AKDN Regional Security Officer Africa (RSO-Africa) at Aga Khan Foundation

The position

As part of the AKDN Department of International Security (DIS), the AKDN Regional Security Officer Africa (RSO-Africa) acts as an adviser for AKDN agencies (and associated Institutions) in Africa and supports them through building and managing relationships with security focal points, as well as local authorities, and partners, at an operational level. The RSO-E has a responsibility to monitor, mentor, guide, and support security staff within Africa, and provide analysis of the security environment to leadership in compliance with the AKDN Security Management Policy & Accountability Framework.

Accountability

• AKDN agencies and associated Institutions within Africa receive practical and well-reasoned security advice, coordination, and support, helping ensure an appropriate level of safety for staff and operations, and compliance with security policies and systems. 
• AKDN agencies and associated Institutions benefit from effective and responsive support from law enforcement agencies. 
• Initiatives related to the safety and security of personnel, and programme delivery are monitored, and leadership are updated accordingly. 
• AKDN agencies, and associated Institutions are aware of threats/risks and how to manage them. 
• Security management is efficient, well-coordinated and consistent with defined policies and procedures. 
• AKDN agencies, associated Institutions and DIS are kept informed of country security trends. 

Responsibility

• Advise and support security professionals and focal points in managing safety and security of staff, partners, operations, and premises. 
• In conjunction with RSC-Africa, identify security-related priority needs and develop and implement an annual work plan for addressing them.
• Support high-profile visits in Africa by working closely with AKDN agencies and associated Institutions. 
• In coordination with RSC-Africa and DIS, assist in the preparation and delivery of security training. 
• Conduct regular missions to operating regions, to deliver on defined objectives. 
• Assist security professionals and focal points with the development of the agency Security Level System (SLS) and then monitor progress and provide support through to compliance. 
• Build relationships with security focal points, local authorities, and partners.  
• Assist with recruitment, induction, coaching, mentoring, training, and other forms of advice for nationally recruited security professionals and security focal points. 
• Ensure that information-sharing networks are established with external partners including the UN system, host government, NGO and implementing partners, and that regular feedback is provided to DIS, and AKDN agencies and associated Institutions.
• Support Agency’s and associated Institutions in developing security protocols for facilities. 
• Provide advice on security matters for special projects and facilities.
• Undertake other functions or responsibilities in the interest of AKDN and associated Institutions as appropriate and as delegated by RSC-Africa.

Authority

• Provide security-related advice, in written and oral form, as required. 
• Support with security risk, vulnerability, threat, and criticality assessments.
• Support the creation and implementation of agency security plans. 
• Advise on, and upon approval, assist in implementation of required mitigation measures. 
• Provide advice and support during critical incidents impacting AKDN and/or associated Institutions. 
• Contribute in AKDN agency and associated Institutions safety and security after-action reviews.

The requirements

• A minimum of 10 years’ management experience in the security sector within Africa or in an international context.
   A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in security management or related discipline (business admin, political science, international relations etc)
• Other relevant security industry certifications such as CPP, APP, PSP, PMP etc.
• Self- starter with strong time and task management skills
• Collaborative, consultative and cross-functional approach with colleagues
• Fluency in English, including strong drafting skills. 
• Proven training skills. 

Desirable Qualifications and Competencies

• Distinguished career as an officer in the Kenyan military or Police.  
• Proven competences in security analysis. 
• Organization management. 
• Proven leadership abilities and demonstrated management experience.
• An advanced university degree (MA, MSc or equivalent) with a focus on security management and/or related disciplines (business administration, political/social science, international relations).
• Ability to travel regularly within Africa to all project locations and occasional international travel outside of Africa. 
• Competencies in regional dialects, and French