Security Specialist P3

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF has a workforce that reflects the diversity of the children it serves and is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Overview:
The security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Specialist at Level 3 is a pivotal role based in Nairobi, Kenya, responsible for supporting all UNICEF offices in the region. This position is crucial as it addresses the expanding footprint of UNICEF, which includes an increasing scale and complexity of personnel presence, operations, missions, partnerships, and program support functions. The Security Specialist will advise and support the Representative, Chief Field Office, or Country Security Specialist in fulfilling security duties and responsibilities as outlined under the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) and UNICEF security policies. The role is designed to enable principled and timely delivery of UNICEF's mandate while maintaining acceptable levels of risk through comprehensive security risk analysis, planning, preparedness, access support, incident management, and the implementation of appropriate risk mitigation measures. Additionally, the Security Specialist will lead and manage a team of national security professionals to provide integrated, scalable, coordinated, and responsive security support across all UNICEF offices in Nairobi, ensuring that the growing operational footprint and staff presence are adequately supported.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key duties and responsibilities of the Security Specialist include:

• Security Risk Management and Planning: Conducting thorough security risk assessments and developing strategic plans to mitigate identified risks.
• Security Services: Overseeing the implementation of security services across all UNICEF offices, ensuring compliance with established security protocols.
• Programmatic Security: Collaborating with program teams to integrate security considerations into program planning and implementation.
• Information Analysis: Analyzing security-related information to inform decision-making and enhance situational awareness.
• Networking and Partnership Building: Establishing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including UNDSS, other UNSMS actors, and relevant partners, to foster collaboration and information sharing.
• Innovation, Knowledge Management, and Capacity Building: Promoting innovative security practices and facilitating training and capacity-building initiatives for staff.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in security studies, international relations, political science, criminology, emergency management, public administration, risk management, or other related fields. Alternatively, a Bachelor or equivalent (First Level University Degree) combined with 2 additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. Candidates must also have at least 5 years of relevant work experience in security, global security risk management, security analysis, or other related fields.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as security studies, international relations, political science, criminology, emergency management, public administration, or risk management. A Bachelor’s degree may be acceptable if combined with sufficient relevant work experience.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in security, global security risk management, security analysis, or related fields. Experience in international security management and understanding of the United Nations Security Management System is highly desirable, particularly in development, fragile settings, and humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Nairobi, Kenya. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and is committed to safeguarding the rights of children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference, safeguarding, and background verification checks. Appointments are subject to medical clearance and compliance with vaccination requirements. UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of the recruitment process.