Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is seeking a qualified and experienced professional for the position of Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer in Nairobi. The role offers an opportunity to provide strategic leadership, oversee the Commission’s Secretariat and drive the effective implementation of its mandate, policies and Strategic Plan.

Key Job Information

• Position: Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer
• Employer: Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)
• Reference: KNCHR/ADM/CEO/01/08/2026
• Grade: 1
• Vacancies: 1
• Duty Station: Nairobi, with occasional travel
• Contract: Five-year renewable contract, renewable once
• Reports To: Chairperson, KNCHR
• Salary and Benefits: As prescribed by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC)

About the Role

The Commission Secretary/CEO will serve as the Chief Executive Officer, Head of the Secretariat and Secretary to the Commission. The position also carries responsibility as the Accounting Officer and Authorised Officer of the Commission.

The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and oversee day-to-day operations while ensuring accountable and effective management of the Commission’s financial, human and institutional resources.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 annual budgets, financial statements and effective internal controls while ensuring compliance with the Public Finance Management framework.
• Strengthen staff capacity, performance management and organisational culture, and represent the Commission before national, regional and international stakeholders.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Must be a Kenyan citizen.
• Must hold a degree from a university recognised in Kenya.
• Must have at least 10 years of proven experience at management level.
• Must satisfy the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya.
• A Master’s degree in a relevant field is required in addition to the statutory qualifications.
• Must have demonstrable experience in human rights, governance, public administration, management, finance, political science or related fields.
• Must have at least 5 years’ experience at senior management level, preferably in a public institution or comparable organisation.
• Must have completed a senior leadership course of not less than six weeks from a recognised institution.

Key Competencies

• 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.
• Strong understanding of human rights and public-sector leadership.

Required Clearance Certificates

Successful candidates will be required to submit clearance certificates and documentation from the following bodies as part of the appointment process.

• Kenya Revenue Authority: Valid Tax Compliance Certificate.
• Directorate of Criminal Investigations: Certificate of Good Conduct.
• Higher Education Loans Board: Compliance Certificate, where applicable.
• Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission: Self-Declaration Form.
• Credit Reference Bureau: Certificate of Clearance or Credit Report.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the KNCHR Recruitment Portal and ensure that their educational qualifications, professional qualifications, work history and experience, and membership in professional bodies are completed before applying.

Applicants should quote the reference KNCHR/ADM/CEO/01/08/2026 when applying. The provided vacancy information does not specify an application deadline or application URL.