Program Associate Jobs in Kenya – Emergency Unit (EMU)
Job Description
Organization: International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Location: Kenya
Job Type: Full-time
🌍 About the Organization
International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein. Operating in over 40 countries, IRC provides life-saving support in health, education, safety, and economic wellbeing to people affected by crises, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
📌 About the Emergency Unit (EMU)
The Emergency Unit (EMU) supports IRC’s global emergency preparedness and response efforts. It focuses on delivering rapid assistance during acute crises while also strengthening long-term resilience and emergency capacity at country and global levels.
Professionals looking for similar NGO and administrative roles in Kenya can also explore opportunities on Kenya Jobs, where humanitarian and development jobs are frequently updated.
🎯 Job Purpose
The Program Associate will support administrative, logistics, finance, HR, and event management functions within the Emergency Unit. The role also offers career development opportunities, including deployments to support humanitarian responses and access to training programs.
⚙️ Key Responsibilities
Administrative & Travel Support
- Coordinate travel, accommodation, and visa processes for staff
- Support logistics for training programs such as HEAT
- Manage travel-related documentation and arrangements
People & Culture / HR Support
- Assist with onboarding processes and orientation sessions
- Support recruitment administration
- Track staff leave balances and support staff engagement initiatives
Procurement & Finance
- Process procurement and payments using IRC systems (INTEGRA)
- Manage vendor invoices, reimbursements, and financial records
- Track and distribute organizational assets (laptops, phones, etc.)
- Maintain databases for subscriptions and financial records
Events Management
- Support planning of EMU annual conferences
- Coordinate meetings, schedules, and communication logistics
- Assist with weekly calls and senior management meetings
Candidates interested in similar roles across West Africa can also visit Jobs in Gambia, which lists administrative and NGO job opportunities in the region.
🤝 Key Working Relationships
- Reports to: Emergency Support & Deployment Coordinator
- Works closely with senior leadership, finance, HR, and deployment teams
- Supports over 70 Emergency Unit staff globally
🧑💼 Candidate Profile
Requirements:
- Strong interest in humanitarian work
- Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
- Basic knowledge of budgeting and accounting (preferred)
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Ability to manage data and administrative systems
Languages:
- Fluent English required
- Additional languages (French, Spanish, Arabic) are an advantage
Job seekers exploring opportunities in East Africa can also check Uganda Jobs for similar NGO and administrative roles.
🏠 Working Environment
This role is based in a standard office environment with opportunities for remote or in-country deployment to support emergency operations.
📜 Professional Standards
All International Rescue Committee staff must adhere to IRC’s core values: Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability. The organization enforces strict safeguarding, ethical conduct, and anti-corruption policies to ensure a safe and respectful working environment.
📩 How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official IRC careers portal or relevant job platforms. Ensure your application includes all required documents and reflects your interest in humanitarian work.
This role is ideal for individuals seeking hands-on experience in international humanitarian operations while contributing to impactful emergency response initiatives worldwide.