Director/Chief Executive Officer

Role Overview

As Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Crime Research Centre (NCRC) in Nairobi, you will take full ownership of the institution’s everyday administrative, financial, and technical functions, turning national security and criminal justice research into practical policy recommendations. You will act as the public voice of the Centre, advising the Governing Council and the Cabinet Secretary on crime prevention strategies while directing research programmes that span the country. This is a senior executive role for someone who can combine academic credibility with public-sector accountability, ensuring that evidence from criminological research genuinely influences how Kenya addresses crime and protects its citizens.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the Centre’s Accounting Officer, ensuring that all public funds are managed prudently, institutional assets and liabilities are safeguarded, and annual audits are completed accurately and on time.
• Develop and enforce robust internal financial controls and compliance mechanisms so that every spending decision adheres to government regulations and supports the Centre’s mandate.
• Work directly with the Governing Council and Cabinet Secretary to design, recommend, and implement long-term strategic plans, business frameworks, and national crime research policies.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of institutional projects, from initial formulation and funding acquisition through to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of outcomes across targeted regions.
• Act as the principal spokesperson for the Centre, building and maintaining strong partnerships with universities, security agencies, and international research bodies to expand the reach and credibility of the institution.
• Champion a high-performance organisational culture by establishing resilient management structures, implementing succession planning, and motivating research staff to produce work of the highest standard.
• Provide direct leadership to the management team, ensuring smooth communication and operational alignment between staff, executive leadership, and the Governing Council.

Requirements & Qualifications

• At least fifteen years of cumulative professional practice, including a minimum of five years in senior management or an equivalent leadership position.
• A Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, and a Doctorate (PhD) in Social Sciences or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university.
• A strong academic record with at least eighteen peer-reviewed publications, including journal articles, authored books, and book chapters.
• Active membership in good standing with a relevant professional regulatory body.
• Completion of a recognised leadership training course lasting no less than four weeks.
• Full compliance with the leadership and integrity requirements set out in Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya, along with solid proficiency in core computer applications.

What We Offer / Why Join

This position offers a monthly gross salary ranging from Kshs. 289,417 to Kshs. 367,560, along with the opportunity to exercise genuine executive autonomy in leading a critical state research institution. You will shape the direction of national crime prevention frameworks, provide legislative and policy advice that influences public safety strategy, and build a lasting legacy at the intersection of academic research and high-level governance. With the full backing of the Governing Council, you will be empowered to drive meaningful change in Kenya’s criminal justice landscape while collaborating with leading minds locally and internationally.