Technical Advisor – Community Policing and Police Integrity (Good Governance Project)

Project Background

On behalf of the German Federal Foreign Office (AA), GIZ has been supporting police reform and security sector governance in Africa since 2008, with activities in Kenya since 2019. The new project aims to strengthen the integrity, professionalism and accountability of the National Police Service (NPS) through independent police oversight and community-oriented policing.

A key component focuses on strengthening community policing, improving police–community relations and building public trust through inclusive engagement, particularly with young people and marginalised groups. The project will support institutional and operational improvements, capacity development and the promotion of professional police conduct.

The Technical Advisor will work closely with the National Police Service and other relevant stakeholders to lead the implementation of the community policing and police integrity component. The role will focus on strengthening community engagement mechanisms, supporting institutional reforms and capacity development, and promoting conflict-sensitive approaches to policing, particularly in the context of the 2027 general elections.

Key Responsibilities

The Technical Advisor will:

• Provide technical and organisational advice to the National Police Service on community-oriented policing, police integrity, professionalism and public trust.
  
• Lead the planning, coordination, implementation and monitoring of community policing and police integrity activities, including component work plans, budgets and reporting.
  
• Support the assessment and improvement of existing community policing approaches, operational procedures and institutional guidelines.
  
• Design and facilitate capacity development initiatives, including training programmes, workshops and leadership engagement for police officers.
  
• Strengthen police–community relations through structured dialogue, community consultations and inclusive engagement, particularly with youth, women and marginalised groups.
  
• Support the development of youth engagement mechanisms, including youth liaison structures and other community-based policing initiatives.
  
• Facilitate collaboration between NPS, civil society organisations, community representatives, IPOA and other relevant stakeholders.
  
• Support the development of communication, outreach and public awareness initiatives to promote transparency, accountability and public confidence in policing.
  
• Coordinate technical experts, consultants and project resources, ensuring effective implementation in line with GIZ procedures.
  
• Monitor project progress, risks, expenditure and results, and contribute to reporting, knowledge management and documentation.
  
• Integrate human rights, gender equality and conflict-sensitive approaches into project activities.
  

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree or higher in Political Science, Criminology, Law, Sociology, Public Administration, Security Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies or a related discipline.
  
• At least 5–10 years of relevant professional experience in police reform, security sector governance, community policing, peacebuilding, public sector development or related fields.
  
• Strong understanding of the Kenyan National Police Service, its institutional structures and operational environment, preferably gained through direct engagement.
  
• Demonstrated experience working with police, security sector or government institutions on institutional reform and capacity development.
  
• Practical experience in community policing, community engagement, conflict prevention or strengthening police–community relations.
  
• Proven experience designing and implementing training programmes, workshops and institutional capacity development initiatives.
  
• Experience in project planning and implementation, stakeholder coordination, budget monitoring and results-based reporting, preferably within donor-funded programmes.
  
• Experience in organisational development, including developing institutional procedures, guidelines and training concepts.
  
• Demonstrated ability to engage police leadership and support institutional change processes.
  
• Experience working with civil society organisations, community representatives and international development partners.
  
• Knowledge and experience integrating human rights, gender equality and conflict sensitivity into project implementation.
  
• Excellent networking, communication, facilitation and diplomatic skills, particularly in politically sensitive environments.
  
• Excellent command of professional English; knowledge of Kiswahili is an added advantage.
  

Other Competencies

• Strong analytical, advisory, organisational and problem-solving skills.
  
• High levels of integrity, discretion and political sensitivity, with a commitment to human rights, impartiality and conflict-sensitive engagement.
  
• Ability to facilitate dialogue and build partnerships among stakeholders with diverse mandates and interests.
  
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
  
• Good working knowledge of ICT tools and standard office applications.
  
• Willingness to travel within Kenya and undertake further professional development as required.
  

Assignment Details

Duty Station: Nairobi

Duration: The position is initially offered for six months, with an anticipated start date of 1 January 2027 with a possibility of extension

Vacancy Reference Number: GIZ/ARD/03/11/2026

Equal Employment Opportunity

GIZ Kenya is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all and do not tolerate discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, disability, marital status, or any other protected status.

Ethics

GIZ is committed to safeguarding the safety, dignity, and well-being of staff, partners, community members, and programme participants. Sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, child abuse, and all forms of misconduct are strictly prohibited. Staff are expected to uphold high ethical standards, comply with local laws, and complete mandatory ethics training upon engagement.

Data Confidentiality

Candidate applications will be retained for six (6) months in accordance with GIZ's data protection policy and deleted thereafter.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.