Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer at Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)

COMMISSION SECRETARY/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER – KNCHR 1-KNCHR/ADM/CEO/01/08/2026 - OPEN

Contract: Five (5) years, renewable once

Duty Station: Nairobi, with occasional travel

Salary and Benefits: As prescribed by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC)

Reports to: Chairperson, KNCHR

Qualifications and Experience

In accordance with Section 21 of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act, applicants must:

• Be Kenyan citizens;
• Hold a degree from a university recognised in Kenya;
• Has had at least ten years proven experience at management level; and
• Satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya. In addition, candidates should possess:
• A Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Demonstrable experience in human rights, governance, public administration, management, finance, political science or related fields.
• At least five (5) years’ experience at senior management level, preferably in a public institution or comparable organization.
• A senior leadership course of not less than six (6) weeks from a recognised institution.

Key Responsibilities

The Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer shall provide strategic leadership and oversee the effective implementation of the Commission’s mandate, policies, decisions and Strategic Plan, while ensuring the efficient, accountable and effective management of the Secretariat.

The Commission Secretary/CEO shall:

• Serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission.
• Serve as Head of the Secretariat and Secretary to the Commission.
• Serve as the Accounting Officer and Authorised Officer of the Commission.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Commission.
• Implement the Commission’s policies, decisions, strategies and annual work plans.
• Lead institutional development, programme implementation, partnerships and resource mobilisation.
• Promote good governance, integrity, professionalism and compliance with applicable laws and policies.
• Ensure prudent management and effective utilisation of financial, human and other institutional resources.
• Oversee preparation and implementation of annual budgets, financial statements and effective internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with the Public Finance Management framework and other applicable legislation.
• Strengthen staff capacity, performance management and organisational culture.
• Represent and promote the Commission’s mandate and institutional interests before national, regional and international stakeholders.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Commission or provided for by law.

Key Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate among other skills:

• Sound knowledge and experience of governance and relevant national, regional and international human rights frameworks.
• Strategic leadership and management;
• Governance and institutional development;
• Financial, human and other resources management;