Security Officer at Islamic Relief

Reporting To:

Human Resources/Administration Coordinator

Qualification

University degree in relevant discipline particularly security management studies, criminology/forensic investigation or public administration with either Military or police training

Experience

 At least 5 years’ experience working with NGOs and/or other humanitarian organizations/security force

Job Field

Human Resources/Administration

Base Location: 

 Nairobi 80% and 20% Field Areas

1.    Background

Established in 1984 in the UK, Islamic Relief is an international NGO seeking to promote sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities through relief and development activities.

IR started operations in Kenya in 1993 on one to one orphans’ sponsorship programme through a local CBO in Mandera District, Northern Kenya. It opened its fully-fledged office in March in 2006 at the height of drought in the Horn of Africa. Since then IR has been providing humanitarian and development assistance to vulnerable communities. Since 2006 IRK has remarkably changed the lives of the vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.  Following this great success in Mandera, most of the programmes and best practices have been, and continue to be replicated in other parts of the country; mostly in Northern Kenya. For instance, in January 2010, IRK extended its operation to Wajir county, neighbouring Mandera.  In 2011, the programme was extended to Garissa and Dadaab and in 2012, to Nairobi Slums (Korogocho slums). In 2016, IRK conducted assessment in counties of Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River and Kajiado to explore opportunities for replicating its best practices in supporting and empowering communities. In 2017, IRK expanded its operation to Kilifi, Kajiado and Marsabit counties.  

IR aim to help the needy regardless of race, religion or gender and implement our work within the following Thematic Areas: Sustainable Community Empowerment; Disaster and Humanitarian Response; and Education and Child Development. 

Under the direct supervision of the Human Resources and Admin Coordinator, the Security Officer performs the following tasks among others

Purpose of the Post:

The Security Officer (SO) is responsible for all aspects of security management, crisis readiness and preparedness at his/her respective duty station. He/she serves as an advisor and assists the office staff in the execution of their security responsibilities at the assigned duty station.
Major duties and responsibilities:

• Analyze security factors and levels of risk related to safety of IRK staff in Nairobi and field office; Wajir, Mandera, Moyale, Kilifi &Garissa and make written recommendations for improvements in both physical safety and operational security in accordance with established IRK security guidelines.
•  Coordinate all security aspects of operational/programme planning and contingency responses with All offices Field Coordinator and Human Resources/Admin Coordinator to ensure highest degree of compliance, enabling programme access to various areas and ensure staff safety.
• In line with IRK specific security strategies and operational procedures assist the Human Resources/Admin Coordinator to establish and continuously update contingency/evacuation plans and SOPs for all offices
• Provide/coordinate security advice and training to all staff in radio communication procedures, convoy procedures, security awareness, mines/explosives identification and procedures to be followed, stress management, first aid, identification of security material and equipment required in compounds, evacuation procedures.
•  Forward weekly report on security situation to the Human Resources/Admin Coordinator
• Provide all staff with regular security briefings and updates and ensure that all staffs adhere to security policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular security and risk assessment  for all operational areas
• Liaise with UN agencies, INSO &NGOs and other external actors to gain security information and analysis in Kenya
• Perform any other relevant duties as required

Qualifications:

• University degree in relevant discipline particularly security management studies, criminology/forensic investigation or public administration with either Military or police training
• At least 5 years’ experience working with NGOs and/or other humanitarian organizations/security force.
• Security Management experience with a proven ability to develop and implement effective and contextualized protocols and systems
• Past or present experience in working with any of the Kenyan disciplined forces will be an added advantage
• Knowledge on penal code, good at mapping security context in kenya
• Demonstrated teamwork, maturity of judgment, tolerance for hardship and leadership and integrity of character
• Solid commitment to helping people in the most difficult circumstances
• Ability to show initiative, multi-task and provide a consistently high output
• Must possess a professional, and a high-level of critical thinking in a rapidly-changing, tense security context
• A member of any security professional body is an added advantage.
• Excellent communication skills and fluent in written and spoken English
• Knowledge of local language is an added advantage
• Mastery of office software (MS Word, Excel, and Power Point).