Resettlement Specialist

HIAS Kenya is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Resettlement Specialist to join its dynamic team dedicated to promoting resettlement as a durable solution for the most at-risk refugee populations. In this pivotal role, you will serve as a technical lead within the resettlement department, ensuring the quality, compliance, and timely submission of resettlement referral forms and related case documentation to third-country resettlement partners.

As the Resettlement Specialist, you will provide expert guidance on complex refugee and resettlement legal issues, mentor and support junior staff, manage reporting obligations to both country-level and HIAS headquarters, and act as the primary focal person for the resettlement project. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya.

• Review, quality-check, and submit a minimum of 30 Resettlement Referral Forms (RRFs) per month, ensuring procedural compliance and accuracy before forwarding to third-country resettlement partners.
• Review Best Interest Determinations (BIDs) and Best Interest Assessments (BIAs) prepared by associates to confirm they meet required standards prior to submission to the BID panel.
• Provide expert leadership, advice, and guidance on complex refugee law and resettlement issues to the resettlement team.
• Develop, coordinate, and strengthen relationships with local partners, UNHCR, embassies, and community stakeholders to uphold HIAS's professional standards.
• Lead timely performance and development management for resettlement program staff, including appraisals and remedial action plans.
• Attend inter-agency and thematic group meetings with stakeholders and provide structured feedback to the team.
• Assist in preparing and monitoring budgets for resettlement activities, tracking expenditure against approved plans.
• Facilitate and participate in training programs on resettlement procedures and anti-fraud measures, including developing training materials and conducting research.
• Actively contribute to the development, enhancement, and monitoring of HIAS SOPs, policies, and guidelines for resettlement and anti-fraud practices.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date resettlement statistics and individual case records; prepare and review periodic and donor reports.
• Monitor overall resettlement activities for progress against targets, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and appropriate follow-up with resettlement countries.
• Provide timely and accurate feedback and information to HIAS resettlement partners and stakeholders.
• Submit regular progress reports to the Program Director, including submission figures and challenges encountered.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by management.

• Must demonstrate a thorough understanding and practical application of international refugee law, UNHCR's mandate, and resettlement procedures.
• Must be able to independently review and quality-assure complex legal and protection documentation including RRFs, BIDs, and BIAs.
• Must have at least 4 years of professional experience working in refugee protection, resettlement, or a closely related humanitarian field.
• Must hold a university degree in international law, refugee law, political science, social sciences, social work, or a related discipline.
• Must demonstrate the ability to lead, mentor, and manage a team effectively, including conducting performance appraisals.
• Must be able to coordinate with diverse stakeholders including UNHCR, government bodies, embassies, and civil society organizations.
• Must possess strong report-writing skills with ability to produce accurate, timely reports for multiple audiences including donors and HQ.
• Must demonstrate experience in budget preparation, monitoring, and expenditure tracking for humanitarian programs.
• Must be proficient in designing and delivering training sessions and capacity-building initiatives.
• Must exhibit strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple case files and deadlines simultaneously.

The indicative monthly salary for this role is approximately KES 130,000 – 160,000, commensurate with experience and HIAS's established compensation framework. HIAS Kenya offers a competitive remuneration package typical of international NGOs operating in Kenya.

• Competitive NGO-benchmarked salary
• Medical insurance coverage
• Supportive and mission-driven work environment
• Professional development and training opportunities

This role is ideal for a seasoned humanitarian professional with a strong background in refugee protection and resettlement law, who is passionate about durable solutions for vulnerable populations. You are a detail-oriented team leader who can manage complex caseloads, engage confidently with institutional partners, and guide junior staff to deliver quality outcomes. Candidates with prior experience working with UNHCR, HIAS, IRC, or similar INGO resettlement programs are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please do not apply if you have fewer than 4 years of relevant experience in refugee protection or resettlement, lack a university degree in a relevant field, or are not comfortable working in a fast-paced, target-driven environment involving vulnerable and at-risk populations.

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application through the HIAS Kenya official careers portal or as directed in the official job advertisement. Ensure your application includes an updated CV, a cover letter clearly demonstrating how your experience aligns with the role, and copies of relevant academic and professional certificates. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. HIAS is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.