Security Officer

About the role

The Security Officer will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, supporting UN Women’s Kenya Country Office, the East and Southern Africa Regional Office, and global offices in Nairobi. The role provides strategic, technical and operational security support to protect personnel, premises, assets and programme delivery.

Key responsibilities

• Provide timely security advice, guidance and recommendations to UN Women offices in Kenya.
• Monitor implementation of UN and UN Women security policies and advise on risk mitigation measures.
• Conduct security risk assessments of premises, operations, equipment and personnel residences.
• Monitor emerging threats and assess potential impact on personnel, assets, programmes and operations.
• Coordinate responses to security and safety incidents with UNDSS and host‑country authorities.
• Support and build capacity of UN Women Security Focal Points through training and continuous engagement.
• Represent UN Women in UN Security Management System forums and liaise with government security institutions and partners.
• Develop, maintain and implement the UN Women Security Plan and ensure compliance with security risk management measures.
• Collect, analyse and communicate security information; prepare briefings and incident reports.
• Develop and deliver security awareness, business continuity and specialised security training.
• Prepare security and movement plans for field missions and support crisis management arrangements.

Required profile

• Minimum 7 years progressive experience in security, including programme management in a development context.
• Experience conducting security risk assessments as part of operational planning.
• Gender‑responsive approaches within security or related sectors.
• Budget management related to field support.
• Security and risk management in operational environments; conflict‑operations experience is desirable.
• Knowledge of the UN Security Policy Manual is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical skills, ability to work under pressure and provide strategic advice in crisis situations.
• Master’s degree in Security Management, Risk Management, Business Administration, Leadership, Political/Social Science, International Relations, Law or a related field.

Required skills