Security Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is an entity of the United Nations dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. It was established to advocate for women's rights and to ensure that gender equality is integrated into all aspects of development, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women operates globally, working with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and other UN agencies, to eliminate discrimination against women and girls. The organization aims to create a world free of gender-based discrimination, where women and men have equal opportunities and women's rights are upheld. UN Women has a strong presence in multiple countries, including Kenya, where it has a Country Office in Nairobi, and it coordinates efforts across the East and Southern Africa region. The organization is committed to building effective partnerships and providing coherent leadership in support of Member States' priorities regarding gender equality and women's empowerment.

Job Overview:
The Security Officer position at UN Women in Nairobi, Kenya, is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of UN Women personnel, premises, and assets. The role involves providing operational and technical security support to the UN Women Country Office, the East and Southern Africa Regional Office, and global offices based in Nairobi. The Security Officer will work under the direct supervision of the UN Women Kenya Country Representative and will have a technical reporting line to the UN Women Regional Security Specialist. This position requires the individual to be proactive in monitoring security policies, conducting security assessments, and responding to incidents. The Security Officer will also be responsible for developing and implementing the UN Women Security Plan, ensuring compliance with security risk management measures, and providing training on security awareness and preparedness. The role demands flexibility, as it may require working outside regular hours and traveling within Kenya and neighboring countries based on organizational needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Security Officer will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: providing operational and technical support to UN Women offices in Kenya; monitoring the implementation of security policies and procedures; overseeing security evaluations and providing advice on security measures; responding to security incidents and coordinating with relevant authorities; conducting security assessments of UN Women premises and operations; maintaining liaison with local security communities; collecting and disseminating security information; developing and managing the UN Women Security Plan; ensuring compliance with Security Risk Management Measures; reporting security incidents; and developing and conducting training courses on security awareness and preparedness. The Security Officer will also be responsible for maintaining good relationships with important partners, including Security Focal Points and UN agencies, and ensuring timely completion of security-related tasks and reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Security Officer position must possess strong knowledge of security and risk management, as well as a solid understanding of the local security situation and laws. They should have the ability to work under pressure and in crisis situations, demonstrating strong analytical skills and strategic thinking. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to maintain confidentiality regarding security matters. Additionally, candidates should have experience in developing and implementing security policies and procedures, as well as a proven track record of working collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in security management, international relations, or a related field is required for the Security Officer position. Advanced degrees or certifications in security or risk management are highly desirable. Candidates should have a strong academic background that supports their understanding of security issues and the ability to apply this knowledge in a practical context.

Experience:
The Security Officer position requires a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in security management, risk assessment, or a related field. Candidates should have experience working in international organizations, particularly within the UN system, and a demonstrated ability to manage security operations in complex environments. Experience in conducting security training and developing security policies is also preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for the Security Officer position. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly Swahili, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
The contract for the Security Officer position is for a specified duration, with the possibility of extensions based on funding availability, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. This is a full-time position, and the successful candidate will receive a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) to cover housing, utilities, transportation, and other basic needs. The VLA is calculated based on the Post-Adjustment Multiplier (PAM) and is subject to fluctuations based on the cost of living. UN Volunteers are also entitled to life, health, and disability insurance, as well as travel allowances for official duties. Additional benefits include a settling-in grant for new volunteers and a resettlement allowance upon completion of the assignment.