Protection Delegate, East Africa Region

About the role

12-month fixed-term Protection Delegate position with the ICRC East Africa Regional Delegation in Nairobi, with regular missions to Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and northern Kenya. The Protection Delegate conducts confidential dialogue with weapons bearers, monitors detention conditions, and supports family reunification for people separated by armed conflict. Application deadline 20 June 2026.

Responsibilities

• Conduct confidential dialogue with parties to armed conflict to promote respect for international humanitarian law (IHL).
• Visit places of detention and assess conditions in line with ICRC procedures and the Geneva Conventions.
• Lead family reunification cases for people separated by armed conflict.
• Coordinate protection activities with ICRC field teams and the National Red Cross Society network.
• Draft confidential reports for ICRC headquarters and engage with authorities at all levels.
• Spend 60 percent of working time in field locations across the region.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in international relations, law (with IHL coursework), political science, or a closely related field.
• Three to five years of professional experience in humanitarian or human rights work, including field-based positions in fragile or conflict-affected settings.
• Strong working knowledge of international humanitarian law and human rights frameworks.
• Fluent English and good written reporting skills. Working knowledge of Arabic, Swahili, French, or Somali is a strong asset.
• Cultural sensitivity, diplomatic discretion, and resilience for working in high-stress environments.
• Willingness to travel up to 60 percent of working time, often to areas with security constraints.

Nice to have

• ICRC, UN agency, or major humanitarian NGO field experience.
• Recognised IHL training (Sanremo Institute, Geneva Academy, or similar).
• Prior experience in East Africa or the Horn of Africa region.
• Bar admission or formal legal qualification.

How to apply

Open the ICRC Careers portal at the apply link, search for “Protection Delegate East Africa”, and submit through the ICRC recruitment system. Submit CV, motivation letter, two references, and confirmation of availability for mobile field-based work. Closing date 20 June 2026 at 23:59 Geneva time. Final selection includes a panel interview and an ICRC field-orientation assessment.