Community Liaison Officer Job in Kenya - KEMRI

Job Title: Community Liaison Officer

Date Posted: 10/07/2026

Job Type: Full Time

Employer: KEMRI

Industry: Project Management

Salary: Open

Location: Turkana

Country: Kenya

Deadline: 29/07/2026

Looking for a project management job in Kenya?


Kenya Medical Research Institute is hiring a Community Liaison Officer to build relationships with local communities and support research activities. The role is based in Turkana and experience in community engagement is required.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead community entry processes for the SHIELD study, ensuring all protocols for engaging both refugee and host-community leadership are respected.
  • Act as the primary Secretariat to the SHIELD Community Advisory Board (CAB), coordinating monthly meetings and ensuring community concerns are integrated into study implementation.
  • Engage with County officials, community leaders, local stakeholders, refugee representatives, and households to enhance awareness and promote community participation in SHIELD study activities in accordance with study and community protocols.
  • Support the qualitative research teams in organizing, mobilizing, and identifying participants for Focus Group Discussions, Photovoice workshops, and Body Mapping sessions.
  • Provide cultural orientation and guidance to the multidisciplinary research team (epidemiologists, entomologists, etc.) to ensure respectful interactions in the field.
  • Monitor community perceptions of the study and proactively manage expectations regarding project deliverables and participant reimbursements.
  • Ensure that informed consent processes are culturally appropriate and that participants fully understand their rights and the study’s objectives.
  • Collaborate with local Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to integrate SHIELD early-warning protocols into existing community health structures.
  • Support the dissemination of research findings back to the community through town hall meetings and radio talk shows in local languages.
  • Assist in identifying and mitigating security or operational risks related to community dynamics or climate-related disruptions

Qualifications

  • Diploma in Social Sciences, Community Development, Community Health, Sociology, Anthropology, or a related field. Mandatory
  • Minimum of three years’ active experience in community liaison and engagement, specifically within pastoralist or refugee-hosting settings. One (1) years’ experience in a humanitarian setup will be an added advantage. Added Advantage
  • Proven ability to navigate complex governance structures, including Refugee Affairs Secretariat (RAS), MOH, and UNHCR protocols. Mandatory
  • Fluency in Kiswahili and English is mandatory. Strong proficiency in the Turkana language is highly preferred. Mandatory
  • Willing to work and reside in Kakuma/Kalobeyei. Mandatory
  • Experience in facilitating Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and participatory research methods (e.g., body mapping, photovoice). Mandatory
  • Strong conflict resolution skills and the ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders. Skills & Competencies
  • Communication skills Skills & Competencies
  • Team player Skills & Competencies

How to Apply

Click here to apply