The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Nairobi serves as Norway’s diplomatic mission to Kenya, Somalia, and Seychelles, as well as its permanent delegation to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT). Through its work, the Embassy represents and advances Norway’s foreign policy objectives, supporting cooperation in areas such as political and economic relations, sustainable development, peacebuilding, environmental protection, and humanitarian response. The Embassy also offers consular services to Norwegian nationals and manages migration-related matters for non-nationals.
Currently, there are 35 employees at the Embassy, including those stationed at the Norwegian Embassy Office in Mogadishu, Somalia.
The Embassy of Norway in Nairobi invites applications for a permanent position as Programme Officer/Programme Manager within its Development Team. This position will be available starting November 2025. The successful candidate will contribute to Norway’s efforts in advancing development cooperation across Kenya and Somalia, focusing on democracy, good governance, economic reform, stabilization, climate, conflict mitigation, and human rights.
Role Overview
The Programme Officer/Programme Manager will play a central role in the planning, administration, and oversight of development cooperation projects. Working closely with other Embassy staff, government counterparts, and international partners, the incumbent will ensure that programmes are implemented effectively and that Norway’s development priorities are advanced through efficient grant management and strategic engagement.
This position requires a dynamic individual capable of handling complex project management tasks, representing Norwegian interests in diverse forums, and contributing to informed decision-making in the Embassy’s development initiatives.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Grant Management and Programme Oversight
The Programme Officer/Programme Manager will be responsible for the administration and follow-up of grants and development cooperation projects. This includes:
- Monitoring and following up on ongoing projects, programmes, and funds to ensure they are implemented in line with Embassy agreements and objectives.
- Reviewing and assessing funding applications, project reports, budgets, and financial and audit reports to ensure compliance with Norwegian standards.
- Preparing funding decisions, drafting agreements, and coordinating the necessary approval processes within the Embassy’s internal framework.
- Commissioning and managing independent evaluations, audits, and project reviews to assess effectiveness and impact.
- Conducting periodic field visits to monitor project progress, verify outcomes, and engage with implementing partners and beneficiaries.
2. Representation and Coordination
The incumbent will represent the Embassy and Norway’s interests in various coordination and partnership platforms, ensuring active and constructive participation in relevant forums. Responsibilities include:
- Representing Norway in meetings and discussions with Kenyan and Somali government authorities, international organizations, development partners, and civil society stakeholders.
- Engaging in dialogue with key partners to promote Norway’s policies, principles, and strategic priorities in the region.
- Building and maintaining effective working relationships with implementing partners, donor agencies, and other development actors to foster coordination and alignment.
3. Policy and Reporting Responsibilities
The position entails a strong analytical and reporting component. The Programme Officer/Programme Manager will:
- Monitor political, security, and socio-economic developments in Kenya and Somalia relevant to the Embassy’s development cooperation portfolio.
- Prepare analytical reports, briefings, and updates on specific thematic areas and project performance.
- Contribute to Embassy policy discussions and strategy formulation related to Norwegian engagement in Kenya and Somalia.
- Provide input into Norway’s broader regional policy dialogue, particularly concerning governance, human rights, and stabilization issues.
4. Thematic Focus Areas
The Embassy’s development cooperation portfolio covers a wide range of sectors, including governance, democratization, human rights, economic reform, climate, and conflict mitigation. The Programme Officer/Programme Manager will:
- Contribute to programme development and implementation within these thematic areas.
- Ensure that cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, human rights, and environmental sustainability are integrated into all supported programmes.
- Liaise with partners and beneficiaries to promote inclusive and participatory approaches in project design and implementation.
5. Partner Relations and Multilateral Engagement
The position involves close collaboration with both multilateral institutions and civil society organizations. The incumbent will:
- Manage relationships with international partners, ensuring transparency and accountability in all cooperation frameworks.
- Liaise with UN agencies, international financial institutions, and regional bodies engaged in development efforts in Somalia and Kenya.
- Coordinate activities and share knowledge with other donor missions and partners operating in similar thematic areas.
6. Internal Coordination and Teamwork
Within the Embassy, the Programme Officer/Programme Manager will work as part of the development team and contribute to the overall coherence of the Embassy’s programmes and activities. This includes:
- Collaborating closely with other team members to ensure complementarity between various projects and initiatives.
- Providing technical support and guidance on project management and reporting.
- Contributing to internal discussions and meetings regarding programme planning, evaluation, and strategic direction.
7. Adaptability and Flexibility
The Embassy’s work environment is dynamic and often requires flexibility in roles and responsibilities. The Head of Mission may adjust assigned duties based on organizational needs. Structural changes within the foreign service mission may also influence the scope of work.
Personal Attributes
The position requires a motivated, disciplined, and analytical professional with strong interpersonal skills. The following personal attributes are essential for success:
- Strong organizational and coordination abilities, with attention to detail and accuracy in managing complex processes.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality reports and analysis.
- A proactive, self-driven attitude, capable of working independently and demonstrating initiative.
- Team-oriented mindset, with the ability to contribute effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
- Analytical capacity to assess complex political, social, and economic data, and to formulate sound conclusions and recommendations.
- Flexibility to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and adjust to shifting priorities.
- High respect for cultural diversity and sensitivity in dealing with a wide range of stakeholders and partners.
- Capacity to build professional relationships, establish networks, and represent Norwegian interests with integrity and professionalism.
Employment Details
The position is based in Nairobi under a local contract. The selected candidate will be employed as a Programme Officer, with competitive remuneration aligned with local standards. The Embassy offers a professional working environment with access to insurance and pension schemes, as well as opportunities for professional growth within the Embassy’s development team.
The Programme Officer/Programme Manager will report directly to the Head of Cooperation and will work closely with colleagues engaged in development cooperation, political affairs, and administration.
The position provides a unique opportunity to contribute to Norway’s long-standing commitment to sustainable development and peacebuilding in Kenya and Somalia. The role is particularly suited for professionals with experience in international development and an interest in governance, humanitarian affairs, and socio-economic reform.
Application Procedure
Applications should be submitted no later than 10 November 2025. Interested candidates are requested to send their applications to [email protected] and clearly mark the email subject as “Application PO”.
Applications must include the following:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A brief cover letter summarizing professional experience and motivation for applying.
- A minimum of three professional references, including names and contact details.
For further information regarding the position or specific questions related to the scope of work, interested applicants may contact:
- Camilla Ravnsborg Aschjem, Head of Cooperation – email: [email protected]
- Geir Arne Schei, Deputy Head of Mission – email: [email protected]
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Conclusion
The Embassy of Norway in Nairobi continues to play an instrumental role in advancing Norway’s international development priorities within East Africa, particularly in Kenya and Somalia. Through its partnership-based approach, the Embassy fosters sustainable governance systems, equitable economic growth, and the protection of human rights.
The Programme Officer/Programme Manager position offers an opportunity to contribute directly to these efforts by ensuring effective management of Norway’s development programmes and maintaining strong relationships with national and international partners.
Qualified and motivated individuals with the necessary skills and experience are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
