Amnesty International Kenya is Seeking a Research Officer – Sabbatical Cover (Fixed-Term)

Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 1-year fixed-term contract
Start Date: 1st August 2025
Department: Technology and Human Rights
Grade: Officer Level 1
Reports to: Technology and Human Rights Manager
Direct Reports: None

Role Summary

Amnesty International Kenya is seeking a dedicated Research Officer to provide sabbatical cover within its Technology and Human Rights programme. The role is designed for a committed individual with a strong background in human rights research and policy analysis, particularly in areas intersecting with technology, digital rights, and data governance. This fixed-term position will contribute directly to delivering research and policy projects aligned with the organisation’s Strategic Framework 2024–2028.

Organisational Overview

Amnesty International Kenya is a national entity within a global movement of over 10 million individuals standing against injustice. Registered and operational in Kenya, the organisation has consistently championed civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.

The organisation is committed to fostering an active civic culture rooted in full citizenship, inclusion, and accountability. It collaborates with members, supporters, and partners in civil society and government to advance public participation, reduce inequality, and eliminate corruption and impunity.

Amnesty International Kenya envisions a society where all people are aware of and can claim their rights. Guided by its values, it supports community-led initiatives that promote freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.

Position Purpose

The Research Officer will be responsible for conducting human rights research with a focus on violations of fundamental freedoms and the emerging digital rights landscape. The successful candidate will strengthen Amnesty Kenya’s capacity for data-driven advocacy and support evidence-based campaigns to influence policy and protect vulnerable populations, especially children and youth in digital spaces.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct and coordinate research on political, legal, and social developments affecting human rights in Kenya.
• Monitor and analyse trends in data governance, digital rights, and technology-related human rights issues.
• Produce research reports, policy briefs, and position papers that inform national advocacy and legal reform.
• Develop and proofread various outputs such as reports, statements, press releases, and memorandums, ensuring clarity and accessibility for diverse audiences.
• Engage directly with communities, rights holders, and expert groups through workshops, focus groups, and other participatory methods.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders including the Executive Director, campaign managers, communications teams, and international colleagues.
• Support strategic planning, growth activities, and knowledge-sharing across the organisation.
• Undertake additional tasks as assigned in alignment with the organisation’s evolving priorities.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in law, human rights, or a related discipline.
• At least two years of experience in human rights research or relevant programmatic work.
• Demonstrated ability to distil complex research into actionable insights and accessible formats.
• Strong knowledge of digital rights, data protection laws, and data governance practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with high attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure.
• Strong organisational, planning, and administrative competencies.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience working within a human rights NGO.
• Familiarity with the full lifecycle of a research campaign, from inception through implementation and impact assessment.

Organisational Expectations

Candidates must show a clear commitment to Amnesty International’s mission, values, and the Kenyan Constitution. A sound understanding of rights-based organising, anti-discrimination principles, and citizen empowerment is required. Applicants must also demonstrate a collaborative mindset and the capacity to work effectively within teams.

Equality and Non-Discrimination

Amnesty International Kenya upholds equality and diversity as core principles. Staff are expected to foster an inclusive and respectful environment for people from all backgrounds and identities. Discrimination of any form is not tolerated.

Conflict of Interest

Applicants must disclose any affiliations, associations, or activities that could conflict with Amnesty’s core principles of independence and impartiality. Any real or perceived conflicts may disqualify a candidate from selection.

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted by Friday, 11th July 2025 at 23:59 EAT. For more information and to apply, please Amnesty International Kenya official careers website.

No Recruitment Fees and Privacy Assurance
Amnesty International Kenya does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. All applicant data is treated with strict confidentiality and will not be shared with third parties without explicit consent.

Join the Movement
If you are passionate about human rights and possess the skills and experience required, Amnesty International Kenya encourages you to apply and be part of a movement for justice and dignity for all.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.