Regional Investigation Officer (Nairobi, Kenya)

Overview

Conduct high risk investigations into alleged misconduct in the Africa region.

You have:

• University-level degree in law, social sciences, criminology, criminal justice, or related field relevant to criminal or administrative investigations.
• Typically 10 years of progressively experience in conducting investigations, preferably within humanitarian, international, or compliance-driven environments.
• Extensive experience in investigation techniques, particularly where conduct also may have criminal implications.
• Proven experience in conducting investigations into allegations of SEAH.
• Fluency in oral and written English (minimum C1 level).
• Fluency in oral and written French (minimum C1 level).
• Proven knowledge of legal, procedural and evidentiary standards.
• Computer proficient.
• Strong interpersonal and cultural awareness skills.

Contract

This is a Fixed Term contract. More about Fixed Term contracts.

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 of the Position

Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders in the Africa region, the Regional Investigations Officer undertakes high risk investigations of alleged misconduct or alleged violations of the ICRC internal policies and procedures, ensuring best practices are at all times observed.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct impartial, survivor-centred investigations into allegations of misconduct, including fraud, corruption, non-sexual harassment (NSH), abuse of authority, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH), in line with humanitarian principles and ICRC internal policies and procedures.
• Assess complaints and referrals to determine investigative scope, risk level, and appropriate methodology, with particular attention to safeguarding, do-no-harm principle, and confidentiality considerations.
• Collect, preserve, and analyse evidence (interviews, financial records, digital data, field documentation) while ensuring informed consent, data protection, and chain of custody.
• Produce clear, well-reasoned investigation reports that present factual findings, credibility assessments, and conclusions suitable for management and disciplinary processes.
• Engage sensitively and professionally with colleagues, affected persons, witnesses, and subjects of investigations, ensuring dignity, cultural awareness, and protection from retaliation.
• Provide technical advice and capacity-building support to field staff on reporting mechanisms and investigative standards.
• Identify systemic risks, trends, and control weaknesses emerging from investigations and contribute to organisational learning, prevention strategies, and risk mitigation efforts.
• Other relevant tasks as per directions from Head of the Investigation Unit, Regional Investigations Manager, or other designates.

Relationships

• Internally, interacts with: General Counsel, Ombudsman, Métiers Compliance officers, Directors, heads of Division, Operations, Project Management Office, Performance management Office, Internal Audit.
• No external relationships.

Education & Experience Required

• University-level degree in law, social sciences, criminology, criminal justice, or related field relevant to criminal or administrative investigations (e.g., law enforcement, compliance, or forensic studies).
• Typically 10 years of progressively experience in conducting investigations, preferably within humanitarian, international, or compliance-driven environments (including private sector), preferably, but not limited to, internal misconduct and wrongdoing by employees, suppliers and partner organizations.
• Extensive experience in investigation techniques, particularly where conduct also may have criminal implications that could result in prosecution before local courts.
• High level of integrity, independence, and sound judgement, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters discreetly.
• Proven experience in conducting investigations into allegations of SEAH.
• Proven experience integrating practical protection measures for engaging with investigation participants.
• Proven knowledge of legal, procedural and evidentiary standards.
• Proven working knowledge and experience with gender sensitive interviewing methodology.
• Excellent analytical, interviewing, and report-writing skills, capable of producing clear, evidence-based findings.
• Strong interpersonal and cultural awareness skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse contexts, including field and hardship locations.
• Computer proficient.

Desired Profile & Skills

• Professional certifications such as ACFE (Association of Certified Fraud Examiners), CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), or similar programs is considered an asset.
• Experience in human resources-related investigations (such as harassment or other violations of a professional working environment) would be an asset.
• Previous work experience in the Africa region is considered an asset.

Languages

• Fluency in oral and written English (minimum C1 level)
• Fluency in oral and written French (minimum C1 level)
• Knowledge of another ICRC official language is an asset (Russian, Arabic or Spanish)

Our operational & Field Constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals.
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field.
• Candidates must possess a driving license (for manual transmission vehicles).
• Travelling to and within conflict zones is required.

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment.
• Online trainings and onboarding course.
• Generous social benefits.
• Join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere.

Please consult this page for more information on our package offer.

Additional Information

• Type of Position: Mobile.
• Type of Contract: Fixed Term Contract.
• Length of Assignment: 24 months, renewable up to 48 months
• Estimated Start Date: 01/07/2026
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Application Deadline: 17/05/2026

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.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 5 months ago - Updated 2 months ago - Source: careers.icrc.org