International Humanitarian Law and Protection of Civilians Advisor Full Time

Role Type: Full-time for nine (9) months with the option to extend by a further six (6) months, subject to the continuation of funding

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Start Date: Expected to start in July 2025

ABOUT ARK

ARK is a social enterprise, empowering local communities through the provision of agile and sustainable interventions to create greater stability, opportunity, and hope for the future.

We believe that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional, and international development and stability – and ultimately a safer, peaceful and more prosperous world. At ARK, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions validating this approach in over twenty countries since 2008. As a social enterprise we work in partnership with communities, our donors, and other implementers to build local capacities, generate opportunity and bring about sustainable change.

Learn more about our impact here: https://www.ark.international/impact

ABOUT THE ROLE

ARK is a trusted implementer of security programs worldwide, dedicated to enhancing military and security capacities to counter transnational threats. ARK’s portfolio includes the development of key capabilities in security sector organisations as part of wider stabilisation strategies. Our business model involves the deployment of specialist teams and individuals, for usually short-term periods of activity, to help these organisations build and maintain core capabilities which are relevant to the local environment.

We are seeking highly qualified and experienced professionals to play a critical role in an upcoming project in Africa, focused on supporting the British Peace Security Team Africa (BPST(A)) in strengthening the capacity of the African Union Peace Support Operations (APSO) Division to help it both develop policies and institutional change towards operationalising UNSCR 2719, and offer a more coherent human security offer against GBV, IHL and policing by improving accountability and compliance.

This position, reporting to the Africa Peace Support Operations (APSO) Programme Manager, via Commander BPST(A), will directly support the BPSTA and APSO programme in designing, operationalising and monitoring, at the regional level, UNSCR 2719 and Compliance Framework assistance to the African Union to ensure that future AU-led PSOs support UN-endorsed crisis interventions in a manner that satisfies several human-security related criteria. Central to the Compliance Framework requirements are assurances relating to mission standards of conduct, and mechanisms of oversight and discipline, regarding International Humanitarian Law (IHL), International Human Rights Law (IHRL), plus a range of doctrinal issues regarding civilian protection and the combating of sexual and gender-based violence.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead in the design, implementation and monitoring of UNSCR 2719 and Compliance Framework assistance to the African Union (AU) vis-à-vis IHL, civilian protection and wider human security issues, in accordance with programmatic priorities defined by the ISF APSO programme framework.
• Partner with the African Union’s Compliance Framework Team (within PSOD) to support the development and dissemination of operational doctrine and training curricula on IHL, IHRL, civilian protection, human security and other PSO compliance matters. This entails the provision of subject matter expertise, liaison functions and participation within working groups.
• Develop curricula and methods of training delivery to regional PSO training institutions to build and embed the knowledge and understanding necessary to satisfy evolving PSO Compliance requirements. This entails the delivery of train-the-trainer training to appropriately selected national military instructors, followed up with a programme of instructor mentoring to ensure an enduring legacy.
• Ensure complementarity with other HMG regional initiatives as they pertain to peace support operations in Africa. Notably, this will entail close cooperation with the Defence and African Union Sections of the British Embassy, Addis Ababa and the provision of technical expertise and support as required.
• Act as a professional ambassador for BPST(A) and ARK at all times.

Requirements

• Legal expertise and in-depth knowledge of IHL principles, conventions, and protocols and the ability to apply these in the context of peace support operations.
• Significant experience in practising international humanitarian law, including advising on legal matters in conflict zones and peace support operations.
• Demonstrated field experience in peacekeeping operations or similar international peace operations, with a focus on applying humanitarian law in real-world scenarios.
• Proficiency in developing and delivering training programs on IHL for military, police and civilian personnel, ensuring they understand and comply with legal standards during operations.
• Strong advisory and analytical skills, needed to provide strategic guidance on legal and humanitarian issues, and the ability to analyse complex situations to other practical solutions.
• Strong ethical judgement to address complex legal and humanitarian issues, combined with cultural sensitivity to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and local communities.

Other Information:

Candidates must be based in, or willing to relocate to, Nairobi for the duration of the assignment. This position may require significant regional travel. Flexibility and adaptability to work in a dynamic operational environment are essential.

Why join ARK?

• Impactful Work: Your expertise will directly impact the lives of those in need.
• Global Reach: Collaborate with international experts and local stakeholders.
• Innovation: Engage in pioneering solutions for sustainable change.
• Career Growth: Expand your horizons with varied projects and challenges.

Our People

Our team covers a diverse range of professional backgrounds, from diplomacy, humanitarian, development and the military, to the UN, civil society groups, multilateral organizations, journalism and the private sector.

Smart: We think deeply about things. We’re proud of our institutional knowledge and our grounding in rigorous research, which we use to make informed decisions.

Humble: Our work leaves little room for pride or arrogance. Our operating environment is constantly evolving, and we recognize out limitations. We believe in and rely on the education and experiences of others while remaining quick to read, invite feedback, and ask sensible questions.

Accountable: Each of us want ARK, its partners, and beneficiaries to succeed. This means taking initiative, assuming ownership when necessary and never giving up on our beneficiaries. We are committed and accountable, to both our donors and the communities we serve.

Collegiate: We know we are stronger together and that every contribution counts. We trust each other and always support each other.

Outspoken: We tackle diverse challenges, and we always want to find the best solution to a problem. We aren’t afraid to share our opinions, and we want to hear those of others too.

ARK Group is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. ARK Group does not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. We welcome all kinds of diversity. ARK Group places human dignity at the center of its development and stabilization work and is this committed to the protection from sexual exploitation and abuse of children and adults. All ARK Group employees and related personnel are expected to share this commitment and only those who also uphold these values will be recruited as part of our team. This vacancy is therefore subject to a range of due diligence checks.

Tagged as: Ark Group, Kenya