Deadline for Applications
December 13, 2026
Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)
B
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
Family
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
UNOPS LICA8
2026-01-01
1. General Background
Kenya remains the fifth largest host country in Africa and the thirteenth biggest asylum country in the world. At the end of October 2025, the total number of refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya stood at approx. 869,501, in addition to some 9,800 stateless persons. UNHCR Kenya Operation maintains three main offices as follows: Branch Office in Nairobi, two sub-offices in Kakuma and Dadaab. A Joint Refugee Service Centre has also been established, operated jointly with the Department of Refugee Services, to provide all protection services to affected populations in Nairobi. The general security situation remained relatively calm.
In line with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and the UNHCR Kenya 2023-2026 Multi-Year Strategy, the operation continues to focus on further expanding the protection of refugees and promoting solutions, and inclusion of refugees into government-led services, by supporting the Government of Kenya, in the rollout and implementation of the Shirika Plan, as reflected in the strategy implemented partly by partners and through direct implementation and in close coordination with other stakeholders.
The Project Manager-EU will report to the Strategic Partnership Advisor, under the overall supervision of the Representative and will work closely with all the units in the Representation Office and will support the two field locations. The main activities will be to oversee the implementation and reporting against the EU-funded projects under the management and coordination of UNHCR.
The incumbent will be required to have good coordination, networking and drafting skills, and the ability to interact with different partners and stakeholders both within and outside UNHCR. Knowledge of project management will be an added advantage. The incumbent will also be required to demonstrate the ability to facilitate and strengthen the involvement and collaboration of a broad range of internal and external partners. Additionally, he/she should be a versatile communicator with excellent written and oral skills. The incumbent will also be required to work effectively within cross-functional teams in a collaborative environment. Knowledge of the policy environment will also be useful in ensuring the successful completion of assigned tasks. The Project Manager-EU will also be required to have skills and knowledge in resource mobilization, complemented by the ability to conceptualize ideas and promote consensus.
All UNHCR staff, including affiliate members, are accountable for performing their duties as reflected in their job descriptions. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR, which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions, as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional, and managerial competencies, as well as UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity.
The incumbent is expected to have experience in fundraising, and with at least four years of direct management of EU-funded projects/programmes. Experience working with UN/EU projects will be an added advantage.
Living and Working Conditions
Nairobi is a good duty station for families with good medical facilities. Recreational facilities, schools, and hotels are of international standards. Nice and affordable housing is available, as well as good banking facilities in addition to unlimited access to communication means, such as internet, telephone SIM cards etc. There is no malaria in Nairobi, but cholera, malaria and yellow fever occur in other parts of Kenya. When entering the country, yellow fever card/vaccine is required.
2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment
The main purpose:
Report to the Strategic Partnership Advisor, in the following tasks: -
a) Support official Project management for the two EU-funded projects.
b) Liaise with other project teams benefitting from EU funds to prepare joint reports and documents.
c) Work closely with the teams in Kakuma and Dadaab and in Nairobi on the implementation of the project activities.
d) Ensuring that project reports and documents are drafted in a timely manner and are of good quality.
3. Monitoring and Progress Controls
a) Prepare and draft reports- narrative and financial to the donor (EU)
b) Review inputs from the field before submission to the Head of the Unit.
c) Work on other funding initiatives that may arise with the EU.
d) Contribute to donor management systems, including developing specific products and coordinating meetings for the EU-funded projects.
e) Support the coordination and organising of regular programme meetings and steering committee meetings.
f) Provide support to project teams in the field in grant management and programming of earmarked funds.
g) Keep track of various learnings/lessons for the project
h) Coordinate with the Communications team on communications and visibility products in line with the contractual obligations
4. Qualifications and Experience
a. Education
- Undergraduate degree in sociology, social sciences, project management, finance, or other related fields
- Desirable: Strong familiarity with UNHCR’s Results-Based Management (RBM) framework and experience in meeting reporting requirements for EU funded projects; and Demonstrated ability to support tasks related to maintaining donor interest, including door briefings, and donor field missions.
- Certification in project management is an added advantage.
- Training on fundraising with the EU
- An advanced degree in a related field is an added advantage.
b. Years of experience
Desirable
• At least 7 years working at a responsible level in a development-focused organisation with direct fundraising experience working with the EU of no less than four years.
• Experience in external engagement with donors, UN agencies, partners, and governments. Professional work experience in field operations. Knowledge of UNHCR’s operational arrangements, its relief programmes, the funding needs, and priorities is desirable.
• Experience of complex stakeholder management.
. Desirable candidates will have knowledge of project management, be familiar with UNHCR’s Results-Based Management (RBM) framework and have experience in meeting reporting requirements for EU funded projects. Prior experience supporting tasks related to maintaining donor interest—such as providing donor briefings and support donor missions—will be highly valued.
c. Key Competencies
- Ability to produce high-quality written materials tailored to specific audiences.
- Ability to balance different and sometimes competing needs and deadlines.
- Excellent organization and project planning/ management skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Knowledge of partnerships, fundraising, and/or relationships with donors and/or external partners.
Standard Job Description
Required Languages
,
,
Desired Languages
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,
Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
Certifications
Other information
This position doesn't require a functional clearance
Remote
No