Role overview
What you'll be stepping into
“We reach out our hands, so that people can stand tall”
Hoffnungszeichen | Sign of Hope is a Christian motivated organisation for human rights, humanitarian assistance and development cooperation. From our offices in Germany and Kenya we are committed to helping oppressed and exploited people worldwide.
To strengthen our human rights work, we are looking for you to join us at the earliest possible date as a staff position reporting directly to the Executive Board:
Senior Human Rights Officer
As an advisory staff position, you will be responsible to the Chairperson of the Executive Board for all aspects of operational and structural human rights work at Hoffnungszeichen | Sign of Hope.
📍 Location: Nairobi (Kenya) or Uganda ((location to be discussed) or Addis (Ethiopia)
🕛 Working hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)
🏠 Remote work: tbd
🗓️ Contract duration: Initially limited to two years, with the option of extension/permanency
Your Responsibilities
Operational Human Rights Work
Research and analysis of the human rights situation in selected countries
Preparation of scientific reports and analyses (internal and external)
Conceptualization and implementation of our human rights advocacy work
(input for public relations and advocacy communication)
Structural Human Rights Work
Ensuring that key human rights aspects are integrated into the structure of our programmatic project work
Ensuring that instruments of the human rights-based approach are embedded across all departments and core processes of the organization
Designing and conducting trainings for staff and project partners
Developing and strengthening human rights-related monitoring and reflection mechanisms in collaboration with technical departments
Your Profile
Completed university degree in social sciences and/or law, ideally with a specialization in human rights
At least three years of relevant professional experience in a human rights-related field (desirable)
Willingness to take on responsibility
Strong analytical skills
Empathy and sensitivity for the target groups of our work
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Trustworthy and reliable personality
Independent, goal-oriented, and meticulous working style
Excellent English language skills, German language skill desirable
Proficient in MS Office applications
What We Offer
A varied and meaningful role with room for initiative and impact
A collegial, values-based team with flat hierarchies
Structured onboarding and opportunities for internal and external training
24 days of annual leave (based on a 5-day week)
Fair NGO salary
A position with a high level of responsibility
Opportunities for project assignments abroad
What Matters to Us
We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons in all aspects of our work. Therefore, we require a strong commitment to our safeguarding standards and, upon hiring, submission of a police clearance certificate.
How to apply
Interested? Apply now!
If you would like to support our work with your skills, we look forward to receiving your complete application.
Please submit the following documents to recruitment@sign-of-hope.org:
Cover letter (including your salary expectations, availability)
CV
Certificates and references
As our work is motivated by the Christian faith, we are interested in the role Christian values play in your daily life. Please feel free to address this in your cover letter.
🗓️ Application deadline: June 10, 2026
We reserve the right to contact you before the deadline.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Rhoda Wahome at wahome@sign-of-hope.org
How to apply