Security and Safety Specialist - UN Women, Nairobi, Kenya (P3 Temporary Appointment)

About UN Women and the Role

UN Women is dedicated to eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and fostering equality between genders in development, human rights, humanitarian efforts, and peace and security. The Division of Finance and Administration ensures effective management of resources and operational support aligned with UN Women’s strategic mission.

Under the supervision of the acting Deputy Global Security Advisor, the Security and Safety Specialist provides operational security advice and support primarily for African offices, assisting headquarters, regional, multi-country, and country field locations. The role focuses on minimizing risks to personnel, property, and programs while enabling effective program delivery. This temporary position runs through November 30, 2026, based in Nairobi, Kenya, with mission travel as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert security and safety guidance to Country, Multi-Country, and Regional Offices, approving missions and clarifying UN and UN Women security policies.
• Conduct security evaluations, including residential security measures, threat tracking, risk assessment, and mitigation recommendations.
• Deliver surge security support outside assigned duty stations and remote assistance to personnel and programs.
• Collaborate with local and regional security stakeholders including government bodies, UN entities, NGOs, and others; participate actively in security management meetings and working groups.
• Disseminate security intelligence, updates, and analysis to personnel and stakeholders; establish communication systems such as Warden Systems and communication trees.
• Manage the development, updating, and implementation of UN Women Security Plans and ensure coordination with the UN Security framework.
• Implement and monitor compliance with the Security Risk Management Measures (SRMM), security compliance surveys, and related action plans.
• Report security incidents via established systems, produce briefings, and contribute to Security Management System activities.
• Develop and conduct security training and orientation programs, including business continuity planning and occupational health and safety sessions.
• Oversee the security and safety budget, including work plans and funding requests, ensuring timely and effective use of resources.
• Provide additional security-related services such as Air Travel Focal Point duties and liaising with security service providers.

Required Qualifications and Competencies

• Master’s degree (or equivalent), preferably in security management, business administration, leadership, political/social science, psychology, international relations, or related fields. A first university degree with additional experience or senior UN/military/police command qualifications may substitute.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible security experience, including a minimum of 2 years at an international level.
• Proven experience conducting security and safety risk assessments that support operational planning and delivery.
• Desirable experience: disaster/conflict operations, business continuity programs, regional/global security roles, and the United Nations Security Management System.
• Fluent in English; additional UN official languages (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) are advantageous.

Core and Functional Competencies

• Integrity, professionalism, respect for diversity.
• Gender sensitivity and awareness.
• Accountability, creative problem-solving, effective communication.
• Inclusive collaboration, stakeholder engagement, leading by example.
• Strong analytical ability, client focus, interpersonal skills, and crisis management capability.

Additional Information

This temporary appointment supports UN Women’s mission by ensuring security enabling program delivery in high-risk environments. The incumbent is expected to travel as needed and collaborate closely with regional teams and security specialists. The role demands adaptability in crisis and stressful situations and upholds the highest standards of security compliance and operational guidance.