SECURITY OFFICER Full Time

Islamic Relief Kenya

Job Title: Security Officer

Reporting To: Country Director

Base Location: Wajir 50% and 50% Mandera

Posted Date: 24th October 2025

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 assessments 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 aims 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 Country Director, 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 of a Security Officer:

1. Security Analysis and Risk Assessment:
   Analyse security factors and assess the levels of risk related to the safety of IRK staff in Nairobi and field offices, including Wajir, Mandera, Moyale, Malindi, Garissa, and Tana River. Conduct regular security and risk assessments for all operational areas, ensuring proactive identification and mitigation of potential threats. Provide written recommendations to improve both physical safety and operational security, in line with established IRK security guidelines.
2. Security Coordination and Compliance:
   Coordinate all security aspects of operational and programmatic planning, as well as contingency responses, across all offices. Work closely with Field Coordinators and the Human Resources/Admin Manager to ensure compliance with security protocols, enabling access to various areas while ensuring staff safety.
3. Contingency Planning and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):
   Develop, review, and continuously update contingency and evacuation plans, as well as SOPs for all IRK offices, in accordance with IRK-specific security strategies and operational procedures.
4. Staff Security Training and Awareness:
   Provide and coordinate security-related training for staff, covering topics such as radio communication procedures, convoy procedures, security awareness, identification of mines/explosives and response protocols, stress management, first aid, identification of security materials, and emergency evacuation procedures.
5. Security Reporting and Communication:
   Submit weekly security reports to the Country Director, outlining the security situation in all areas of operation. Provide regular security briefings and updates to all staff, ensuring adherence to security policies and procedures.
6. Collaboration with External Stakeholders:
   Liaise with UN agencies, INSO, NGOs, and other external partners to obtain security information and analysis relevant to operations in Kenya.
7. Surveillance and Monitoring:
   Monitor CCTV cameras and security alarms, periodically checking for disruptions or unlawful activities. Ensure the security of premises by controlling access and responding to emergencies as needed.
8. Access Control and Emergency Response:
   Manage visitor and employee access to the premises, ensuring all security protocols are followed. Respond to emergencies swiftly and efficiently.
9. Security Inspections and Reporting:
   Conduct security checks for designated areas, documenting any observed irregularities during duty hours. Submit comprehensive reports on daily/weekly surveillance activities and significant occurrences.
10. Patrol and Presence Establishment:
    Regularly patrol the premises to maintain order, reinforce security presence, and deter potential threats.
11. Vehicle and Personnel Access Control:
    Monitor and authorize the entrance of vehicles and individuals to the property, ensuring only authorized personnel gain access.
12. Premises Security:
    Secure all exits, doors, and windows to ensure the safety of the premises at all times.
13. Investigation of Incidents:
    Investigate traffic accidents involving IRK vehicles and prepare detailed reports. Investigate suspicious activities or possessions by visitor or other individuals.
14. Assistance and Support:
    Provide assistance to employees and other individuals in need within or outside the IRK compound, ensuring safety and well-being.
15. Additional Duties:
    Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the line manager to ensure the continued safety and security of IRK staff and property.

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 forces.
• 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).

Tagged as: Islamic Relief Kenya, Kenya