Kenya Country Lead – BSP

About the role

Mercy Corps is seeking a senior professional to lead its Border Security and Policing (BSP) programme in Kenya. The role will shape security sector reform, border management and community policing initiatives across the country.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for security sector and police reform programmes in Kenya.
• Engage with national government, police and security agencies to influence policies and operational practices.
• Manage a diverse team of staff, consortium partners and local implementing partners to deliver complex results.
• Lead risk, field and project management activities to ensure programme effectiveness.
• Facilitate community‑level dialogues on sensitive security and migration issues.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in security sector, police reform, border/security management or a related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in security sector or police reform, community policing or crime prevention in the Horn of Africa.
• Deep understanding of Kenya’s border security, governance, policing frameworks and migration dynamics.
• Proven ability to represent the organisation and influence national authorities.
• Strong strategic thinking, solutions‑oriented mindset and experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and experience handling conflict‑sensitive topics.

Required skills

• Risk management
• Field management
• Project management