Senior Security Officer

Organizational Context

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees over 250 projects in 40 countries, focusing on fragile and conflict-affected settings. It supports national priorities through initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, and more. The office provides strategic leadership and operational support, contributing to sustainable infrastructure and improved quality of life across the continent.

Job Purpose

The Security Senior Officer is responsible for managing, coordinating, and advising on all security and safety matters impacting UNOPS operations and projects within the East and Southern Africa Multi-Country Office (ESAMCO) area. This role ensures the protection of UNOPS personnel, assets, and programs through robust risk management, proactive security planning, and effective coordination with UNDSS, government authorities, and other partners. The incumbent must exercise significant professional judgment and operate with independence to maintain an effective and compliant security framework, supporting management in safeguarding UNOPS interests across a diverse operational portfolio.

Responsibilities

The Security Senior Officer is accountable for comprehensive security risk management and advisory services. This includes conducting and updating security risk assessments, developing local security management arrangements aligned with UNSMS standards, and providing technical guidance on program design and project implementation. The role involves ensuring compliance with security protocols, reviewing SOPs, and maintaining situational awareness of evolving threats. Operational security coordination is key, requiring effective liaison with UNDSS, host governments, and UN agencies, alongside managing travel security clearances and advising on safe access strategies. Support extends to project managers regarding implementing partner security, incident management and reporting, and leading training and awareness initiatives to foster a strong security culture. Compliance monitoring, documentation, and knowledge sharing are also critical functions.

Work Experience

Required experience includes law enforcement, military, security management, crisis management, coordination with UNDSS and UN field security structures, and proficiency with collaboration tools. Desired experience involves working in multicultural environments, the UN system, or INGOs in developing countries, and in development or humanitarian contexts.

Skills

Emergency Management, Incident Response, Personal Security, Physical Security, Risk Assessment, Security Coordination, Security Risk Management, Training and Capacity Development.

Explore related opportunities