POLITICAL ADVISER

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose

The Political Adviser advises the delegation on political developments and changes in the overall environment, conflict and security dynamics. The position holder identifies, maintains and broadens high-level relations with key national and regional stakeholders and facilitates the management’s access to a wide network of contacts.

The incumbent overall responsibility is to design and deliver effective engagement strategies with Kenyan authorities and other stakeholders in collaboration with other departments. While based in the Nairobi Regional delegation and focusing on stakeholders in Kenya, Tanzania, and Djibouti, the Political Adviser is expected to enhance ICRC’s understanding of conflicts and political dynamics in the Greater Horn of Africa and Great Lakes and strengthen ICRC’s positioning.
 

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

•    Monitors, analyzes and advises the delegation on political issues, the conflict and security situation in Kenya and the Region, including the views and policy objectives of national authorities, opposition leaders, think-tanks, international organizations, NGOs, and the diplomatic community;
•    Contributes to shaping the delegation’s overall strategies;
•    Builds, maintains, and expands a high-level network of contacts, including government officials, parliamentarians, political opposition, and other key stakeholders. Facilitates access for management as needed;
•    Supports the Delegation management in its strategic engagement and dialogue with relevant Kenyan authorities (e.g. MFA, diplomatic corps), identifying areas of convergence between ICRC and Kenyan policy interests, incl. through concept notes, analysis, and stakeholder mapping;
•    Contributes strategically to internal coordination mechanism of ICRC prevention/operation, working with Management and Coordinators to strengthen its external influence and diplomatic role;
•    Organizes briefings on political context and cultural sensitivities for delegation staff;
•    Produces analytical reports, briefing notes, and other documentation to support political engagement and inform internal stakeholders;
•    Contributes to the delegation’s operational priorities and humanitarian diplomacy efforts in Kenya.
 

Professional Experience required

•    University degree or relevant professional experience;
•    Minimum 6–10 years’ professional experience as a manager or programme officer in similar fields, organizations or governmental structures. Experience working with the ICRC or the movement is an asset;
•    Confirmed strong skills in political analysis, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement within a similar field of activity;
•    Ability to demonstrate the existence of a relevant network of contacts; and proven experience in cultivating networks;
•    Strong sense of diplomacy.

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.

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

Additional information

•    Location: Nairobi – Kenya (Kenyan National Position)
•    Type of contract: 1-year Fixed term contract (renewable subject to Budget discussion and performance)
•    Application deadline: 20th May 2025

ICRC does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. All applications are free for all candidates, and no one should require any payment or compensation during the recruitment process. May the candidate be asked for any fee, they must report to ICRC HR Department through the recruitment contact.

In processing your personal data for recruitment purposes, we follow the information notice as explained .