International Humanitarian Law and Data Protection Officer

Role Overview

This role helps the Kenya Red Cross Society put humanitarian law and data-protection requirements into practice. Day to day, the Officer researches legal issues, advises colleagues on routine questions, coordinates training and awareness, and maintains records that help the Society identify and address compliance concerns. The position reports to the Head of Department and refers complex or high-risk matters for further guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver International Humanitarian Law awareness activities for staff, volunteers, members and other relevant groups.
• Research IHL and related humanitarian legal issues, preparing draft briefs, advisory notes, presentations and summaries for review.
• Track relevant changes in legislation, policy and institutional practice, and flag developments that may require management attention.
• Support liaison with government bodies, academic institutions, security agencies, Movement partners and other stakeholders on IHL implementation and promotion.
• Assess reports of unauthorised or improper use of the Red Cross emblem or designation, provide routine guidance on correct use, and refer serious or recurring cases for further action.
• Maintain records of emblem use and reported misuse, and organise IHL meetings, conferences, training and related activities.
• Help departments, branches and programmes apply data-protection rules across the collection, use, storage, sharing, retention and disposal of personal information.
• Maintain data-protection registers and coordinate the handling of data-subject requests, complaints and suspected breaches, escalating matters that may need management or regulatory action.
• Review privacy notices, consent forms, data-collection tools, data-sharing agreements and contractual clauses; support privacy impact assessments for activities with significant risks.
• Deliver data-protection awareness, monitor compliance, identify gaps and prepare reports recommending corrective action.
• Support submissions, correspondence and engagement with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, and follow up actions agreed at relevant meetings.
• Prepare briefings and activity reports, protect confidential information, and contribute to internal controls, audit follow-up, statutory and donor compliance, asset checks, and the identification of operational or financial risks.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law from a recognised university.
• At least two years of relevant experience in legal services, compliance, data protection, humanitarian affairs or a related area.
• Working knowledge of International Humanitarian Law and Kenya’s data-protection framework.
• Strong legal research, analysis and drafting skills, with the ability to turn legal requirements into practical guidance.
• Sound judgement in identifying issues that need escalation, alongside careful record management and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and stakeholder-engagement skills, including the ability to support training and awareness activities.
• Strong organisation and coordination skills, discretion when handling sensitive information, and the ability to manage competing tasks independently and collaboratively.
• Professional training or certification in data protection or IHL is an advantage. Admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya is also an advantage.