The Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit research institute dedicated to shifting the world’s focus to peace as a positive, tangible, and achievable measure of human well-being and progress. We do this by developing data-driven peace indices, insights, and frameworks to enable communities to build peace locally and internationally.

IEP’s core products – the Global Peace Index, the Global Terrorism Index and the Ecological Threat Report – receive billions of media impressions each year and are considered the leading products in their field. IEP’s research is included in thousands of university courses, and through partnerships conducts training courses in countries such as Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Mexico and Uganda. The Institute’s research is regularly featured in leading international media publications including the Guardian, the Economist, Huffington Post, Washington Post, CNN, and BBC World.

Organisations that IEP partners with include the United Nations, Economist Intelligence Unit, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Rotary International, International Chamber of Commerce, the Club de Madrid, European Union, the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC) and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director – Southern Africa, based in Nairobi, Kenya. This senior leadership role will oversee IEP’s strategy, partnerships, and research engagement across Southern Africa, ensuring that the organisation’s insights and evidence have maximum impact in policy, academia, and civil society.

• • Position Title: Director, Southern Africa – Institute for Economics & Peace.

• • Position Type: Full time – ongoing.

• • Position Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm EAT This is a role with an international focus and may, from time to time, require evening and early morning.

• • Remuneration: Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.

• • Location: This is an office based position in Nairobi, Kenya. Candidates must have appropriate working rights in Kenya.

• • Travel: Domestic and international travel may be a requirement of the position. Any travel requirements will be negotiated with the employee.

Key Responsibilities

• • Lead IEP’s engagement across Southern Africa, with a focus on Kenya and neighbouring regions.

• • Build and manage high-level relationships with governments, international organisations, NGOs, academic institutions, and the private sector.

• • Represent IEP in regional and international forums, speaking on peace, development, and security issues.

• • Support the dissemination and application of IEP’s research, including the Global Peace Index, Positive Peace framework, and Ecological Threat Report.

• • Sell and deliver relevant research and training programs

• • Work closely with IEP’s global leadership to align regional activities with the organisation’s global objectives.

Required Skills & Experience

• • Minimum 10 years of experience in international development, peacebuilding, policy, or research organisations.

• • Strong understanding of peace, conflict, security, and development issues in Southern and Eastern Africa.

• • Proven ability to engage and influence high-level stakeholders, including governments, and multilateral organisations.

• • Excellent communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to represent IEP at conferences and in the media.

• • Demonstrated experience in partnership development and resource mobilisation.

• • Postgraduate qualification in international relations, development, peace and conflict studies, political science, or a related field.

Personal Attributes

• • Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills.

• • Collaborative leadership style and ability to inspire and manage diverse teams.

• • High integrity and commitment to IEP’s mission and values.

• • Willingness to travel regionally and internationally.

What We Offer

Opportunity to play a key role in advancing peace and positive change in the region. Engagement with a global network of thought leaders, and practitioners. Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a CV and cover letter outlining their suitability for the role to [email protected] with the subject title ‘Program Director Southern Africa’ by 30 September, 2025. You may also apply by using the application form below.

If you have any further questions or need information regarding this vacancy, please contact [email protected]. IEP reserves the right to interview and appoint candidates prior to the advertised closing date.