TERMS OF REFERENCE – PROGRAM ASSISTANT BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS & SUSTAINABLE OCEANS

About NANHRI

The Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI) is a regional umbrella body that brings together 46 African National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs). In line with its vision, NANHRI supports the establishment of stronger human rights institutions across Africa. NANHRI’s Business and Human Rights (BHR) and Sustainable Oceans Program specifically promotes NHRI engagement in responsible business conduct and a human rights-based approach to marine and oceans governance respectively. To enhance coordination and delivery of activities across these two thematic areas, NANHRI seeks a Program Assistant – Business and Human Rights and Sustainable Oceans.

About the role

The Program Assistant will provide technical, administrative, and logistical support to ongoing and emerging initiatives under the Business and Human Rights and Sustainable Oceans program. The role will support research, coordination, stakeholder engagement, documentation, and monitoring of program activities to ensure high-quality implementation and timely delivery.

 Key Responsibilities

1. Program Implementation Support

• Assist in the planning and implementation of BHR and Sustainable Oceans program activities such as trainings and workshops on the UNGPs, SSF Guidelines. This includes supporting continuous mapping, needs assessment and engagement with NHRIs on the development and implementation of National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights.
• Support the program officer in managing day-to-day activity coordination, including follow-ups with NHRIs, partners, and stakeholders.
• Assist in preparing work plans, budgets, concept notes, meeting Agendas and critical path for planned activities.

1. Research and Knowledge Generation

• Support in developing tools, conducting research, analysis and developing outcome documents on emerging themes on business and human rights & sustainable oceans.
• Support development of NHRI knowledge products, toolkits, training materials, and case studies.

1. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Assist in maintaining regular communication with NHRIs, CSOs, academia, UN bodies, Africa Union bodies, and private sector actors.
• Support the preparation of communication products, including press releases, newsletters, and social media content.

1. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

• Support drafting donor reports, quarterly updates, and activity reports.
• Participate in MEL-related meetings and support internal learning processes across the programs.
• Assist in tracking the progress of program activities.

1. Administrative and Logistical Support

• Assist with procurement and contracting processes in line with NANHRI policies.
• Coordinate logistics for meetings and missions

1. F. Support in undertaking any other assigned roles.
2. Qualifications for the role
3. Key Skills & Competencies

• Foundational knowledge of human rights frameworks, especially UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), Small Scale Fisheries (SSF) Guidelines and relevant regional human rights frameworks.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Good understanding of project management and MEL processes.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organisational and coordination abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work in multicultural environments.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and respect for diversity.
• Proficiency in French is an added advantage.

1. Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related discipline.
• 1–2 years of relevant experience supporting programs in human rights, development, or related fields.

1. Duty Station

Nairobi, Kenya, with possible travel within Africa for workshops and meetings.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit an application letter and CV to  info@nanhri.org by 19^th December 2025.