The British High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya, is seeking applications for the role of Regional Crisis Adviser (East and West Africa). This is an Executive Officer (EO) level position within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), under its Consular Roles category.
This opportunity provides an important platform for a professional interested in crisis management and international engagement to contribute to the UK’s efforts in safeguarding its citizens and interests abroad. The role offers a permanent appointment with significant responsibilities in crisis preparedness, response, and improvement across the Sub-Saharan Africa region, specifically East and West Africa.
The position will be based in Nairobi, but it requires frequent regional travel to various British Embassies and High Commissions. The selected candidate will be an integral part of the Sub-Saharan Africa Consular and Crisis leadership team and will work closely with crisis management experts, consular staff, and senior leadership across multiple countries.
Main Purpose of the Job
UK diplomatic posts overseas are often at the frontline of government response during crises affecting British nationals and broader UK interests. The Regional Crisis Adviser plays a pivotal role in ensuring that British Embassies and High Commissions are adequately prepared to respond to various crisis scenarios.
The primary objective is to strengthen the resilience of posts by equipping them with effective crisis management plans, delivering relevant training, and offering expert support. The Adviser will act as a champion of FCDO’s crisis management methodology and work closely with the Crisis Management Department in London, regional crisis leads, and consular staff in Africa.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Regional Crisis Adviser will cover East and West Africa as one of two crisis specialists for Sub-Saharan Africa (the other based in Cape Town). The role includes the following key responsibilities:
Crisis Preparedness and Risk Management
- Develop and implement a coherent approach to crisis management across British diplomatic posts in East and West Africa.
- Support crisis preparedness efforts by identifying risks, tracking vulnerabilities, and helping posts strengthen their crisis response mechanisms.
- Provide high-quality guidance and training in line with the policies and frameworks set by the Crisis Management Department (CMD).
Crisis Response
- Deliver timely support and advice to posts experiencing or approaching crises to ensure the most effective and coordinated response.
- Act as a trusted adviser to Embassies or High Commissions during crisis situations, ensuring alignment with UK government standards.
Crisis Improvement
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of crisis risks within the region.
- Review and assure the quality of crisis management plans (CMPs) prepared by posts.
- Highlight risks and provide feedback to CMD and the Consular Regional Director (CRD).
- Incorporate lessons from past crises and exercises into regional preparedness strategies.
- Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to enhance risk assessment and early warning mechanisms.
Network and Post Support
- Prioritise posts requiring the most urgent crisis preparedness support based on risk assessments.
- Act as an expert adviser to Crisis Management Committees within Embassies and High Commissions.
- Encourage whole-of-mission approaches that integrate all departments in crisis planning and preparedness.
Quality Assurance
- Guide and support overseas posts in the development and refinement of their CMPs.
- Ensure consistency and quality across plans while incorporating local knowledge and context.
- Work with CMD’s Preparedness and Risk Team to identify gaps in capacity and capability and to recommend appropriate corrective measures.
Training and Exercising
- Deliver crisis management training across the region using the latest learning methods and training materials.
- Identify skill gaps in crisis response and collaborate with CMD to address them.
- Coordinate and deliver regional exercises and participate in international training events.
- Support managers in promoting the completion of crisis learning modules provided by the International Academy.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Develop and maintain relationships with host country and regional crisis management bodies.
- Build networks with senior leadership at posts and provide constructive feedback to enhance preparedness.
Lessons Learned
- Participate in post-crisis evaluations to ensure lessons learned are captured, shared, and applied across the region.
- Contribute to embedding best practices in CMPs and operational procedures.
Crisis Management Portal
- Serve as a champion for the Crisis IT system, CM Portal.
- Ensure regional staff maintain access and are up to date on using the system effectively.
Crisis Response Collaboration
- Work in close partnership with CMD and the CRD to advise and support posts during active crises.
- Provide on-the-ground presence and expertise during significant events when required.
Corporate Responsibilities
- Contribute up to 10 percent of time to corporate duties within the British High Commission Nairobi.
- Support crisis preparedness efforts specific to Kenya.
- Participate in people-centred committees to strengthen the internal workplace culture of the High Commission.
Resources Managed
The role includes responsibility for managing a regional travel budget. While the position does not directly manage staff, it requires working with senior officials, crisis managers, and consular officers across multiple posts.
Location and Travel
The position will be based at the British High Commission in Nairobi. The Adviser will, however, be required to travel frequently across East and West Africa to engage directly with staff, assess crisis preparedness, and deliver training. Travel will be prioritised based on assessed risks and post needs.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a monthly base salary of KES 280,165.78. This amount is subject to statutory tax and other legal deductions. Additional benefits include access to learning and development opportunities through FCDO’s International Academy Consular and Crisis faculty.
Employees recruited locally are subject to the terms and conditions of service established under Kenyan employment law. Applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in Kenya without requiring a work permit.
Working Hours and Conditions
The position entails 36.25 working hours per week, exclusive of lunch breaks. Standard office hours apply, though flexibility will be necessary to accommodate travel and crisis response needs. Office space will be provided at the British High Commission in Nairobi.
Application Process
The application deadline is 30 September 2025. The successful candidate is expected to start on 3 November 2025.
All applications must be submitted through the official platform provided. Applicants are required to complete the application form in full as the information will be used during the screening process. Once submitted, no changes can be made.
Reference checks and security clearances will be conducted for successful candidates. Appointment will be subject to satisfactory completion of these procedures.
Applicants are advised that the British High Commission does not request any form of payment or fee for applications.
Candidates who are unsuccessful but assessed as appointable may be placed on a reserve list for up to six months. Should a similar role become available during this period, it may be offered to those on the reserve list.
Additional Information
Applicants should ensure that their submissions reflect their personal experiences and professional journey. While AI tools may be used to support formatting or ensure keyword relevance, the core content of applications must be authentic and original. Plagiarised or inauthentic submissions will result in disqualification.
More details about the Civil Service Success Profiles, including behavioural and technical competencies, are available on the UK Government website.
Conclusion
The Regional Crisis Adviser (East and West Africa) is a strategically significant role within the British High Commission in Nairobi. It offers an opportunity to influence crisis preparedness and response across multiple countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The role requires resilience, strong leadership, and the ability to deliver high-quality guidance in complex and challenging environments.
Applicants with the skills and experience to contribute to crisis management and consular effectiveness across the region are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
