The Position:
The Office of the Security Coordinator (OSC) at UNFPA Headquarters in New York coordinates and leads the organizationโs global response to safety and security management, enabling the Executive Director to provide strategic direction regarding the safety and security of UNFPA personnel, property, and assets.ย OSC provides technical advice, guidance, and support in implementing security policies and procedures to the Executive Director, senior managers, and personnel, ensuring they fulfill their security-related accountabilities.ย OSC also leads the organization's Business Continuity Management (BCM) preparation, validation, and testing of Business Continuity Plans (BCPs).ย
The key functions of the Office of the Security Coordinator are:
- Enable the delivery of activities guided by the 1994 Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) targets and objectives, the UNFPA Strategic Plan, in compliance with United Nations and UNFPA safety and security policies and procedures;ย
- Coordinate strategic corporate safety and security management policies and procedures internally within the organization and with external partners.ย
- Mainstream safety and security in organizational programmes and activities;
- Lead crisis management, preparedness, and business continuity management for UNFPA offices globally in support of managers in their respective geographic areas of responsibility.
- Lead the corporate Business Continuity Management (BCM), oversee the preparation, validation, and testing of Business Continuity Plans (BCPs).ย
- Represent UNFPA at the UN Security Management Policy Forums to ensure the organization's specific interests and needs are incorporated in security policies and procedures.ย
- In addition to OSC staff at Headquarters, the Regional Security Advisers (RSAs), located at each Regional Office, are members of the team and undertake the aforementioned activities in their respective areas of responsibility.
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organizationโs response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.ย
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.
Job Purpose:
The Security Associate reports to the Kenya Security Specialist (SS) on security policy and procedures, as well as technical, operational, and administrative matters, assisting the SS in providing safety and security advice to UNFPA personnel based in Kenya.ย The Security Associate supports and assists the Director, Program Division, the Director, Independent Evaluation Office, theย Kenya Country Office Representative, and personnel with security responsibilities in enabling the organization's activities and in enhancing their ability to make informed risk decisions, manage security risks in accordance with the UN Framework of Accountability and UNFPA Policy and Procedures for Securityย Accountability.
Major Activities/Expected Results:
- Effective and timely support to the Security Specialist in implementing Security Risk Management (SRM), Residential Security Measures (RSM), Business Continuity Management (BCM), and crisis/emergency preparedness for all UNFPA Kenya-based units.
- Strengthened operational readiness through accurate information gathering, dissemination of security advisories, incident response and reporting, and Security risk management measures (RSMM) compliance monitoring.
- Enhanced security coordination enables the uninterrupted and efficient delivery of programs for UNFPA Kenya-based units.
- Systematic integration of security considerationsโincluding cost implicationsโinto programme planning and delivery, and operational activities.
- Enhanced business continuity management capabilities through support for BCP updates, implementation, testing, and alignment with corporate global frameworks.
- Strong partnerships with UNDSS, UNSMS organizations, implementing partners, stakeholders, and relevant authorities support a coherent security posture inย Kenya.
- Effective application of gender and person-centered approaches in safety, security, preparedness, and crisis/ management.
You would be responsible for:
The Security Associate reports directly to the Security Specialist.
1. Security Coordination & Support to Programme Delivery
Assist the Security Specialist in monitoring the security environment in Nairobi and Kenya, collecting, verifying, and organizing security information relevant to the operations of UNFPA Kenya-based units:
- Draft security advisories, situation updates, and risk summaries for review by the Security Specialist.
- Support travel arrangements by checking requirements for security clearances, mission notifications, and compliance with UNSMS protocols.
- Assist in preparing and updating safety and security documentation, including contingency plans, personnel lists, warden systems, communication trees, and equipment inventories.
- Ensure that all Kenya-based personnel receive security briefings, participate in required exercises, and complete mandatory training.
2. Security Risk Management (SRM), Monitoring & Complianceย
Assist the Security Specialist in monitoring compliance with:
- Security Risk Management Measures (SRM-M).
- Residential Security Measures (RSM).
- Locally Cost-Shared Security Budget (LCSSB) requirements.
- Operationalization of the Kenya Country Security Plan.
- UNFPA Global Security Compliance Systems.
- Follow up with personnel to ensure adherence to security procedures, identify reporting gaps or non-compliance, and report to the Security Specialist.
- Assist in compiling and submitting Security and Safety Incident Recording System (SSIRS) reports and maintaining incident databases.
3. Networking, Liaison & Information Sharing
- Maintain regular communication with UNDSS, UNSMSโ security focal points, INGO/NGO security contacts, and relevant local authorities, as delegated by the Security Specialist.
- Support communication on security matters between all UNFPA Kenya-based units to ensure timely, harmonized, and coherent information exchange.
- Facilitate security arrangements for incoming missions, including briefings, UNID issuance, radio checks, operational and logistical support.
4. Business Continuity & Organizational Resilience
- Assist the Security Specialist in updating and maintaining Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) for UNFPA Kenya-based units.
- Support periodic drills, testing, and after-action reviews to strengthen business continuity readiness.
- Maintain inventory of critical equipment and verify the functioning of essential systems to support BCM.
5. Training, Capacity Building & Knowledge Management
- Help organize and deliver safety and security training sessions, awareness briefings, and crisis/emergency preparedness drills.
- Maintain records on training participation and follow-up requirements.
- Support the introduction and use of new security technologies, communication tools, and monitoring platforms.
6. Operational and Administrative Support
Manage daily security-related operational tasks, related to:
- Security communication systems.
- Mission tracking.
- Safety and security equipment checks (including vehicles, fire safety, and PPE).
- Recordkeeping and filing.
- Provide direct support to UNFPA Kenya-based, on routine safety and security inquiries and logistical arrangements.
7. Additional Responsibilities
- Act as the primary focal point for safety and security-related administrative requests when the Security Specialist is unavailable.
- Undertake any other security or safety tasks assigned by the Security Specialist to ensure operational continuity.
Qualifications and Experience:ย
Education:ย ย
Completion of secondary education is required. A first-level university degree in Political Science, Security Management, International Relations, Public Administration, Disaster Management, Military or Police Studies, or a related field isย highly desirable but not mandatory.
Knowledge and Experience:ย
- A minimum ofย 7 years of progressively responsible experience in security operations, law enforcement, military service, or related fields.
- At least 5 years of experience working within theย UN Security Management System (UNSMS), diplomatic missions, or international NGOs in Kenya isย highly desirable.
- Strong knowledge of theย security context in Nairobi and Kenya, including familiarity with national authorities, security services, and relevant regulatory frameworks.
- Proficiency in Google Workspace/ Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with standard security communication and tracking systems.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced and complex operational environment.
- Proven capacity to build and maintain constructive relationships with government counterparts, UNDSS, NGOs, and local security actors.
- Strong administrative and organizational skills, including incident documentation, reporting, and logistical coordination.
- Willingness and ability to travel within Kenya, including to field locations, as required for security assessments and programme support.
- UNDSS/UNSMS Security Professional Certification (SCP) is desirable.
Languages:ย
Fluency in English (oral and written) is required; Working knowledge ofย Kiswahili is required; Knowledge of additional local Kenyan languages is an asset.
Required Competencies:ย
Values:
- Exemplifying integrity,ย
- Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,ย
- Embracing cultural diversity,ย
- Embracing change
Core Competencies:ย
- Achieving results,
- Being accountable,
- Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
- Thinking analytically and strategically,
- Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
- Communicating for impact
Functional Competencies:
- Supporting the safety and security of UNFPA personnel, premises, assets, and operations,
- Monitoring security environments and conducting risk assessments,
- Liaising with UNDSS, UNSMS security workforce, and national security counterparts,
- Supporting the implementation of SRM measures, RSM, and Business Continuity arrangements.
- Responding effectively to incidents and supporting crisis preparedness activities.
Compensation and Benefits:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.
UNFPA Work Environment:
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - clickย hereย to learn more.
Disclaimer:
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.ย
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.ย
Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.