Associate External Relations Officer

Overview

Coordinate and manage project activities for refugee integration.

You have:

• At least three (3) years of demonstrated experience supporting project implementation in complex political environments.
• Familiarity with displacement and development issues.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and deliver high-quality results.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience working across the humanitarian-development nexus.

Deadline for Applications

February 3, 2026Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

BFamily Type (not applicable for home-based)

FamilyStaff Member / Affiliate Type

UNOPS LICA9Target Start Date

2026-02-01Terms of Reference

1. General Background Kenya remains the fifth-largest host country in Africa and the thirteenth-largest asylum country worldwide. As of the end of October 2025, the total number of refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya stood at approximately 869,501, in addition to about 9,800 stateless persons. UNHCR Kenya Operations comprise three main offices: a Branch Office in Nairobi and two Sub-Offices in Kakuma and Dadaab. A Joint Refugee Service Centre has also been established in Nairobi and is jointly managed with the Department of Refugee Services (DRS) to provide comprehensive protection services to affected populations. The overall security situation remains relatively calm.

In line with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and the UNHCR Kenya 2023–2026 Multi-Year Strategy, UNHCR Kenya continues to prioritize enhanced refugee protection, the promotion of durable solutions, and the inclusion of refugees in government-led services. UNHCR supports the Government of Kenya in the rollout and implementation of the Shirika Plan, as reflected in the strategy, which is implemented partly through partners and partly through direct engagement, in close coordination with relevant stakeholders.

The smooth rollout and implementation of the Shirika Plan are essential to sustaining Kenya’s progress toward the inclusion of refugees in government-led service delivery. In support of this objective, UNHCR Kenya is implementing a joint project with GIZ entitled “Support to the Implementation of the Shirika Plan for Strengthening the Socioeconomic Integration of Refugees and Host Communities.

The Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating, planning, executing, and managing project activities across UNHCR, the DRS, and GIZ. This entails close collaboration with Programme and other technical units at the Country Office and Sub-Offices to oversee project implementation, as well as promoting operational collaboration with government and development partners, including the preparation of work plans and budgets. In particular, the Project Manager will work with relevant units to monitor progress against the project logframe, compile narrative and financial reports, and ensure consistency in field implementation in Dadaab and Kakuma, thereby supporting the timely delivery of outputs related to institutional capacity building, policy advocacy, livelihoods, and energy inclusion.

All UNHCR staff, including affiliate members, are responsible for fulfilling their duties as outlined in their job descriptions. They do so within their delegated authorities, in accordance with the UNHCR regulatory framework, which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions, as well as relevant accountability frameworks. Additionally, staff members are expected to carry out their responsibilities in a manner consistent with core, functional, cross-functional, and managerial competencies, as well as UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The incumbent will report to the Strategic Partnership Adviser and will be responsible for the following: a) In close coordination with the Regional Bureau, work closely with GIZ and BMZ focal points at UNHCR Headquarters, the project lead from GIZ Kenya, and UNHCR teams in Kakuma, Dadaab, and Nairobi to ensure the smooth implementation of project activities and full compliance with all requirements. b) Ensure that project reports and documentation are prepared in a timely manner and meet high quality standards.

3. Monitoring and Progress Controls

a) Work closely with External Relations, Programme, and technical teams, as well as Sub-Offices, to support the development of high-quality reports. b) Review inputs prior to clearance by the Strategic Partnership Adviser and submission to the donor. c) Track and document lessons learned and key insights generated through project implementation. d) Coordinate with the Communications team on communications and visibility products, in line with contractual obligations. 4. Qualifications and Experience

b. Work Experience Essential At least three (3) years of demonstrated experience supporting project implementation in complex political environments, managing large programmes involving multiple stakeholders, building partnerships, and coordinating with bilateral and multilateral donors.

Desirable • Familiarity with displacement and development issues • Experience working across the humanitarian–development nexus • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and deliver high-quality results

c. Key Competencies

Core competencies • Accountability • Communication • Organisational Awareness • Teamwork & Collaboration • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Client & Results Orientation. Project Management competencies • Empowering & Building Trust • Judgement & Decision-making • Managing Resources. Cross-functional competencies • Analytical Thinking • Negotiation & Conflict Resolution • Planning & Organising. • Strategic analysis. • High-level stakeholder engagement.

• Planning & Organising; Client & Results Orientation.Standard Job Description

Required Languages

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Desired Languages

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Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

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Other information

Written Test may be administered.This position doesn't require a functional clearance Remote

No

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Potential interview questions

Added 4 months ago - Updated 4 months ago - Source: unhcr.org