Kenya Country Lead-BSP

About the role

The Kenya Country Lead‑BSP will steer Mercy Corps’ security sector and police reform initiatives across Kenya, ensuring programmes address border security, organised crime and migration challenges. Reporting to senior leadership, the Lead will act as the primary representative with government, police and other key stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate a diverse team of staff, consortium partners and local implementing partners to deliver complex security‑sector programmes.
• Engage with community members and civil society on sensitive, conflict‑sensitive topics related to crime prevention and migration.
• Represent Mercy Corps in high‑level discussions to influence national policies and policing frameworks.
• Oversee the production of high‑quality reports, policy briefs and other written outputs.

Required profile

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

Required skills