The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has announced new employment opportunities for qualified professionals seeking to contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights in Kenya. The Commission is inviting applications for three permanent and pensionable positions based in Nyahururu, Nairobi, and Kisumu.
Established under Article 59 of the Constitution of Kenya and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act, 2011, KNCHR is an independent constitutional commission mandated to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms across the country. The Commission carries out its work through research, investigations, advocacy, legal services, regional outreach, and corporate support functions. Its offices are located in Nairobi, Wajir, Kitale, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nyahururu.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications through the KNCHR online recruitment portal before the application deadline.
The available vacancies are outlined below.
- Assistant Director Regional Services – KNCHR 4 (Job Group Q) (Re-advertisement)
Reference: KNCHR/ADRS/01/07/2026
Duty Station: Nyahururu
Employment Type: Permanent and Pensionable
Reports To:
- Director Regional Services (Programmatic Functions)
- Director Corporate Services (Finance, Human Resource and Administration Functions)
Direct Reports:
- Senior Regional Services Officers
- Regional Officers
Indirect Reports:
- Regional Officers
Gross Salary:
- Kshs. 205,850 per month
Other Benefits:
- Medical cover
- Group Life Insurance
- WIBA
Job Purpose
The Assistant Director Regional Services is responsible for providing leadership in the development, coordination and implementation of regional human rights programmes, policies, standards and operational strategies that support the realization of the Commission’s constitutional mandate.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Managerial and Supervisory Responsibilities
- Provide technical input in developing regional office work plans and budgets.
- Facilitate the implementation of regional human rights programmes and activities.
- Provide technical guidance in identifying and profiling region-specific human rights concerns.
- Guide the development of appropriate interventions to address emerging human rights issues.
- Oversee implementation of Commission strategies, policies, procedures and operational standards within the regional office.
- Coordinate regional human resource, finance and administrative functions.
- Initiate and manage strategic partnerships with government agencies and non-state actors.
- Review activity requests within the grants management system.
- Supervise processing of complaints and investigations within the regional office.
- Facilitate monitoring and evaluation of regional programmes.
- Support development of proposals and concepts for resource mobilization.
- Represent the Commission in committees addressing emerging regional human rights issues.
- Supervise planning and implementation of regional office work programmes.
- Provide technical input in reviewing laws, policies and preparation of advisories.
Operational Responsibilities
- Compile quarterly, bi-annual and annual regional progress reports.
- Organize staff and set performance targets to promote accountability and quality service delivery.
- Guide screening and complaints processing activities.
- Review case files within the complaints management system.
- Review work plans to ensure alignment with approved activities and outputs.
- Supervise field investigations and rapid response activities.
- Conduct research and surveys relating to reported human rights violations.
- Develop mechanisms to minimize systemic human rights violations within the region.
- Lead visits and inspections of places of detention.
- Monitor and evaluate regional human rights programmes.
- Conduct public inquiries into systemic human rights violations.
- Facilitate public awareness forums on human rights.
- Supervise regional capacity-building programmes for state and non-state actors.
- Support development of funding proposals and resource mobilization initiatives.
- Deliver presentations and technical advice during high-level meetings with government and development partners.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Anthropology, Criminology, Political Science, Sociology, Law, Peace Building/Conflict Management, Development Studies, International Relations and Diplomacy or an equivalent qualification with seven (7) years of experience.
OR
- Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Anthropology, Criminology, Political Science, Sociology, Law, Peace Building/Conflict Management, Development Studies, International Relations and Diplomacy or an equivalent qualification with five (5) years of experience.
In addition, applicants must possess:
- Certificate in Human Rights, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Investigations or Project Planning.
- Senior Management Course certificate lasting not less than four weeks from the Kenya School of Government or equivalent institution.
- Certificate in Computer Application Skills.
- Compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity.
- Demonstrated merit and strong work performance.
Professional Membership
- Membership with the Law Society of Kenya (for advocates).
Required Competencies
- Leadership skills
- Communication skills
- Negotiation skills
- Analytical skills
- Supervisory skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Conflict resolution skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Research & Compliance Officer
Reference: KNCHR/RC/02/07/2026
Duty Station: Nairobi (with occasional travel)
Employment Type: Permanent and Pensionable
Grade:
- KNCHR 6
Reports To:
- Deputy Director, Research & Compliance
Gross Salary:
- Kshs. 100,250 per month
Job Purpose
The Research and Compliance Officer is responsible for conducting research on human rights issues to support policy development, legislative reviews, compliance monitoring and implementation of national, regional and international human rights standards.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare and develop research data collection tools and instruments.
- Conduct desk reviews and field research on identified human rights thematic areas.
- Compile research findings and disseminate reports.
- Participate in monitoring and reporting on Kenya’s compliance with regional and international human rights treaties and conventions.
- Support monitoring of the rights of persons with disabilities.
- Participate in reviewing policies and legislation to ensure compliance with human rights standards.
- Develop advisories for submission to relevant stakeholders.
- Support stakeholder engagement activities related to human rights research and compliance.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
- Must be admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
- At least one (1) year post-admission relevant experience in a reputable organization.
- Certificate in Computer Application Skills.
- Knowledge and experience in research methodologies.
- Must meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity.
- Regional Services Officer – Western Regional Office
Reference: KNCHR/ADM/RSO/03/07/2026
Duty Station: Kisumu (with occasional travel)
Employment Type:
- Permanent and Pensionable
Reports To:
- Assistant Director/Regional Coordinator
Gross Salary:
- Kshs. 100,250 per month
Job Purpose
The Regional Services Officer provides legal support services and implements region-specific human rights programmes aimed at promoting access to justice and addressing human rights violations. The position supports initiatives relating to devolution, citizenship, land rights, security, environmental rights, labour rights, public accountability, minority rights and engagement with cultural and traditional institutions.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Screen complainants and receive inquiries relating to human rights violations.
- Analyze complaints and recommend appropriate action in consultation with the Regional Coordinator.
- Provide legal advice and representation on human rights matters.
- Prepare legal opinions and advisories relating to complaints beyond arbitration.
- Facilitate public education and awareness programmes on human rights.
- Participate in field investigations and legal research relating to reported human rights violations.
- Prepare investigation reports and recommendations.
- Offer legal guidance to complainants on available legal remedies.
- Refer complaints outside the Commission’s mandate to appropriate institutions.
- Prepare acknowledgements and reminders to keep complainants informed on the progress of their cases.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Law from a recognized university.
- Must be admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
- At least one (1) year of relevant experience in a comparable position within a reputable organization.
- Good understanding of human rights and related laws.
- Good research skills.
- Good communication, listening and client management skills.
- Computer literacy.
Application Procedure
Interested and qualified applicants should submit their applications online through the KNCHR Recruitment Portal.
Application Deadline
Monday, 20th July 2026.
Important Information
- KNCHR is committed to fair competition, merit, diversity and equal employment opportunities in accordance with Article 232 of the Constitution.
- Qualified intersex persons, persons with disabilities, marginalized communities and minority groups are encouraged to apply.
- Providing false information or forged documents during the recruitment process is a criminal offence.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be required to submit clearance certificates from the relevant institutions.
- Candidates who previously applied for the position of Assistant Director Regional Services are encouraged to re-apply.
- KNCHR does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process and does not use recruitment agents.
