Senior Humanitarian Affairs Adviser 3
International Committee of the Red Cross
- Location:
- Nairobi, Kenya
- Grade:
- C1
- Category:
- Professional Staff
Posted Oct 22, 2026Apply by Nov 6, 2026 (13d left)
See your match score & applyThe Senior Humanitarian Affairs Adviser (SHAA) enables the delegation to understand and influence the wider political and humanitarian environment in Kenya, Tanzania and Djibouti; and conflicts in the region. The SHAA designs and delivers effective diplomatic and policy strategies and leads engagement with national, multilateral and regional stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and analyze political, economic, social, conflict and security developments in Kenya and the region, assessing their humanitarian implications and advising Delegation management
- Develop and maintain strategic stakeholder mapping and high-level networks with government authorities, parliamentarians, diplomatic missions, civil society, NGOs, think tanks and international organizations
- Lead the development and implementation of humanitarian diplomacy strategies and policy objectives for Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, contributing to regional and global initiatives as required
- Advise management on strategic engagement with national authorities, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and identify opportunities to advance the ICRC’s humanitarian priorities
- Strengthen institutional relations and cooperation with regional and multilateral organizations, including the African Union, IGAD and EAC, and promote the ICRC’s mandate and humanitarian principles
- Monitor regional and international humanitarian policy developments and coordinate information sharing with delegations, regional hubs and headquarters
- Develop policy analyses, briefing notes, concept papers, key messages and other strategic documentation to inform diplomatic engagement and management decision-making
- Lead humanitarian affairs planning and budgeting, define portfolio objectives, monitor implementation and ensure alignment with Delegation priorities
- Facilitate internal coordination, knowledge sharing and staff briefings on political context, humanitarian issues and cultural sensitivities
- Maintain regular engagement with relevant regional and global structures to strengthen coordination, information exchange and the Institution’s external influence
Requirements
- A university degree in International Relations, Social or Political Sciences, or Law (preferably with a focus on Public International Law esp. International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and/or International Human Rights Law (IHRL))
- Minimum 8 years of professional experience in humanitarian action or political affairs
- At least minimum 3 years of proven professional experience in team management or supervision, with responsibility for coordinating team activities, monitoring performance, and supporting staff development
- Prior field experience with the ICRC or an international organization, and/or experience working with Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a similar government institution
- Proven ability to map stakeholders, build and maintain networks, and influence key interlocutors
- Strong strategic understanding of national, regional and global relations, and their interplay with humanitarian affairs, peace and security
- Good knowledge of relevant regional multilateral organizations, forums, agencies and platforms, as well as humanitarian organizations and civil society actors
- Fluency in English; knowledge of French is an asset
Skills
- International Humanitarian Law
- International Human Rights Law
- Humanitarian Action
- Political Affairs
- Team Management
- Staff Supervision
- Performance Monitoring
- Stakeholder Mapping
- Network Building
- Strategic Analysis
- Diplomatic Strategy
- Policy Development
- Multilateral Relations
- Regional Security Context
- Field Experience
- Humanitarian Coordination
- Civil Society Engagement
Languages
English, French