Human Rights Officer, NO-C

• Job Opening ID: 269543
• Job Network: Political, Peace and Humanitarian
• Job Family: Human Rights Affairs
• Category and Level: National Professional Officers, NO-C
• Duty Station: Nairobi
• Department/Office:
• Date Posted: 19 December 2025
• Application Deadline: 2 January 2026

Organizational Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) at the Kenya Country Office in Nairobi, Kenya. The National Human Rights Officer reports to the Head of the Kenya Country Office.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the National Human Rights Officer will:

• Support the Kenya Country Programme to advance sustainable development through the equal enjoyment of human rights by addressing inequalities, promoting inclusion, and enhancing public participation and transparency in governance.
• Provide technical and capacity-building support to government institutions, civil society, and other national stakeholders on human rights, including the development of national laws, policies, and institutions in line with international and regional human rights standards.
• Conduct substantive research and analysis of human rights issues and events and assess their impact on the human rights situation in the assigned country or region.
• Collect and analyse human rights data and indicators, including gender-specific data and indicators.
• Provide support to sub-commissions, commissions, and other bodies and follow up on implementation of decisions issued by policy-making bodies.
• Ensure that human rights issues, including gender equality considerations, are integrated into political, humanitarian, and economic programmes and efforts.
• Define work plans for assigned areas in accordance with established terms of reference.
• Represent the UN human rights programme at working-level meetings.
• Direct capacity-building initiatives on human rights in the assigned country or region.
• Draft reports, communications, briefings, statements, and other documentation, including submissions to policy-making bodies.
• Provide guidance to new or junior staff, as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism

Demonstrated knowledge of human rights issues and the ability to analyse political, ethnic, racial, gender equality, and socio-economic dimensions. Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies, and procedures of human rights organizations. Strong research and analytical skills, including data collection, assessment, and drafting of human rights reports. Ability to integrate information from diverse sources and assess its impact on the human rights situation. Demonstrates professionalism, efficiency, persistence, and responsibility, including incorporation of gender perspectives and promotion of equal participation of women and men.

Teamwork

Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; values diverse ideas and expertise; supports group decisions; shares credit for successes and accepts joint responsibility for outcomes.

Planning and Organizing

Develops clear objectives aligned with agreed strategies; identifies priorities; allocates time and resources effectively; anticipates risks; monitors progress; and uses time efficiently.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, political science, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Work Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human rights, political affairs, international relations, law, or a related field.
• Experience in advancing sustainable development is desirable.
• Experience in human rights technical assistance and capacity building is desirable.