The Royal Danish Embassy in Nairobi is seeking to recruit a Programme Staff – Trade and Development to join its Regional, Refugee and Humanitarian Team. The successful candidate will play a central role in the Embassy’s efforts to strengthen Denmark’s development cooperation and economic diplomacy in East Africa.
This position offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Embassy’s strategic objectives within the realms of trade, private sector engagement, and sustainable development. It provides a dynamic professional environment where trade policy expertise meets developmental impact, focusing on initiatives that promote job creation, economic growth, and inclusive trade across Africa.
As a key member of the Embassy’s Regional, Refugee and Humanitarian Team, the Programme Staff will help implement the Danish Strategy for Development Cooperation, particularly in advancing Denmark’s priorities on economic growth, private sector development, and regional trade. The role further aligns with the Danish Action Plan for Economic Diplomacy, which seeks to integrate development cooperation with broader economic and trade initiatives.
The appointed candidate will act as the Embassy’s focal point on trade policy across Africa, particularly within the East African region, while overseeing programmes designed to enhance inclusive trade and private sector growth. This includes managing Denmark’s Sustainable and Inclusive Trade in Africa (SITA) programme, which promotes equitable economic opportunities and stronger trade relations across the continent.
Organisation: The Royal Danish Embassy, Nairobi
Type of Employment: Full-time, 3-year local contract (with possibility of extension)
Location: 13 Runda Drive, Runda, Nairobi
Application Deadline: 27 October 2025
Starting Date: Subject to security clearanc
Job Description
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The Programme Staff – Trade and Development will take on a diverse portfolio of duties, requiring both strong technical expertise and excellent coordination skills. The key responsibilities include:
- Trade Policy and Development Engagement
- Serve as the Embassy’s primary focal point for trade-related matters, including trade policy, trade agreements, and trade relations across Kenya, East Africa, and the wider African continent.
- Engage with regional and international trade dynamics involving Africa and global partners such as Europe and China.
- Provide analytical input and advice on the intersection of trade, private sector engagement, and economic development in alignment with Denmark’s development cooperation priorities.
- Programme Implementation and Management
- Lead the implementation of Denmark’s Sustainable and Inclusive Trade in Africa (SITA) programme, focusing on East Africa.
- Manage the full programme cycle, including administrative, financial, and performance aspects.
- Maintain continuous dialogue with implementing partners, particularly TradeMark Africa, and coordinate with other donors and stakeholders.
- Ensure proper monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of programme activities in compliance with Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs guidelines.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination
- Build and actively maintain a robust network of stakeholders in the fields of trade, private sector development, and economic policy.
- Collaborate with key institutions such as government departments, regional organisations (EAC, AU), development partners, business associations, civil society, think tanks, and research bodies.
- Strengthen coordination between the Embassy’s trade and development efforts, ensuring alignment with broader Danish economic diplomacy initiatives.
- Policy and Strategic Input
- Contribute analytical briefs, policy notes, and strategic recommendations to guide Embassy decision-making on trade and development.
- Support the Embassy’s participation in regional and international trade forums and donor coordination mechanisms, including EU-led Global Gateway initiatives.
- Provide inputs to high-level Embassy reports and ministerial communications.
- Programme Oversight and Compliance
- Ensure full compliance at all stages of programme implementation, including procurement, financial management, and closure of engagements.
- Uphold transparency and accountability in the management of development cooperation resources.
- Ensure timely preparation of project reports and financial statements in accordance with Embassy procedures.
- Support to Embassy-Wide Functions
- Collaborate with other Embassy teams to integrate trade policy insights across programming areas such as humanitarian assistance, governance, and economic development.
- Contribute to Embassy communication and public diplomacy efforts related to trade, private sector development, and economic policy.
- Participate in field visits to project sites and assist in preparations for high-level official visits.
- Provide back-up support to colleagues and contribute to cross-cutting initiatives within the Embassy.
Education and Desired Experience
- Master’s degree in economics, political or social science, international relations, business, trade, or a related field.
- At least five years of relevant work experience, preferably in areas related to trade, economic development, or development cooperation.
- Proven experience in programme management, including financial and administrative management, results-based management, and monitoring and evaluation.
- Demonstrated experience in collaborating with international partners or donor organisations.
- Strong understanding of the relationship between economic development, job creation, investment, and private sector growth.
- Deep knowledge of trade policy frameworks in East Africa, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), East African Community (EAC) policies, and the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
- Experience in preparing analytical briefs and policy documents, and in contributing to institutional strategic priorities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and the ability to adapt quickly to new IT systems.
Skills, Knowledge and Attributes
The ideal candidate will possess the following professional and personal competencies:
- Ability to work efficiently in a dynamic environment with multiple tasks and frequent interruptions.
- Proactive, adaptable, and willing to engage and learn continuously.
- Strong interest in policy-oriented work within a diplomatic or political organisation.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively under pressure.
- Capacity for independent and structured work, demonstrating attention to detail and focus on results.
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across diverse professional and cultural contexts.
- Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, in English, and the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Knowledge of Danish funding frameworks, administrative procedures, and compliance standards is considered an advantage.
Employment Conditions
The successful candidate will be employed under local terms and conditions in accordance with the regulations for local staff at the Royal Danish Embassy in Nairobi.
Employment is contingent upon a successful security clearance from the relevant Danish authorities.
Key conditions include:
- Full-time employment (37 hours per week) with flexibility in organising daily work schedules.
- Initial three-year contract, with the possibility of extension based on performance and operational needs.
- 25 days of paid annual leave.
- Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications, experience, and performance.
- Inclusion in a workplace pension scheme.
- Reasonable health coverage for the employee and eligible dependents.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the Fuzu recruitment platform via the link below:
https://www.fuzu.com/kenya/jobs/programme-staff-trade-and-development-the-royal-danish-embassy
The email subject should read: Programme Staff – Trade and Development
Please note:
- Applications must be submitted no later than 27 October 2025.
- Only applications submitted through the Fuzu platform and in the requested format will be considered.
- Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- Any form of canvassing will result in automatic disqualification.
Shortlisted applicants will be required to provide a “No Criminal Record” certificate and undergo a security clearance prior to appointment.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Embassy of Denmark is committed to the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of race, gender, religion, age, or disability.
About the Royal Danish Embassy in Nairobi
The Royal Danish Embassy in Nairobi represents Denmark in Kenya, Seychelles, Eritrea, Mauritius, and Malawi, as well as Denmark’s Permanent Representation to the United Nations in Nairobi. It also hosts the Danish Representation Office to Somalia.
The Embassy manages Denmark’s development and stabilisation cooperation with Kenya and monitors political and economic developments across the region. It plays an instrumental role in implementing Denmark’s foreign policy priorities in areas such as climate action, green growth, human rights, democracy, and gender equality.
Under the Kenya Strategic Cooperation Framework (2021–2025), the Embassy focuses on climate change, inclusive governance, healthcare equity, women’s empowerment, and regional economic integration. Additionally, it works to enhance trade relations between Denmark and Kenya and strengthen Denmark’s support for regional cooperation in East Africa.
With approximately 90 employees—including 25 officials from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs—the Embassy is recognised for its dynamic, collaborative, and professional work environment that fosters innovation and excellence in diplomacy, development, and trade engagement.
