The British High Commission in Nairobi is inviting applications from qualified and motivated professionals to fill several exciting vacancies within its dynamic team. The available roles include Social Development Advisor, Regional Campaign Lead for Advanced Engineering and Clean Energy, Regional Campaign Lead for Health and Life Sciences, and Head of Regional Services Sector Campaign/Deputy Trade and Investment Director, Kenya. These positions offer opportunities to contribute to the United Kingdom’s international development and trade objectives across East Africa, fostering sustainable growth, innovation, and partnerships in key sectors.
Working at the British High Commission provides exposure to a diverse and international environment that values integrity, collaboration, and professional excellence. The positions are based in Nairobi and are open to individuals with the skills and experience required to support the High Commission’s ambitious programs in trade, investment, and social development.
Below are the detailed descriptions of each role, including responsibilities, expectations, and the closing dates for applications.
Social Development Advisor SEO (34/25 NR)
Location: Nairobi
Closing Date: 27 October 2025 at 11:55 PM EAT
The Social Development Advisor will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering social development priorities for the British High Commission in Kenya. This position focuses on ensuring that social inclusion, poverty reduction, gender equality, and sustainable livelihoods remain integral to the High Commission’s policies and programs in the region.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead analytical and advisory work on social development issues, providing evidence-based recommendations to inform UK government policies and programming in Kenya and the wider region.
- Integrate social inclusion and poverty analysis into economic, governance, and humanitarian programs to enhance their effectiveness and equity.
- Advise on social risks and opportunities across multiple sectors, ensuring that all programs are designed and implemented with sensitivity to gender, disability, and vulnerable populations.
- Collaborate with development partners, government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector to promote social outcomes aligned with the UK’s strategic priorities.
- Support the design, monitoring, and evaluation of development programs to ensure measurable social impact and value for money.
- Lead capacity-building initiatives within the High Commission and among partner organizations to strengthen social analysis and integration.
- Represent the UK government in relevant forums, workshops, and policy discussions on social development, inclusion, and equity issues.
- Provide timely input into cross-government reporting, communication materials, and strategic documents relating to social development and inclusion.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a deep understanding of the social development landscape in Kenya and the region, along with the ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
Regional Campaign Lead, Advanced Engineering and Clean Energy HEO (31/25 NR)
Location: Nairobi
Closing Date: 2 November 2025 at 11:55 PM EAT
The Regional Campaign Lead for Advanced Engineering and Clean Energy will be responsible for developing and driving regional trade and investment campaigns that promote the UK’s expertise in engineering, innovation, and sustainable energy solutions. This role contributes to advancing the UK’s economic partnerships in Africa, supporting both British businesses and regional development goals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the design and execution of a regional campaign strategy focused on advanced engineering and clean energy, aligned with the UK’s trade and investment priorities.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration between UK and African companies, with an emphasis on renewable energy, green infrastructure, and technology-driven manufacturing.
- Build strategic partnerships with regional governments, industry associations, and development institutions to facilitate trade and investment linkages.
- Promote the UK’s engineering and clean energy capabilities through trade missions, business forums, and targeted outreach initiatives.
- Monitor market trends, regulatory developments, and investment opportunities across East Africa to inform campaign planning and decision-making.
- Support UK companies in navigating local markets, addressing barriers to entry, and exploring business opportunities in the clean energy sector.
- Work closely with colleagues in the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) network across Africa to coordinate efforts and share insights on market dynamics and investor engagement.
- Prepare regular reports, briefings, and analyses on campaign progress, outcomes, and impact for internal and external stakeholders.
The role requires a strong understanding of the engineering and renewable energy sectors, the ability to engage effectively with both public and private sector actors, and the capacity to deliver results in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.
Regional Campaign Lead, Health and Life Sciences HEO (32/25 NR)
Location: Nairobi
Closing Date: 2 November 2025 at 11:55 PM EAT
The Regional Campaign Lead for Health and Life Sciences will spearhead efforts to promote trade, investment, and innovation partnerships between the UK and African countries in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. This position focuses on leveraging UK expertise to support sustainable health systems, research collaboration, and access to life-saving technologies.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a regional campaign strategy to enhance UK engagement in the health and life sciences sectors across East Africa.
- Identify emerging opportunities for UK businesses and institutions in pharmaceuticals, medical technology, digital health, and research collaboration.
- Strengthen partnerships between UK organizations and regional health institutions, government agencies, and investors to foster knowledge exchange and capacity building.
- Coordinate business engagement activities, including trade delegations, conferences, and market outreach programs.
- Provide market intelligence on regulatory environments, investment opportunities, and sector trends to inform UK strategy and support UK companies.
- Facilitate dialogue between the public and private sectors to address barriers to health sector investment and innovation.
- Support the development of case studies and promotional materials that highlight UK strengths and successful partnerships in health and life sciences.
- Contribute to the Department for Business and Trade’s wider objectives by aligning health sector efforts with cross-cutting campaigns and regional strategies.
This position requires an individual with strong analytical, coordination, and stakeholder management skills who can effectively promote the UK’s health and life sciences industries in a competitive regional environment.
Head of Regional Services Sector Campaign / Deputy Trade and Investment Director, Kenya SEO (33/25 NR)
Location: Nairobi
Closing Date: 2 November 2025 at 11:55 PM EAT
The Head of Regional Services Sector Campaign and Deputy Trade and Investment Director for Kenya will lead strategic initiatives to strengthen the UK’s trade and investment relationships in key service industries across the region. The role combines leadership in campaign management with senior oversight of trade and investment operations within Kenya.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the planning and execution of the Regional Services Sector Campaign, promoting UK expertise in professional services, financial technology, education, and digital innovation.
- Identify and prioritize sectors with high growth potential for UK investment and export promotion.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with senior government officials, industry leaders, and development partners to advance UK commercial objectives.
- Provide strategic leadership to the Trade and Investment team in Kenya, ensuring effective delivery of business development and market access activities.
- Guide and mentor staff, fostering an inclusive and high-performing culture within the team.
- Oversee coordination between the Department for Business and Trade and other UK government departments operating in Kenya and the region.
- Monitor and evaluate campaign performance, ensuring alignment with the UK’s Global Trade and Investment strategy and regional objectives.
- Represent the British High Commission in high-level trade discussions, business forums, and bilateral engagements.
- Support the Trade and Investment Director in managing relationships with major UK investors and in identifying opportunities for expanding UK commercial interests in Kenya and East Africa.
- Produce strategic reports, presentations, and analyses to inform UK government decision-making on trade, investment, and sectoral engagement.
The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex partnerships that drive tangible economic outcomes. The role requires a deep understanding of Kenya’s business environment and the ability to represent the UK government with professionalism and authority.
Application Process
Interested applicants are encouraged to carefully review the job descriptions and ensure that their experience and expertise align with the requirements of the specific position they wish to apply for. Each role has a unique closing date, and applications must be submitted through the official British High Commission recruitment portal before the deadline.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process. The British High Commission is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion.
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