Health & Safety Officer (Nairobi)

About the role

The Health & Safety Officer leads Durham International School’s Health & Safety Department, ensuring learners, staff, contractors and visitors are safeguarded from injury, illness and emergencies. The role maintains full compliance with Kenyan legislation, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act and Ministry of Education standards.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure the school remains fully compliant with all applicable health and safety legislation, DOSHS requirements and Ministry of Education standards.
• Conduct scheduled inspections of classrooms, laboratories, kitchens, sanitation facilities, playgrounds, swimming pool, offices and other areas.
• Maintain valid licences and certifications for fire safety, food handling, transport and public health.
• Maintain and update the school’s risk register each term and conduct risk assessments for new projects, extracurricular activities and trips.
• Develop, update and implement the Emergency Response Plan and lead fire, evacuation and lockdown drills each term.
• Collaborate with school nurses to oversee first‑aid services, sanitation and water quality.
• Deliver induction and refresher training on first aid, fire safety and emergency response for staff, contractors and learners.
• Investigate accidents, near‑misses and incidents, produce root‑cause reports and ensure corrective actions are completed.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety & Health, Environmental Health, Public Health or related field (diploma plus strong experience may be considered).
• Minimum four years’ experience in a health & safety role, preferably in schools or large institutions.
• Valid first‑aid and fire‑safety/marshal certification.
• Strong knowledge of Kenyan health & safety law and Ministry of Education standards.
• Registration with, or eligibility for, a recognised professional body such as DOSHS approved safety adviser or Public Health Officers Council.