Build your career where evidence meets impact
Population Council Kenya is a leading social science and public health research institution. Join a team whose findings shape government policy, protect young people, and improve lives across East Africa.
Why Population Council Kenya
Research that reaches the last mile
PC Kenya is part of an international network operating in more than 50 countries, with our Nairobi office leading research across gender and youth, reproductive health, HIV and AIDS, and poverty and livelihoods. Our studies directly inform national policy, county health plans, and donor programming — making this one of the few places in East Africa where a researcher's work genuinely shapes the lives of the most marginalised populations.
Our values
What we stand for — and what we look for in the people who join us
Excellence & Innovation
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of scientific rigour, constantly seeking better methods and more actionable evidence.
Collaboration & Partnership
We work alongside governments, civil society, and communities — co-creating research that is relevant, owned, and used.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and actively work to become an antiracist organisation in practice.
Accountability
We are transparent with our funders, partners, and the populations we work with — holding ourselves responsible for results.
Ethics
All our research is conducted to the highest ethical standards, with the dignity and rights of participants at the centre.
Local Leadership
Research led by Kenyans, for Kenya. We invest in building the next generation of African scientists and policy researchers.
Areas we hire in
Where your skills fit
Field researchers, study coordinators, research officers, biostatisticians, and principal investigators driving our evidence agenda.
Data managers, analysts, and M&E specialists who turn field data into rigorous, policy-ready findings.
Writers, designers, and communications officers who translate evidence into stories that reach policymakers and the public.
Finance officers, grants managers, and operations staff who keep the organisation running with integrity and efficiency.
Database administrators, ODK specialists, and system administrators supporting digital data collection across our field sites.
Drivers, field officers, and community health liaison staff embedded in our county-level programme sites.
Remuneration & benefits
Compensation that reflects the quality of our people
We use market pricing against international research sector benchmarks to set salary grades, ensuring our compensation is competitive and consistent across roles and offices. Salary scales are reviewed regularly and reflect both internal equity and local regulations.
Beyond salary, we invest in your professional journey. An accelerated talent development programme provides a structured leadership track for high-potential staff, alongside broad access to training, education assistance, and support for memberships in professional bodies.
Our people
Heard from the team
Working with the Council has really helped me grow career-wise. You cannot be here and remain the same — the culture pushes you to think rigorously and act with purpose.
What drew me in was the chance to do research that directly informs policy. I've seen our findings cited in county health plans and Ministry guidelines — that is rare and motivating.
The multidisciplinary environment is unmatched. On any given day I'm collaborating with biostatisticians, social scientists, and county government officials — the breadth keeps you sharp.
How to apply
Our hiring process
Browse current vacancies on our Paylocity portal, updated as roles open.
Upload your CV and cover letter through the portal. No hard-copy applications.
Only shortlisted candidates are contacted, typically within 3–4 weeks of closing.
Panel interviews with the hiring team, often including a technical task or presentation.
Successful candidates receive a formal offer and structured 30-day onboarding.
PC Kenya is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on age, gender, disability, religion, marital status, or any other protected characteristic.
Research fellowships
Early-career research fellowships
Population Council Kenya hosts PhD and postdoctoral researchers through the global Population Council fellowship programme. Fellowships are available for research in reproductive health, social demography, and related fields. Applications are managed centrally through the global Council.
Learn about fellowshipsInternships & attachments
Student internships & institutional attachments
We accept a limited number of student interns and institutional attachment students each year, primarily in research, data management, and communications. Attachments are typically 3–6 months and are hosted within specific programme teams based on availability.
Enquire about internshipsReady to do work that matters?
All current vacancies are posted on our Paylocity portal. Applications received by email to [email protected] are also accepted for roles that specify this. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.