What we do

Since 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has worked to preserve human dignity and relieve suffering caused by war and armed violence.

In collaboration with our Red Cross and Red Crescent partners around the world, we do everything we can to deliver life-saving aid, reconnect families and locate missing people – helping those who need it most, regardless of who they are and what side of the front line they are on.

We engage with authorities and armed forces on all sides, often confidentially, pressing for access to detainees to improve their living conditions and urging compliance with international humanitarian law to protect non-combatants, including from digital threats.

Purpose

The Regional Protection Field Officer contributes to the planning, implementation and monitoring of protection objectives and activities (Detention, Protection of Civilian Population, and/or Protection of Family Links) in Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania.

Under the Supervision of the Regional Protection Coordinator, the Protection Field Officer shall act as the legal focal point for all protection objectives and activities of the department.

Accountabilities & functional responsibilities

• Monitor and contribute to the collection and analysis of information related to the Protection of Civilian Populations (PCP), promoting respect for applicable legal frameworks, including International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL);
• Support the mapping and engagement of key stakeholders involved in PCP activities;
• Assist in the planning and delivery of dissemination and training activities for military and police forces on IHL, IHRL, and the ICRC's mandate and operations;
• Provide legal analysis to support the implementation of Protection and Family Links (PFL) activities, including issues related to migration and missing persons;
• Contribute to the assessment of Kenya’s prison system, focusing on legal and regulatory frameworks governing detention.
• Analyze judicial guarantees and criminal justice processes and maintain an up-to-date repository of legal and detention-related reference materials;
• Translate official documents, training materials, and correspondence between English and Kiswahili, and provide interpretation support during trainings, meetings, and detention visits;
• Serve as a focal point on data protection matters, maintaining relationships with relevant authorities, Movement partners, and humanitarian organizations;
• Support the drafting and review of Data Sharing Agreements in collaboration with the ICRC Data Protection Office;
• Contribute to the implementation of the Delegation’s Humanitarian Diplomacy Engagement Plan by providing legal and protection-related expertise;
• Represent and promote ICRC protection activities with national and international stakeholders, including government authorities, UN agencies, and NGOs;
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with relevant authorities and protection actors to support humanitarian objectives.

Professional experience required

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree from a recognized university;
• Minimum 3-5 years’ work experience in a similar field (in a dynamic environment);
• Minimum 2 years of experience in the field of International Human Rights Law and/or International Humanitarian Law;
• Previous working experience with International Organizations is an asset;
• Able to develop and sustain a network of key contacts;
• Good negotiation and communications skills.

What we offer

• Diverse and humanitarian-minded workforce
• An opportunity to contribute to institutional efforts to protect and assist conflict victims worldwide
• Training opportunities
• Flexible work schedule

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.

Additional information

• Location: Nairobi
• Type of Position Applicants must have an existing legal right to live and work in Kenya at the time of application. The ICRC will not sponsor or obtain work permits for this position.
• Type of contract: 1-year Fixed term contract (renewable subject to Budget discussion and performance)
• Job level: B3
• Application deadline: 17/06/2026