Academic Partnerships & Outreach Manager Job in Nairobi (2026): Work with Refugee-Led Research Hub (RLRH)

The Refugee-Led Research Hub (RLRH) is currently hiring an Academic Partnerships & Outreach Manager based in Nairobi, Kenya. This is a unique and high-impact opportunity for professionals passionate about higher education access, refugee inclusion, and global development.

Hosted at the British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA), this role plays a critical part in advancing RLRH’s ambitious goal of supporting 1,000+ displacement-affected students to access postgraduate education worldwide by 2028.

Job Overview

• Position: Academic Partnerships & Outreach Manager
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya (Kileleshwa, with occasional travel)
• Salary: KSh 3,234,111 – 3,727,222 annually (gross)
• Contract Type: 12-month fixed-term (extendable until at least October 2028)
• Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours/week)
• Start Date: 1 June 2026 (flexible)
• Application Deadline: 4 May 2026 at 5:00 PM EAT

About the Refugee-Led Research Hub (RLRH)

RLRH is a global initiative supporting individuals with lived experience of displacement to become leaders in:

• Human rights
• Forced migration
• International development
• Law and policy

With a network of over 1,400 members across 80+ countries, RLRH operates in multiple locations including Nairobi, Oxford, Kuala Lumpur, Kakuma Refugee Camp, and Kampala.

Through partnerships like the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, RLRH helps displacement-affected students access graduate-level education and career opportunities worldwide.

About the Role

This role is central to RLRH’s expansion strategy and focuses on:

• Building partnerships with 30+ universities globally
• Leading outreach campaigns to recruit displacement-affected students
• Advocating for inclusive admissions systems
• Driving data-informed recruitment and engagement strategies

The position combines strategy, partnerships, advocacy, and operations, making it ideal for professionals with experience in international education, NGOs, or development sectors.

Key Responsibilities

1. Partnership Development (35%)

• Build and manage relationships with global universities and scholarship programs
• Collaborate with partners like UNHCR and education-focused organizations
• Develop engagement strategies and track partnership outcomes

2. Strategic Growth & Advocacy (25%)

• Identify barriers in admissions systems
• Promote inclusive recruitment practices
• Advocate for policy changes in higher education access

3. Student & Mentor Recruitment (20%)

• Lead large-scale outreach campaigns
• Engage 1,000+ students and 200+ mentors annually
• Organize info sessions and recruitment events

4. Data Management & Reporting (20%)

• Track admissions and recruitment data
• Analyze trends and improve strategies
• Produce reports for stakeholders and donors

Eligibility Criteria

Essential Requirements:

• Minimum 5+ years experience in partnerships, programs, or higher education
• Strong stakeholder engagement and leadership skills
• Experience with data analysis, reporting, and recruitment strategies
• Knowledge of inclusive education and refugee access challenges
• Proficiency in digital outreach tools (e.g., Canva, mailing platforms)

Desirable:

• Experience with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
• Background in migration, education, or development studies
• Additional language skills
• Postgraduate degree (or equivalent experience)

Inclusivity & Work Eligibility

• Applicants must have (or be able to obtain) the right to work in Kenya
• RLRH supports displaced applicants with obtaining a Refugee Class M work permit
• Strong encouragement for applications from:
  • Refugees and displaced individuals
  • Women, LGBTQI+, disabled persons
  • Underrepresented communities

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

• CV (max 3 pages)
• Cover letter
• Responses to 3 short questions (250 words each)
• 1–2 writing samples (max 2,000 words each)
• Two professional references

📌 Important: Use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) is not allowed in application materials.

Why You Should Apply

This role offers a rare opportunity to:

• Work at the intersection of education, migration, and global policy
• Influence access to higher education for refugees worldwide
• Collaborate with leading universities and global organizations
• Be part of a mission-driven, diverse, and international team

If you are passionate about equity in education and systemic change, this role is a powerful platform to make a global impact.

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