While most real estate jobs in Kenya are linked to private developers and agencies, a growing number of roles are emerging within non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international development bodies. These positions focus on affordable housing, urban shelter programs, slum upgrading, and disaster-resilient infrastructure—especially in informal settlements and post-crisis regions.
Organizations like UN-Habitat, Red Cross Kenya, Habitat for Humanity, and AMREF are leading initiatives that require professionals with real estate, construction, and project management expertise.
Types of NGO Real Estate Jobs in Kenya
Though not labeled as “real estate” outright, these roles involve property and land use:
- Housing Project Coordinators
Manage construction or renovation of low-cost homes in urban and rural areas.
Employers: Habitat for Humanity, UN-Habitat, Danish Refugee Council
Skills needed: Construction oversight, community engagement, budget tracking. - Urban Shelter Officers
Design and implement emergency or transitional housing for displaced populations.
Employers: IRC, NRC, Red Cross
Focus: Refugee camps, flood-affected zones, informal settlements. - Land Use & Settlement Planners
Work on slum upgrading and city planning with county governments and NGOs.
Employers: UN-Habitat, Sidewalk Labs (via partnerships), local urban development NGOs. - Infrastructure Managers
Oversee construction of community facilities—schools, clinics, water points—on leased or donated land.
Common in: Health and education-focused NGOs operating in arid and marginalized regions.
These roles often blend real estate knowledge with humanitarian goals, requiring understanding of land rights, informal tenure, and sustainable building practices.
Where These Jobs Are Available
Most NGO real estate-related roles are based in:
- Nairobi (headquarters of UN agencies and major NGOs)
- Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru (urban renewal and housing programs)
- North Eastern and Turkana counties (refugee and climate-resilient shelter projects)
Some positions are field-based with travel, while others are office-based with coordination responsibilities.
How to Qualify
While formal “real estate” titles are rare, relevant qualifications include:
- Degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Architecture, or Civil Engineering
- Experience in construction, project management, or community development
- Certifications in project management (PMP, PRINCE2) or housing policy
- Familiarity with Kenya’s Land Act, Slum Upgrading Strategy, and NDC frameworks
Salaries are typically competitive within the NGO pay scale—ranging from KSh 60,000 to KSh 150,000+ monthly, depending on experience and donor funding. Benefits often include medical cover, risk allowances (for field roles), and training opportunities.
FAQs
Q: Are there real estate jobs in NGOs in Kenya?
A: Yes, though often titled as housing, infrastructure, or settlement roles. They involve property development, land use planning, and construction management.
Q: What NGOs hire for property and housing roles in Kenya?
A: UN-Habitat, Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, IRC, AMREF, and Danish Refugee Council frequently hire for shelter and infrastructure projects.
Q: Do NGO real estate jobs require humanitarian experience?
A: Preferred but not always required. Technical skills in construction, planning, or real estate are valued, especially when combined with community engagement experience.
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