The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR/the Commission) is an independent National Human Rights Institution established under Article 59 of the Constitution of Kenya and operationalised by an Act of Parliament (the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act, 2011). The KNCHR is accredited as an ‘A status’ institution in accordance with the United Nations Principles Relating to the Status of National Human Rights Institutions (Paris Principles) and is a member of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI). The Commission enjoys an affiliate status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights as well as the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. The Commission has a broad mandate to promote and protect human rights across all spheres in the Republic of Kenya and is the designated state organ in ensuring State compliance with obligations arising from human rights treaties ratified by Kenya. The KNCHR fulfils its human rights mandate through five Directorates: Complaints and Investigations; Research, Advocacy and Outreach; Legal Services; Regional Services and Corporate Services. The Commission has offices in Nairobi, Wajir, Kitale, Mombasa, Kisumu and Nyahururu.

Vacancy Details

The KNCHR hereby invites applications from qualified candidates for the following position:

• SENIOR RESEARCH & COMPLIANCE OFFICER
• REF: KNCHR/RC/01/2024
• Reports to : Deputy Director, Research & Compliance
• Duty station : Nairobi with occasional travel
• Duration : Permanent and Pensionable

   

• Grade : KNCHR 5
• Gross Salary : 141,950.00

Job Purpose

This position is responsible for conducting research on various human rights issues, reviewing national legislation and policies as well as monitoring and reporting on the State’s compliance with regional and international human rights treaties with the objective of informing the Commission’s interventions in relation to legislation, policy and implementation of human rights obligations by state and non-state actors.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Facilitate the management and enhancement of partnerships with human rights actors in order to enhance the Commission’s effectiveness.
2. Implement the Commissions Research and Compliance policies, frameworks, procedures, standards, strategies, guidelines and programs.
3. Develop and design of data collection tools and instruments.
4. Undertake research on topical and emerging human rights issues including collection, analysis and dissemination of research findings.
5. Prepare periodic human rights reports and publications/ contribute to the participation of the Commission in regional and international human rights fora, as well as National Human Rights Institutions networks through advisories and statements.
6. Monitor and prepare reports on Kenya’s implementation of ratified treaties and conventions relating to human rights.
7. Contribute to the Commission’s engagement with Treaty and Charter based Human Rights Mechanisms and international and regional human rights organizations/institutions.
8. Contribute to the periodical re-accreditation of the Commission by the global networks of National Human Rights Institutions.
9. Review laws and policies and prepare advisories for submission to relevant actors.
10. Undertake the monitoring of the rights of persons with disabilities in line with the Commission’s role under Article 33(2) of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
11. Prepare work-plans, budget estimates and reports for programmatic activities

Experience and Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Law, Social sciences or other related fields or related disciplines from a recognized university.
• Eight (8) years’ experience of which three (3) should be at a senior level with supervisory role in a relevant field.
• Strategic Leadership Development certificate lasting not less than 6 weeks from a recognized institution is desirable but not mandatory.

Skills and Competencies

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Law, International Relations and Diplomacy, or Social Sciences, or other relevant degree from a recognized university.
• 3 years of service in a comparable position from a reputable organization
• Demonstrable knowledge in national, regional and international human rights mechanisms and instruments
• Demonstrable knowledge in review of legislation and policy formulation
• Data collection and data analysis skills
• Excellent communication (written and oral), interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Computer literacy
• Meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya

How to apply

If you are interested and possess the above qualifications, please apply online through the KNCHR recruitment portal https://recruitment.knchr.org/ by Thursday 30th May 2024.