Protocol Officer

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Your role

The Protocol Officer ensures that Welcome activities are organized smoothly, including coordination of pick-up/drop-off of ICRC staff and guests, travel arrangements, visas and permits, official registration and accommodation.

Accountabilities & functional responsibilities

  •    Ensures that staff and dependents get appropriate legal status in Kenya;
  •    Applies for work/residence permit/ dependent pass;
  •    Ensures application notification of arrival is done on time;
  •    Ensure applications of work/residence permit are done on time;
  •    Handles exemption work/resident permit endorsement;
  •    Updates the clients on the progress of the applications and any other concerns;
  •    Ensures that Diplomatic ID are received by both Principle and dependants;
  •    Follow up with Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on delayed approvals of permits & visas; 
  •    Informs management on the changes in MoFA and other departments concerned like Immigration and KRA;
  •    Ensures that staff are aware of the process and necessary documentation to apply for country visa;
  •    Ensure that an efficient network is created with the embassies protocol departments to receive Visas;
  •    Supervise the Welcome assistant in charge of compilation of documents for visa interviews;
  •    Ensure the information in collaborative space regarding passport/ Visa/ Permits follow-up is up to date;
  •    Is responsible for data entry of the arrival /departure information of the travellers in welcome transportation database;
 •    Ensure that policies applicable are understood by clients and participants before or at the beginning of the events;
  •    Ensures follow up on complaints with service providers and informs the Head of Welcome on the results.  

What we will look for in your profile

• Bachelor’s degree, an associate degree or equivalent higher education in international relations, political science, public administration, or related fields;
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in protocol, diplomatic service, external relations, or a related area is required;
• Experience in an international organization is desirable;
• Work experience in the area of protocol or event management in a multilateral setting is desirable;
• Fluent command of English or French.

What we offer

• Diverse and humanitarian-minded workforce;
• An opportunity to contribute to institutional efforts to protect and assist conflict victims worldwide;
• Training opportunities ;
• Flexible work schedule.

Our values

• At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this

Additional information

• Location: Nairobi, Kenya (Kenyan National Position)
• Type of contract: 1-year Fixed term contract (renewable subject to Budget discussion and performance)
• Type of position: Resident Contract
• Application deadline: 12/01/2026