Advocacy Advisor Multi Country (Nairobi Based)

Background:

The humanitarian situation in Somalia and Kenya in 2026 remains among the most severe and protracted, driven by conflict, economic pressures, climate shocks, disease outbreaks, mass displacement, and shrinking humanitarian funding. An estimated 26- million people across both countries require assistance in 2026.

Conflict and climate shocks in Somalia fuel internal displacement, placing additional pressure on already overstretched services and humanitarian systems.

NRC works in Somalia to protect the rights of displaced and vulnerable people during crisis and meet immediate humanitarian needs, prevent further displacement, and contribute to durable solutions. Access remains a significant operational challenge due to active conflict, insecurity and bureaucratic impediments, making it difficult for aid organisations to reach those in need. Our programmes primarily include rapid response to emergencies, multipurpose cash assistance, legal protection, education, shelter, and water, sanitation and hygiene. Beyond this, NRC co-leads or supports coordination structures in both countries, including Shelter, CCCM and Protection clusters and the HLP and Durable Solutions Working Groups.

What you will do:

The Advocacy Advisor plays a pivotal role in shaping NRC’s policy influence and public positioning in Somalia and Kenya, two of the most complex humanitarian contexts globally. Operating at a senior level, the role leads the design and implementation of advocacy and communications strategies, ensuring coherence with country programme priorities and global standards. It provides expert analysis, develops evidence based advocacy products, and represents NRC in key fora, while also building the capacity of staff and partners to amplify the voices of displaced communities. By bridging operational realities with policy engagement, the Advocacy Manager ensures NRC’s responses are not only impactful on the ground but also contribute to systemic change at national, regional, and international levels.

General Responsibilities:

• Identify and coordinate NRC’s advocacy response to prioritised issues both within the country and internationally • Develop and implement an impactful advocacy and communications strategy, aligned with the overall country strategy. • Develop CO media plan and lines, ensuring risk analyses are made regarding public positions or statements and sign-off procedures are adhered to • Line management of communications teams, including development of staff if applicable, budget planning and execution, and other administration • Ensure systematic training on advocacy and communication to develop capacity of all relevant staff (within and beyond the advocacy and media department) and ensure compliance with NRC policies, e.g. informed consent, data protection, social media standards