Deputy Director- Research and Compliance at Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)

REF: KNCHR/ADM/ RC/02/2024

Reports to:  Director, Research, Advocacy and Outreach Directorate 

Duration: 5 Year Contract (Renewable)

Gross Salary:  Kshs. 281,950

Job Purpose

This position is responsible for leading and coordinating the development and implementation of policies, procedures, standards, strategies, guidelines and programs in relation to research and State compliance with national, regional and international human rights principles. The successful candidate will head the Research and Compliance Division within the Directorate of Research, Advocacy and Outreach.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the formulation, implementation and review of the Commission’s research and compliance policies, frameworks, strategies and standards.
• Provide leadership in the formulation of appropriate strategies for research and dissemination of findings and follow-up on implementation of the recommendations by the Commission.
• Provide leadership in the development and submission of periodical state of human rights reports and advisories nationally, regionally and internationally.
• Provide leadership in the review of both existing and proposed legislations and policies to infuse human rights principles and standards.
•  Provide leadership in monitoring, reporting and advising on Kenya’s state of compliance with all key international and regional human rights treaties.
• Coordinate the participation of the Commission in regional and international human rights fora i.e. African Commission, African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, United Nations treaty body mechanisms, Human Rights Council, engagements with special procedures as well as the regional and global Networks of National Human Rights Institutions.
• Coordinate the development of monitoring charters on various human rights instruments in relation to concluding observations.
• Provide leadership in the discharge of the Commission’s role as the monitoring agency under Article 33 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
• Review and approve divisional outputs and processes.
• Lead mobilization of resources for the Division’s thematic areas and coordinate the development and utilization of the division’s budget and reports.
• Supervise and undertake the implementation of the Commission’s human resource functions in relation to the Research and Compliance Division including performance management.
• Coordinate timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, annual divisional and other reports.
• Coordinate the establishment and implementation of strategies to build and sustain Commission partnerships in line with Divisional mandate.

Operational Responsibilities

• Guide the development of concepts, design and implementation of divisional strategies and activities as prescribed in the strategic plan.
• Provide technical support and expertise in the design of research tools, methodologies for public inquiries and other concepts that require some level of empirical evidence
• Provide technical advice and oversee the Commission’s active participation in regional and international human rights fora and its compliance as a National Human Rights Institution
• Advise on strategies to mainstreaming of disability rights within the Commission’s work practice and across the Republic.
• Represent the Commission at high level meetings and committees with state and non-state actors.
• Devise and implement effective communication strategies for information flow between divisional staff and other divisions in the Commission.
• Provide direction in the development and implementation of divisional work plans in line with Strategic Plan and Directorate vision.
• Establish and implement strategies to build and sustain Commission partnerships and networks with state and non-state actors in line with Divisional mandate.
• Review proposals for the mobilization of resources for the Commission’s programs, grant management and reporting.
• Track division’s budget and expenditure approvals.
• Manage the division’s resources both financial and personnel to ensure optimal and sustainable delivery of the Commission’s mandate.
• Coordinate timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, annual divisional, GoK, grants and other reports for accountability of the use of funds.

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

• Ability to build and lead cohesive teams
• Demonstrable leadership skills
• Strategic thinking and execution of strategies
• Ability to efficiently multitask and effectively manage competing priorities
• Knowledge of the project management cycle and public administration
• Experience in conceptualizing and leading research projects
• Demonstrable knowledge in review of legislation and policy formulation
• Data collection and data analysis skills
• Legal analysis skills
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication (written and oral), interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Excellent IT skills, with working knowledge for the various packages
• Meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.