WHO WE ARE 

The IHL Centre is an independent expert group that provides rapid and in-depth legal advice, training and advocacy on the laws of war to ensure the protection of people in conflict zones worldwide.

We engage in research, advocacy, and training to foster understanding and respect for IHL and for complementary rules of international law. Our rapid and in-depth analyses enable the humanitarian sector and other stakeholders to respond to urgent needs and to promote the effective implementation of humanitarian standards.  

The Centre is part of the Swedish development organization Diakonia.

Through our progressive and inclusive approach, we aspire to secure the strongest possible protection for every person affected by armed conflict. No one should be left unprotected; no situation is beyond the law. 

JOB DESIGNATION

Unit Manager: Africa

IHL Centre

Location: Nairobi

SELECTION

Preference will be given to internal candidates

FORM OF EMPLOYMENT

Third Country National or National Contract

Working hours are non-regulated

Working hours are normally office hours, but travel does occur.

SERVICE VOUME

Full-time position (37.5 hours per week) 

LOCATION WITHIN THE ORGANISATION

Employer: Diakonia Sweden (TCN) or Diakonia Kenya (National contract)

Place of employment: Nairobi

The post holder will report to: IHL Centre Director 

Monthly Gross Salary (as per IHL Centre salary scale) in USD: 6543-7498

Third Country National net range SEK: 45 038- 51 612 (2023/2024 exchange rate)

OVERVIEW

The Unit Manager for Africa will lead and develop the work and operations of the Centre in line with the Centre’s and Diakonia’s global policies, strategies, order of delegation and other steering documents, as well as Diakonia’s feminist and human rights-based principles and our values of solidarity, justice, courage, commitment and accountability.

• The Unit Manager reports to the IHL Centre Director and will also participate in relevant internal processes and meetings within the Centre and Diakonia. Additionally, will be a key member of the Centre’s management team and will play a key role in the development of the Centre as a whole.
• Provide dynamic, motivational, and caring leadership.
• Oversee and lead the implementation of the work of the Unit, including ensuring high quality of legal analysis, financial management, and ensuring monitoring and evaluation of all projects.
• Lead regional and national fundraising initiatives to support the movement towards greater donor diversification.
• Coordinate with key leadership roles across the Centre, and Diakonia (Country and Regional Directors) as well as with key support departments.
• Ensure the implementation of the Unit’s Action Plan related to operationalising the Centre’s commitment to work based on feminist principles.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the IHL Centre and strengthening partnerships with local, regional and international actors.
• Support internal strategic processes.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project Development and Delivery

Lead the development and implementation of strategic programmatic interventions for the Unit, in line with relevant institutional commitments. 

• Programme and grant management

Responsible for ensuring the delivery of all required internal and external reporting as well as detailed result analysis, as well as the implementation of the IHL tailored planning, monitoring and evaluation package.

• Legal/technical quality assurance 

With support from the technical unit, ensure high quality and coherence of technical legal output within the Unit, ensure coherence with the Centre, and assist in the coordination of legal review of other materials of the Centre.

• Human resources 

Lead and manage the staff of the Unit, in coordination with the Country Director, including when relevant consultants providing services to the Unit. This responsibility will also include leading the recruitment of Unit staff and support to other recruitments across the Centre. 

• Resource Mobilization

In coordination with the IHL Centre Director, build relationships potential donors and draft proposals/applications to sustain and expand the programme. This will include liaising and communicating with present and potential donors on issues relevant to programme development, including strategic priorities, concept notes and applications.

Key Competencies and Skills

• Strong leadership and team-building skills in multicultural environments
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and budgets
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; French or Arabic is an asset
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Deep understanding of International Humanitarian Law and human rights frameworks

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree in International Law, Human Rights, Political Science, or related field
• Minimum 7–10 years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years in a senior leadership role
• Demonstrated experience in managing donor-funded programs and engaging with institutional donors
• Experience working in or with civil society organizations in Africa

Travel Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel regionally and internationally up to 30% of the time, sometimes on short notice

Safeguarding and Code of Conduct

• Commitment to Diakonia’s safeguarding policies, including prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEAH)
• Adherence to Diakonia’s Code of Conduct and ethical standards

Work Environment and Culture

• Diakonia fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and learning-oriented work environment
• We are committed to gender equality, anti-racism, and decolonial approaches in our work

Performance and Evaluation

• Annual performance reviews based on strategic objectives, leadership effectiveness, and team development
• Regular feedback and learning sessions with the IHL Centre Director

Please submit your CV and cover letter no later than 01 December 2025. 

Ideal start date: 01 January 2026

For questions regarding the position, please contact Stephen Wilkinson at stephen.wilkinson@ihlcentre.org. Please, DO NOT use this email to submit your application. 

The IHL Centre is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace, and strives to be representative of all sections of society. We know that different perspectives, experiences, and competences are key for the Centre to be a relevant, capable, and successful organization. The IHL Centre therefore strives to recruit staff with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.