Senior Humanitarian Affairs Adviser

What we do

Since 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has worked to preserve human dignity and relieve suffering caused by war and armed violence.

In collaboration with our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners around the world, we do everything we can to deliver life-saving aid, reconnect families and locate missing people – helping those who need it most, regardless of who they are and what side of the front line they are on.

We engage with authorities and armed forces on all sides, often confidentially, pressing for access to detainees to improve their living conditions and urging compliance with international humanitarian law to protect non-combatants, including from digital threats.

Purpose

The 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. Their overall responsibility is to design and deliver, in collaboration with other departments, effective engagement strategies with national, multilateral and regional stakeholders, as well as joining the dots globally.

Accountabilities & functional 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.

Professional experience required

• 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;

What we offer

• Diverse and humanitarian-minded workforce;
• An opportunity to contribute to institutional efforts to protect and assist conflict victims worldwide;
• Training opportunities ;
• Flexible work schedule.

Additional information

• Location: Nairobi – Kenya (Kenyan National Position).

• Type of contract: 1-year Fixed term contract (renewable subject to Budget discussion and performance).

• Type of position: This position is open to Kenyan residents or individuals who possess the legal right to work in Kenya.

• Job Level: C1

• Application deadline: 06/11/2026

Our values

• At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.