Security Manager – Kenya STAWI Activity

City/Country Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Employment Status: Full-Time Regular
Job Type: Project

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The USAID Sustainable, Transformational, and Accessible Water Interventions (STAWI) Activity, spanning from 2023 to 2028, collaborates with county governments across nine counties in Kenya. The project aims to enhance water security for social, economic, and environmental needs, addressing historical neglect and supporting inclusive economic growth. As part of the team working towards four key objectives, the project targets water service providers, county governments, and water users, fostering partnerships for a water-secure future in vulnerable communities.

ROLE’S PURPOSE

As a Security Manager, in consultation with DAI Global Security, you will be instrumental in drafting and overseeing project security solutions. This role involves risk assessments, designing physical security components and training, and ensuring compliance with security plans. The Security Manager plays a vital role in prioritizing staff safety, asset protection, and fostering a culture of security within the project. Coordination with security agencies and oversight of subcontracted security services are essential aspects of this position.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop and Maintain Security Plans
   • Draft and maintain project security plans, adhering to DAI crisis and incident management response procedures.
2. Training and Compliance
   • Provide security training to project leadership and staff with security responsibilities.
   • Collaborate with project staff to ensure strict compliance with security policies and plans.
3. Incident Management and Reporting
   • Inform DAI Global Security of all incidents and report incidents to the client through designated contacts.
4. Risk Assessment and Analysis
   • Conduct research to identify emerging threats and risks, developing threat/vulnerability analysis for preparedness and response plans.
5. Communication and Updates
   • Provide regular verbal security updates to DAI Global Security and project leadership.
   • Conduct written briefings and updates, including areas to be avoided in project geographies.
6. Business Continuity
   • Contribute to project resilience and business continuity structures, relying on risk management best practices.
7. Quality Control/Assurance
   • Ensure quality control/assurance of subcontracted static security provider.
8. Coordination and Oversight
   • Coordinate security procurement items and provide oversight of budgets, equipment, and personnel.
9. Training and Preparedness
   • Conduct security training for program staff, including personal security and conflict awareness.
   • Provide pre-deployment briefings for staff traveling to high-risk project locations.
10. Escort and Drills
    • Escort program staff as needed and conduct various drills based on pre-identified risks.

COMMUNICATION AND COMPLIANCE

• Ensure the security company contract complies with local regulations, client, and DAI policies.
• Enforce DAI’s security policies and procedures across project offices.
• Uphold DAI ethics and values, maintaining a strict zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and unethical behavior.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field preferred.
• 8+ years of relevant professional experience, including work in securing development or humanitarian programs in Kenya/East Africa.
• Strong analytical and presentation skills, with a developed understanding of the West Africa context.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and preference for experience in water, sanitation, agriculture, or sustainable livelihoods.

LEVEL OF EFFORT/TIMELINE

This full-time position requires 8 working hours per day or 40 working hours per week, based in Nairobi, Kenya. The employment contract is on a yearly basis with possible extensions until the project’s close.

REPORTING

The Security Manager will report to the Director of Finance and Operations.

APPLICATION

Apply here.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Fill out the required information and upload your CV. Apply soon as interviews will be conducted promptly. Only shortlisted applicants will receive notifications.

Please note: Positions are for Ghanaian nationals only.

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Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant for Security Manager Role

1. Demonstrate Risk Management Expertise: Showcase your experience in risk management, emphasizing your ability to navigate high-stress environments and provide effective solutions.
2. Highlight Network and Local Understanding: Emphasize your personal and professional network within Kenya/West Africa, showcasing your understanding of the region’s context and interactions with security forces.
3. Effective Communication Skills: Stress your clear and concise communication skills in English, vital for conveying complex security issues to both security and non-security staff.
4. Technical Focus Experience: If applicable, highlight experience in water, sanitation, agriculture, or sustainable livelihoods, especially in the specified Kenyan counties.
5. USAID and Donor-Funded Program Experience: Showcase your experience working with USAID or other international donor-funded programs, illustrating your familiarity with their rules and regulations.
6. Incident Management and Reporting: Highlight your experience in incident management and reporting, showcasing your ability to keep stakeholders informed and respond promptly.
7. Security Training Proficiency: Emphasize your capability to provide effective security training, ensuring project staff are well-prepared for potential risks.
8. Cultural Sensitivity and Safeguarding: Stress your commitment to upholding DAI ethics, values, and a strict zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, showcasing cultural sensitivity.
9. Flexibility and Adaptability: Illustrate your ability to adapt to changing security needs and new threats, aligning with DAI Global Security Policy.
10. Proactive Approach: Showcase instances where you took a proactive approach in ensuring staff safety, asset protection, and compliance with security policies.

COVER LETTER SAMPLE FOR THE SECURITY MANAGER POSITION

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Security Manager position with the USAID Sustainable, Transformational, and Accessible Water Interventions (STAWI) Activity, as advertised. With a Bachelor’s degree in [Your Relevant Field], over 8 years of professional experience in securing development programs in Kenya and East Africa, and a proven track record of effective risk management, I am confident in my ability to contribute significantly to your team.

In my previous role as [Your Previous Position] at [Previous Company], I successfully developed and implemented comprehensive security plans, conducted risk assessments, and provided effective security training to project staff. My personal and professional network within Kenya and West Africa, coupled with a deep understanding of the region’s context, including insurgent groups, community militias, and ethnic-based conflicts, positions me as a valuable asset to the STAWI Activity.

My experience in working with USAID-funded programs, coupled with proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, OneDrive, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, and/or SharePoint, aligns with the requirements of the role. Additionally, my strong analytical and presentation skills, both verbally and in writing, further support my suitability for this position.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the success of the STAWI Activity by ensuring the safety and security of project staff and assets. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experiences align with the goals of your esteemed organization.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Frequently Asked Questions – Security Manager Position

1. Q: What are the key responsibilities of the Security Manager?
   • A: The Security Manager is responsible for developing and maintaining project security plans, providing training, conducting risk assessments, ensuring compliance, and overseeing incident management and reporting.
2. Q: How does the Security Manager contribute to project resilience and business continuity?
   • A: The Security Manager contributes by relying on risk management best practices, ensuring the project is prepared to handle crises and disruptions effectively.
3. Q: Can applicants from outside Kenya apply for this position?
   • A: Yes, the position is open to qualified individuals, but preference is given to those with a personal and professional network within Kenya/West Africa.
4. Q: What qualifications are required for the Security Manager position?
   • A: The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, 8+ years of relevant professional experience, and a strong understanding of risk management.
5. Q: Is experience in water, sanitation, agriculture, or sustainable livelihoods a requirement?
   • A: While not mandatory, preference is given to individuals with experience in these areas, especially in the specified Kenyan counties.
6. Q: How long is the contract for the Security Manager position?
   • A: The position is full-time, on a yearly basis with possible extensions until the close of the project.
7. Q: What is the level of effort expected for this position?
   • A: This is a full-time position requiring 8 working hours per day or 40 working hours per week, based in Nairobi, Kenya.
8. Q: Can applicants with experience in humanitarian programs apply?
   • A: Yes, individuals with experience in securing development or humanitarian programs, especially those funded by USAID, are encouraged to apply.
9. Q: What is the role of the Security Manager in incident management?
   • A: The Security Manager plays a key role in incident management by ensuring prompt reporting and communication to DAI Global Security and other stakeholders.
10. Q: Are women and persons of minority groups encouraged to apply?
    • A: Yes, the organization encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds, including women and persons from minority groups, to apply.

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Possible Security Manager Interview Questions

1. Q: Can you provide an example of a challenging security situation you faced and how you handled it?
   • A: In [specific situation], I implemented [strategy], which resulted in [positive outcome], demonstrating my ability to navigate challenging security scenarios.
2. Q: How do you ensure compliance with DAI and USAID rules and regulations in security operations?
   • A: I consistently stay updated on DAI and USAID policies, conduct regular training, and enforce compliance across project offices.
3. Q: Can you describe your experience in conducting security drills and their importance?
   • A: In my previous role, I conducted [specific drills] to prepare staff for potential risks, ensuring a proactive approach to security.
4. Q: How do you maintain a balance between effective security measures and minimal disruption to project operations?
   • A: I collaborate closely with project leadership, ensuring security measures are reasonable and within the context of the project Security Plan.
5. Q: How do you stay informed about emerging threats and risks in the project’s operational areas?
   • A: I regularly conduct research, engage with local sources, and participate in professional security networks to stay abreast of emerging threats.
6. Q: Can you provide an example of a time when you had to allocate resources to meet changing security needs?
   • A: In [specific instance], I reallocated resources to address [changing security needs], demonstrating my adaptability to evolving situations.
7. Q: How do you ensure effective communication of security updates to project leadership and DAI Global Security?
   • A: I provide regular verbal and written updates, ensuring timely communication on project travel decisions and activity implementation protocols.
8. Q: How do you handle situations where security measures may conflict with project objectives or plans?
   • A: I coordinate closely with the project leadership team to ensure that security measures align with project objectives while maintaining staff safety.
9. Q: What steps do you take to ensure the security company contract is compliant with local regulations and policies?
   • A: I conduct thorough reviews, collaborate with legal experts, and stay updated on local regulations to ensure contract compliance.
10. Q: How do you approach training program staff in security protocols, considering diverse backgrounds and experiences?
    • A: I tailor training programs to address diverse backgrounds, ensuring comprehensive understanding of security protocols, personal preparedness, and conflict awareness.

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Best wishes in your application! We are committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.