The European Union Delegation to Kenya has announced an opportunity for a qualified professional to join its Cooperation Section as a Project Officer in the Green Growth & Livelihoods Team. This position is based in Nairobi and is offered on a fixed-term contract of two years, with the possibility of renewal depending on performance and availability of funding. The post is open to Kenya nationals and residents holding a valid work permit.
This opportunity comes with an engaging scope of work, attractive employment conditions, and the chance to contribute to sustainable development and community resilience initiatives. The European Union, through its Delegations, plays a vital role in promoting diplomacy, trade, sustainable growth, peace, and development cooperation worldwide. Working under the supervision of a Team Leader and in coordination with the Head of Cooperation, the Project Officer will provide technical and policy support across climate adaptation, livelihoods enhancement, environmental resilience, and sustainable natural resource management.
The following sections outline the job details, tasks, and expectations in detail.
About the European Union
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 member states. Through its diplomatic missions, known as EU Delegations, it plays a significant role in shaping international partnerships, advancing peace and security, fostering human rights, supporting sustainable economic growth, and strengthening climate resilience. Globally, the EU operates more than 140 diplomatic missions that serve as bridges of cooperation between the Union and third countries.
In Kenya, the EU Delegation is a key partner in advancing sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. Through initiatives in climate adaptation, food security, peacebuilding, governance, and livelihoods, the EU supports national and local institutions, private sector stakeholders, and communities. The Delegation focuses on promoting initiatives that build resilience and create opportunities, especially in regions affected by environmental and socio-economic challenges.
Position Overview
The EU Delegation is seeking to recruit a Project Officer in the Cooperation Section to serve in the Green Growth & Livelihoods Team.
The workplace is Nairobi, with a fixed-term contract of two years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance. The position is offered under a full-time schedule of 37.5 hours per week within a flexible time regime. Remuneration will follow the established EU Delegation salary scale, with the minimum basic salary starting at 488,752 KES, supplemented by a pension scheme and medical insurance for the employee and eligible family members, subject to certain conditions.
Upon recruitment, the selected candidate will be employed as a Local Agent in Category 1. While the position comes with a defined scope of responsibilities, the specific job description may evolve in line with the Delegation’s needs.
Main Objectives of the Role
The Project Officer will play a central role in promoting sustainable development and resilience-building initiatives within Kenya. The position focuses on strengthening climate adaptation measures, supporting community livelihoods, enhancing peace and cohesion, and building capacities for long-term resilience.
The key objectives include:
- Promoting conflict resolution, peace-building, and social cohesion in communities facing instability.
- Supporting initiatives that improve economic opportunities and livelihoods for populations affected by environmental challenges or social disruptions.
- Engaging with cooperatives, private sector actors, and local businesses to promote sustainable job creation and income generation.
- Contributing to vocational training programs and community-based capacity development.
- Promoting climate change adaptation and mitigation measures to safeguard vulnerable communities.
- Supporting sustainable natural resource management practices to build environmental resilience.
- Facilitating the development and implementation of disaster risk reduction plans and early warning systems.
- Advising on, and managing, projects and programs related to climate adaptation, resilience building, and sustainable livelihoods, particularly through private sector engagement and market systems development.
Detailed Job Description
The position combines three main functional dimensions: Policy Analysis, Programme and Project Management, and Representation and Networking. Each is detailed below.
1. Policy Analysis
The Project Officer will provide technical and policy insights to strengthen the EU Delegation’s engagement in green growth, resilience, and livelihoods.
Key tasks include:
- Supporting policy dialogue with relevant government ministries, agencies, donors, civil society, and other partners on thematic areas of concern.
- Contributing to sector analysis, programming strategies, and the formulation of targeted interventions.
- Observing and monitoring sectoral trends, risks, and opportunities, while providing timely reports and early warnings on potential disputes.
- Preparing technical briefs and background notes to inform Delegation decisions and strategies.
2. Programme, Process, and Project Management
The role involves hands-on project cycle management, ensuring that EU-funded initiatives deliver results effectively and accountably.
Responsibilities include:
- Contributing to programming, identification, and appraisal of new projects in close cooperation with beneficiary institutions in Kenya.
- Drafting Terms of Reference for studies, technical assistance, and procurements.
- Supporting tender processes, including participation in evaluation committees.
- Monitoring project implementation to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
- Reviewing periodic reports, conducting audits, and facilitating technical assistance to partners.
- Coordinating with external experts and consultants to strengthen project delivery.
- Ensuring horizontal integration across projects through networking, joint activities, and knowledge-sharing.
3. Representation, Negotiation, and Participation
As a representative of the EU Delegation, the Project Officer will maintain close working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
Responsibilities in this area include:
- Establishing and maintaining effective contacts with local operators, national authorities, development partners, international organizations, NGOs, and community actors.
- Assisting in organizing and participating in field missions, workshops, and joint activities.
- Supporting the visibility and communication of EU-funded programmes to raise awareness and demonstrate impact.
- Facilitating knowledge exchange, best practices, and lessons learned across sectors.
- Contributing to official missions from EU Headquarters and supporting senior officials during visits.
Required Competencies
The role requires strong technical, analytical, and organizational skills, alongside an ability to build relationships and work in a multicultural environment.
Core competencies include:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Political Science, Economics, Agriculture, Rural Development, Environment, Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, or a related field.
- At least seven years of professional experience in project management, including design, implementation, and evaluation of development projects.
- At least five years of experience in areas such as climate adaptation, drought resilience, community livelihoods, and humanitarian-development nexus programming.
- Knowledge and experience in green job creation, access to finance, climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity conservation, private sector development, and peacebuilding.
- Proven ability to mainstream cross-cutting issues such as gender, youth, environment, human rights, and conflict sensitivity.
- Proficiency in English at level C1 (European CEFR scale).
- Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Personal Qualities
The position calls for individuals who demonstrate integrity, flexibility, and professionalism. Essential personal attributes include:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Capacity to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Effective planning, drafting, and reporting skills.
- Ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy while being accountable to the Team Leader and Head of Cooperation.
Employment Conditions
The selected candidate will be offered:
- A fixed-term contract of two years, renewable subject to performance and availability of resources.
- A competitive salary starting at a basic minimum of 488,752 KES per month, aligned to the EU Delegation’s salary scale.
- A supplementary pension scheme.
- Comprehensive medical insurance coverage for the employee and eligible dependents, subject to conditions.
- Full-time working hours of 37.5 hours per week within a flexible time regime.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare a detailed application highlighting their skills, experience, and suitability for the position. Applications must be submitted through the official EU Delegation Kenya application channel.
