The British High Commission in Kenya is inviting applications for the position of Office Manager to support the National Crime Agency (NCA) International Liaison Officer (ILO) based in Nairobi. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the United Kingdom’s global security agenda by supporting the fight against serious and organised crime. The NCA serves as the UK’s lead agency responsible for addressing criminal networks involved in narcotics trafficking, organised immigration crime, online child sexual exploitation and abuse, and other transnational threats.
The International Liaison Officer in Nairobi works closely with Kenyan law enforcement partners, facilitating cooperation between the UK and Kenya on criminal matters that have a direct or indirect impact on the UK. This involves operational coordination, information sharing, capacity development, and strategic engagement in line with NCA objectives. The Office Manager plays a central role in ensuring that the ILO team operates efficiently through robust administrative, financial, and project management support.
The position operates within the British High Commission Nairobi, which hosts multiple UK government departments working collaboratively to strengthen diplomatic ties, enhance security partnerships, and contribute to Kenya’s development priorities. The Office Manager will operate in a dynamic and structured diplomatic environment that requires professionalism, discretion, cultural awareness, and strong coordination skills. This long-form job advertisement outlines the scope, responsibilities, and expectations of the role in detail, offering potential applicants clear insight into the nature of the position.
Overview of the Role
The Office Manager’s primary purpose is to ensure the effective delivery of NCA objectives by providing comprehensive administrative, financial, logistical, and project management support to the International Liaison Officers. The successful candidate will be expected to perform supervisory duties, oversee operational requirements, maintain accurate financial records, and support critical programmes that influence national and international security outcomes.
Administrative and Logistical Support
The Office Manager will be expected to support the daily administrative requirements of the International Liaison Officers. Tasks within this responsibility include:
• Coordinating programme activities and engagements scheduled for the ILO team
• Preparing meeting notes, drafted communications, and official correspondence
• Supporting bilateral learning initiatives between the UK and Kenyan law enforcement institutions
• Organising meetings, workshops, briefings, and collaborative sessions with external partners
• Ensuring that administrative systems remain functional, structured, and updated
• Maintaining relationships with host nation partners and key stakeholders relevant to NCA operations
• Handling routine office needs to support operational continuity
This administrative support forms the backbone of the ILO’s overall effectiveness, allowing the office to respond efficiently to operational demands and programme requirements. The Office Manager must maintain an organised workflow, demonstrate attention to detail, and ensure that communication processes remain consistent and well-documented.
Financial Management Responsibilities
The Office Manager will play an important role in supporting the financial operations of the NCA team in Nairobi. The portfolio includes budgets in excess of £1 million, requiring accuracy, compliance, and consistent oversight. Responsibilities include:
• Assisting the ILOs in developing financial plans, forecasts, and annual budgets
• Monitoring expenditure across multiple cost centres
• Tracking financial commitments and ensuring cost-effectiveness
• Maintaining accounting records in line with NCA financial procedures
• Preparing financial returns and periodic expenditure reports for senior managers in the UK
• Ensuring full compliance with NCA and British High Commission financial guidelines
• Supporting value-for-money processes during procurement or contract engagements
Strong financial discipline is an essential component of the role. The Office Manager must demonstrate structured thinking, analytical skills, and a clear understanding of financial management practices. Ensuring that expenditure remains aligned with project requirements and organisational policies will be an ongoing responsibility.
Project Management and Programme Coordination
Capacity building forms a major part of the NCA’s engagement in Kenya. The Office Manager will use project management skills to coordinate these programmes effectively. Responsibilities within this area include:
• Managing programme timelines and ensuring that key milestones are achieved
• Monitoring project scope, schedule, and deliverables through structured processes
• Coordinating with contractors, external consultants, and partner agencies involved in programme activities
• Assessing project risks and developing appropriate mitigation strategies
• Documenting programme activities and maintaining accurate project records
• Ensuring that capacity building initiatives remain within budget and aligned with NCA objectives
• Supporting monitoring and evaluation processes where applicable
The Office Manager must demonstrate a strong understanding of project management principles, the ability to coordinate multiple components, and the capacity to track progress against planned outcomes. Effective communication with stakeholders is essential to ensure smooth project execution.
Operational and Investigative Support
The role may involve supporting sensitive and high-priority operational matters connected to serious and organised crime investigations. Responsibilities include:
• Providing administrative and coordination support for operational tasks
• Handling sensitive or confidential information with the highest level of integrity
• Reviewing open-source information to support ILO tasks
• Preparing briefings, summaries, and structured notes for the ILO team
• Ensuring operational files and documentation are securely maintained
This aspect of the role requires a high level of discretion, reliability, and awareness of legal and ethical obligations. The Office Manager may be required to work outside standard hours when operations necessitate additional support.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The Office Manager will be responsible for supervising one Country Based Staff member, the NCA Driver/Assistant. Duties include:
• Assigning tasks in alignment with operational needs
• Monitoring task completion and overall performance
• Providing guidance, feedback, and problem-solving support
• Addressing operational or performance-related issues promptly
• Reporting performance in accordance with established FCDO policies
• Ensuring that the supervised staff member contributes effectively to the NCA’s objectives
This supervisory responsibility requires leadership, communication skills, and the ability to cultivate a productive working relationship with team members.
Required Behaviours
The British High Commission has outlined the following behavioural expectations for the role:
• Communicating and influencing
• Making effective decisions
• Managing a quality service
• Working together
These behaviours guide the professional conduct expected of all employees within the UK Civil Service operating overseas.
Position Details
• Application deadline: 2 January 2026
• Grade: Executive Officer (EO)
• Type of position: Permanent
• Working hours: 36.25 hours per week
• Region: Africa
• Country: Kenya
• Duty station: Nairobi
• Type of Post: British High Commission
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Salary: KES 287,426.47 per month (subject to tax and statutory deductions)
• Expected start date: 2 March 2026
Qualifications
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail
• Excellent persuasion, guidance, and negotiation skills
• Good IT skills, with the ability to analyse data using Microsoft Office
• High levels of discretion and integrity
• Flexibility to work or travel outside regular hours when operationally required
Application Process
The Office Manager position at the British High Commission Nairobi offers a unique opportunity for a skilled professional to contribute to the advancement of the UK’s international security objectives. The role requires an individual capable of handling complex administrative coordination, financial oversight, project management, and supervisory duties within a diplomatic environment that demands efficiency, professionalism, and discretion. With its diverse responsibilities ranging from operational support to stakeholder engagement, the role provides a platform for meaningful contribution to global crime prevention and international law enforcement collaboration.
