4 Vacancies Open At Kenya National Commission On Human Rights (KNCHR)

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KNCHR does NOT have recruitment agents and does NOT charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. Report any incident of extortion to KNCHR or to the Police

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is a constitutional body established under Article 59 of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 3 of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act No 14 of 2011 (revised) 2012. It has the core mandate to develop a culture of Human Rights through the promotion and protection of rights and fundamental freedoms in the Republic of Kenya.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is an independent National Human Rights Institution created under Article 59 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and established by the Government of Kenya through an Act of Parliament (the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act, 2011) and in accordance with the United Nations Principles relating to the Status of National Institutions (Paris Principles). KNCHR’s mandate includes furthering the protection and promotion of human rights in Kenya, acting as a watchdog over the Government in the area of human rights, and the provision of Leadership in moving the country towards a human rights respecting state. KNCHR fulfils its human rights mandate through five Directorates including: Complaints and Investigations, Research, Advocacy and Outreach, Legal Services, Regional Services and Corporate Services. The Commission has offices in Nairobi, Wajir, Kitale, Mombasa, Kisumu and Nyahururu.

KNCHR hereby invites applications for the following positions:

DEPUTY DIRECTOR- ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS (ECOSOC) (KNCHR 3/JOB GROUP R) – Open

REF: KNCHR/ADM/ DD, ECOSOC/01/12/2025

Reports to: Director, Research Advocacy and Outreach

Direct reports: Assistant Director(s), Senior ECOSOC Officers, ECOSOC Officers

Duration: 5 Year Contract (Renewable)

Duty Station: Nairobi with occasional travel

Gross Salary: Kshs. 281,950

Other Benefits: Medical cover, Group Life Insurance and WIBA

Job Purpose:

This position is responsible for the provision of leadership in conceptualization, planning and implementation of programmes and activities aimed at the achievement of the commissions’ mandate of enhancing the realization of Economic, Social and Cultural (ECOSOC) rights for all in the Republic of Kenya. The successful candidate will head the ECOSOC Division within the Directorate of Research, Advocacy and Outreach.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conceptualize and formulate strategies and interventions towards the enhancement of the Economic, Social and Cultural rights’ mandate of the commission.
2. Provide leadership in the analytical and strategic direction and planning of the division and oversee the implementation of the Economic, Social and Cultural rights work in the commission.
3. Ensure operationalization of the mandate of the commission to enhance the realization of Economic, Social and Cultural rights.
4. Conduct quality control for all the division material such as publications, reports and advisory briefing papers on Economic, Social and Cultural rights to the public and private actors.
5. Provide overall leadership of the division’s human and financial resources through developing budgets, in accordance with the institution’s financial guidelines and available funds.
6. Supervise and undertake effective monitoring and advising on financial management of the division’s resources.

Operational Responsibilities:

1. Establish, build and maintain ECOSOC related partnerships with relevant stakeholders in the public and private sector in Kenya.
2. Conceptualize and oversee the implementation of projects and activities of the staff in the division in line with the Commission’s strategic goals.
3. Collaborate with other Commission divisions to enhance public awareness and observance by public and private institutions on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
4. Develop and operationalize a framework for the implementation and monitoring of Economic, Social and Cultural rights among public and private institutions.
5. Allocate duties and undertake supervision and performance management of staff in the division to ensure effective implementation of the Commission’s mandate on Economic, Social and Cultural rights and optimal utilization of the resources in the division.
6. Prepare, review and submit work plans, budgets, program and statutory reports on Economic, Social and Cultural rights to the Director, Research, Advocacy and Outreach for approval.
7. Conceptualize and prepare funding proposals for ECOSOC related projects and activities; and oversee the approvals of the division’s expenditure.
8. Undertake mentoring and coaching of officers within the division.

Experience and Minimum Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy, Law, Social Sciences or any other equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
2. Eight (8) years’ experience of which three (3) should be at a senior level with supervisory role in a relevant field.
3. Strategic Leadership Development certificate lasting not less than 6 weeks from a recognized institution is mandatory.

Skills and Competencies:

1. Ability to build and lead cohesive teams
2. Experience in conceptualizing and leading ECOSOC interventions
3. Demonstrable knowledge in review of legislation and policy formulation
4. Demonstrable leadership skills
5. Data collection and data analysis skills
6. Legal analysis skills
7. Strategic thinking and execution of strategies
8. Knowledge of the project management cycle and public administration
9. Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
10. Excellent communication (written and oral), interpersonal and negotiation skills
11. Excellent IT skills, with working knowledge for the various packages
12. Meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR- RESEARCH AND COMPLIANCE (KNCHR 3/JOB GROUP R) – Open

REF: KNCHR/ADM/ DDRC/02/12/2025

Reports to: Director, Research, Advocacy and Outreach

Direct reports: Assistant Director(s), Senior Research and Compliance Officers, Research and Compliance Officers

Duration: 5 Year Contract (Renewable)

Duty Station: Nairobi with occasional travel

Gross Salary: Kshs. 281,950

Other Benefits: Medical cover, Group Life Insurance and WIBA

Job Purpose:

This position is responsible for leading and coordinating the development and implementation of policies, procedures, standards, strategies, guidelines and programs in relation to research and State compliance with national, regional and international human rights principles. The successful candidate will head the Research and Compliance Division within the Directorate of Research, Advocacy and Outreach.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate the formulation, implementation and review of the Commission’s research and compliance policies, frameworks, strategies and standards.
2. Provide leadership in the formulation of appropriate strategies for research and dissemination of findings and follow-up on implementation of the recommendations by the Commission.
3. Provide leadership in the development and submission of periodical state of human rights reports and advisories nationally, regionally and internationally.
4. Provide leadership in the review of both existing and proposed legislations and policies to infuse human rights principles and standards.
5. Provide leadership in monitoring, reporting and advising on Kenya’s state of compliance with all key international and regional human rights treaties.
6. Coordinate the participation of the Commission in regional and international human rights for a i.e. African Commission, African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, United Nations treaty body mechanisms, Human Rights Council, engagements with special procedures as well as the regional and global Networks of National Human Rights Institutions.
7. Coordinate the development of monitoring charters on various human rights instruments in relation to concluding observations.
8. Provide leadership in the discharge of the Commission’s role as the monitoring agency under Article 33 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
9. Review and approve divisional outputs and processes.
10. Lead mobilization of resources for the Division’s thematic areas and coordinate the development and  utilization of the division’s budget and reports.
11. Supervise and undertake the implementation of the Commission’s human resource functions in relation to the Research and Compliance Division including performance management.
12. Coordinate timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, annual divisional and other reports.
13. Coordinate the establishment and implementation of strategies to build and sustain Commission  partnerships in line with Divisional mandate.

Operational Responsibilities:

1. Guide the development of concepts, design and implementation of divisional strategies and activities as  prescribed in the strategic plan.
2. Provide technical support and expertise in the design of research tools, methodologies for public inquiries and other concepts that require some level of empirical evidence
3. Provide technical advice and oversee the Commission’s active participation in regional and international human rights fora and its compliance as a National Human Rights Institution
4. Advise on strategies to mainstreaming of disability rights within the Commission’s work practice and across the Republic.
5. Represent the Commission at high level meetings and committees with state and non-state actors.
6. Devise and implement effective communication strategies for information flow between divisional staff and other divisions in the Commission.
7. Provide direction in the development and implementation of divisional work plans in line with Strategic Plan and Directorate vision.
8. Establish and implement strategies to build and sustain Commission partnerships and networks with state and non-state actors in line with Divisional mandate.
9. Review proposals for the mobilization of resources for the Commission’s programs, grant management and reporting.
10. Track division’s budget and expenditure approvals.
11. Manage the division’s resources both financial and personnel to ensure optimal and sustainable delivery of the Commission’s mandate.
12. Coordinate timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, annual divisional, GoK, grants and other reports for accountability of the use of funds.

Experience and Minimum Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in Law, Social sciences or other related fields or related disciplines from a recognized university.
2. Eight (8) years’ experience of which three (3) should be at a senior level with supervisory role in a relevant field.
3. Strategic Leadership Development certificate lasting not less than 6 weeks from a recognized institution is mandatory.

Skills and Competencies

1. Ability to build and lead cohesive teams
2. Demonstrable leadership skills
3. Strategic thinking and execution of strategies
4. Ability to efficiently multitask and effectively manage competing priorities
5. Knowledge of the project management cycle and public administration
6. Experience in conceptualizing and leading research projects
7. Demonstrable knowledge in review of legislation and policy formulation
8. Data collection and data analysis skills
9. Legal analysis skills
10. Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
11. Excellent communication (written and oral), interpersonal and negotiation skills
12. Excellent IT skills, with working knowledge for the various packages
13. Meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.

SENIOR ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS (ECOSOC) OFFICER- Open

REF: KNCHR/ADM/SECOSOCO/03/12/2025

Reports to: Deputy Director – Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Division

Location:  Nairobi with occasional travel

Duration: Permanent and Pensionable

Gross Salary: Kshs. 141,950

Job Purpose:

This position is responsible for the implementation of projects, programs and activities aimed at the achievement of the Commissions’ strategic objective of enhancing the realization of Economic, Social and Cultural rights for all citizens of Kenya.

Operational Responsibilities:

1. Facilitate establishment, management and enhancement of partnerships with human rights actors in order to enhance the Commission’s effectiveness
2. Implement the Commission’s policies, frameworks, procedures, standards, strategies, guidelines and programs on ECOSOC.
3. Develop and design of data collection tools and instruments.
4. Undertake research on topical and emerging human rights issues including collection, analysis  and dissemination of research findings.
5. Prepare periodic human rights reports and publications/ contribute to the participation of the Commission in regional and international human rights fora, as well as National Human Rights Institutions networks through advisories and statements.
6. Monitor, investigate and report on the status of ECOSOC rights in Kenya.
7. Mentoring and coaching of ECOSOC officers, interns and attaches.
8. Prepare work-plans, budget estimates and reports for programmatic activities.

Skills, Experience and Minimum Qualifications

1. 3 years of service in a comparable position from a reputable organization
2. A Bachelor’s Degree in Law, International Relations and Diplomacy, or Social Sciences, or other relevant degree from a recognized university.
3. Knowledge and experience handling human rights matters
4. Demonstrable knowledge in national, regional and international human rights mechanisms and instruments
5. Data collection and data analysis skills
6. Excellent IT skills, with working knowledge for the various packages
7. Meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya

PUBLIC EDUCATION AND TRAINING OFFICER – Open

REF: KNCHR/ADM/PET/04/12/2025

Division: Public Education and Training

Reports to: Deputy Director, Public Education and Training

Grade: KNCHR 6

Location: Nairobi but the officer may be deployed in any Commission Regional Offices

Duration: Permanent and Pensionable

Gross Salary: Kshs. 100,250

Job purpose:

This position is responsible for supporting the delivery of information, education, communication and sensitization to the public, state and non-state actors on human rights issues for the purpose of enhancing promotion and protection of human rights.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Support the implementation public education and training programmes.
2. Develop and disseminate customized human rights information, education, communication and training materials.
3. Take lead in the development of human rights training programmes, manuals, modules and curricula to guide human rights education and training programmes for both formal and informal learning institutions
4. Assist in the organization of the Commission’s divisions’ internal and external forums such as meetings, workshops and trainings for public education and sensitization programmes
5. Promote programme synergy and linkages with both internal and external partners.
6. Create awareness through public forums and by use of print, social and electronic media.
7. Generate progress reports on education and training programs and projects.
8. Provide administrative support to the implementation of human rights projects for the public in line with the strategic plan of the commission.
9. Collect the data that monitors the extent of enjoyment of human rights, standards and principles by the public through feedback on public trainings delivered.
10. Draft activity-based progress reports on all public education and trainings undertaken as well as on all assigned projects for accountability purposes.
11. Assist in the quality control of all human rights training materials for all activities and projects where educational materials are provided to the public in order to ensure they are simple yet comprehensive.

Skills, Experience and Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in Political science, Sociology or Statistics, or other equivalent social sciences Degree from a recognized institution.
2. At least 1 year of relevant experience in a comparable position from a reputable organization.
3. Demonstrable experience in conducting actual public training programmes for members of the public
4. Demonstrable  experience in  mobilizing members of the public to attend sensitization/awareness sessions on diverse subjects
5. Demonstrable experience in conducting actual awareness sessions to diverse audiences
6. Experience in developing relevant educative short messages either for the mainstream media or for the social media audiences aimed at raising their awareness on subjects of public concern.
7. Demonstrable facilitation skills 
8. Good presentation and public speaking skills
9. Skills in organizing and facilitating public forums in open public spaces
10. Good understanding of human rights and other relevant laws.
11. Good communication and research skills.
12. Excellent Microsoft office tools skills.
13. Meet the requirement of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.

If you are interested and possess the above qualifications, please apply online through the KNCHR recruitment portal by COB Thursday 18th December 2025.

The KNCHR is committed to implementing the provisions of the Constitution – Chapter 232 (1) on fair competition and merit, representation of Kenya’s diverse communities and affording equal employment opportunities to men, women of all ethnic groups and persons with disabilities. Therefore, qualified intersex persons, persons with disabilities, persons from marginalized communities and the minority groups are encouraged to apply.

PLEASE NOTE:

-It is a criminal offence to provide any false information and documents in the application.

-Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

-Only shortlisted candidates will be advised to submit clearance certificates from the various institutions. 

–KNCHR does NOT have recruitment agents and does NOT charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. Report any incident of extortion to KNCHR or to the Police.

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