline: July 29, 2025
Security Clearance: Public Trust – Background Investigation
Work Permit Required: Yes (applicants must be able to obtain one)
Travel Requirement: Up to 50%, including travel to remote and challenging areas
Summary of Duties
As a Project Management Specialist (HA – Programming), the incumbent will be responsible for a broad range of duties involving the planning, implementation, oversight, and reporting of U.S. government humanitarian assistance programs focused on Sudan. The position supports a team-oriented approach to programming and requires collaboration with numerous stakeholders both locally and internationally.
1. Project/Program Management Duties – 50%
This portion of the role focuses on the oversight and execution of various forms of humanitarian assistance programming. The key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the implementation of humanitarian projects to ensure alignment with U.S. government strategic objectives.
- Acting as the primary liaison between U.S. government officials and implementing partners in a designated oversight capacity (COR, GOR, AOR, AM).
- Providing technical guidance and ensuring compliance with award agreements, regulations, and reporting frameworks.
- Supporting program continuity by maintaining close communication with alternate oversight representatives.
- Serving as a subject matter expert, offering guidance and coherence across humanitarian project portfolios.
This function demands the application of advanced program and project management practices, contractual knowledge, and a strong grasp of humanitarian principles.
2. Program Development and Technical Support – 15%
This aspect of the role involves technical input and advisory responsibilities:
- Providing expert input in the design and delivery of food and non-food humanitarian assistance programs.
- Contributing to strategic planning documents such as regional and country-specific strategies, operational plans, and performance reports.
- Supporting the implementation of U.S. foreign assistance strategies through collaborative program design and adaptation.
Candidates are expected to apply their experience in humanitarian sectors including food aid, shelter, sanitation, emergency health, and nutrition.
3. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting – 15%
- Developing and overseeing performance monitoring plans (PMPs) to track and evaluate program effectiveness.
- Conducting site visits and audits to ensure implementing partners are meeting objectives and following quality standards.
- Compiling, analyzing, and interpreting project data to inform programmatic decisions and maintain documentation required under U.S. government rules and regulations.
Deliverables include internal memos, technical reports, dashboards, checklists, and evaluation summaries that demonstrate accountability and results.
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Representation – 15%
- Representing the U.S. government in multi-stakeholder meetings and engagements with donors, host governments, implementing partners, and multilateral agencies.
- Facilitating communities of practice and serving on technical panels and committees to align actions across the humanitarian sector.
- Preparing and delivering presentations that articulate U.S. priorities and program results to diverse audiences.
The role requires frequent coordination across sectors and cultures and contributes to improved synergy and alignment across humanitarian response systems.
5. Financial Oversight and Budget Management – 10%
- Managing project financials, including tracking of funding pipelines, quarterly accruals, and compliance with budgeting regulations.
- Ensuring timely financial reporting and recommending reprogramming where necessary to meet evolving project needs.
The Project Management Specialist is expected to uphold rigorous financial controls and ensure proper use of U.S. government resources.
6. Information Management and Documentation – 10%
- Creating and maintaining files and digital records using Department of State-approved platforms.
- Ensuring comprehensive documentation of oversight activities, correspondence, site visit findings, and key decisions taken throughout the life of the project.
Accuracy and retrievability of data are essential to meet both audit and internal learning requirements.
Required Qualifications and Evaluation Criteria
All candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered for the position:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in public health, agriculture, international relations, project management, or social sciences.
- Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance, including at least one year of relevant work involving U.S. government programs or similar donor-funded activities.
- Language Proficiency:
- English – Level IV (Fluent) in speaking, reading, and writing.
- Arabic – Level III (Good Working Knowledge) in speaking, reading, and writing.
- Knowledge:
- In-depth understanding of project and program management, humanitarian frameworks, U.S. government assistance regulations, and Sudan’s socio-political context.
- Familiarity with UN humanitarian structures and host government institutional procedures.
- Understanding of Islamic cultural contexts is an asset.
- Skills and Abilities:
- Strong analytical, financial management, and communication skills.
- Ability to monitor implementation, evaluate partner performance, and provide clear recommendations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and digital tools for communication and reporting.
Benefits and Other Information
The U.S. Mission offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, which includes:
- Competitive salary
- Paid holidays and leave entitlements
- Health insurance
- Retirement and pension plans (if applicable)
- Professional development and training opportunities
For U.S. citizen Eligible Family Members (USEFMs), additional benefits may apply and will be discussed during the interview or offer process.
Hiring Preference and Additional Notes
Eligible applicants will be given hiring preference according to the following order:
- Appointment Eligible Family Member (AEFM) or USEFM who is a preference-eligible U.S. veteran.
- AEFM / USEFM
- Foreign Service employees on Leave Without Pay (LWOP) and Civil Service employees with reemployment rights.
Applicants claiming preference status must submit appropriate documentation, such as a DD-214 for veterans or SF-50 for federal employees.
Please note:
- Current employees on probation or with less than satisfactory performance ratings are ineligible.
- Applicants must be able to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate and possibly undergo a pre-employment medical exam.
- Candidates must be ready to start work within four weeks of receiving final clearance.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must apply online by clicking the “Apply to This Vacancy” button available on the official job portal. Applications must be submitted no later than July 29, 2025.
To ensure your application is successful:
- Address all qualifications, language requirements, and major duties in your application.
- Upload all necessary documents including university degree certificates, resume, work permit (if applicable), and professional licenses (if required).
You may update your application before the closing date. Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
For technical support or questions, contact:
HR Section
Tel: +254 20 363 6000
Email: [email protected]
About the Mission
The U.S. Mission to Kenya advances American interests by promoting peace, security, and prosperity through partnerships and development cooperation. The Mission engages in extensive bilateral and regional programming and is a central hub for U.S. humanitarian operations in East Africa.
Closing Statement
This is a unique opportunity for qualified professionals to contribute to impactful humanitarian assistance in Sudan through the strategic implementation of U.S. foreign assistance programming. If you have the relevant experience, technical expertise, and a passion for development work, we welcome your application.
Apply now through the official application portal before July 29, 2025.
