Position Title:                                        Security Risk Management Specialist

Reports To:                                              Security Risk Manager (SRM-KE)

Supervises:                                               None

Division :                                                    Admin and Operations

Department:                                           Security

Job Location:                                           Nairobi, Kenya.

Grade Level:                                            Job Grade 6, National

Introduction:

Church World Service (CWS) is a not-for-profit, faith-based organization that transforms communities worldwide through just and sustainable solutions to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster. CWS does not discriminate in employment or service delivery based on race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, or veteran status.

Reporting to the Security Risk Manager, the Security Risk Management Specialist is responsible for supporting, implementing, and ensuring the systematic application of safety and security policies across all CWS Africa operations. The Specialist provides operational security support, consultation, and guidance within the security Risk Management Unit; leads special security projects; and assists in the development and delivery of internal security training programs in liaison with the CWS Africa Training Unit.

The role also involves compiling and drafting weekly security updates to inform program leadership of any significant developments affecting operations. Additionally, the Specialist conducts facility security assessments, analyses ongoing activities, completes related security evaluations, and ensures proper documentation and filing of both electronic and physical security records.

The Security Risk Management Specialist also serves as the primary focal point for daily security risk operations within their area of responsibility.

Key Relationships

Internal to CWS

• Deputy Director, Program Development & Quality
• Regional Senior Security Risk Manager.
• Senior Program Managers

External

• External security engagements as required

Working Environment

• Physical presence in the office is required.
• Occasional holiday and weekend coverage.
• Periodic travel to the field as may be required.
• Short notice response to emergencies, including after hours, on weekends and holidays.

Leadership and Management (10%)

• Champions and supports security risk management (SRM) policies, procedures, and culture by proactively identifying, communicating, and addressing issues affecting SRM functions and processes under the guidance of the Security Risk Manager.
• Requests security guard deployment, supervises contracted guard forces, and conducts regular briefings, activation response checks, and panic button testing.
• Advises CWS travelling teams on context-specific security risks and reviews mitigation measures to support effective programming, in consultation with the Security Risk Manager.
• Supports the implementation of CWS’s safety and security risk management system in areas of operation.
• Conducts regular analysis and delivers timely, high-quality security information to the Security Risk Manager using established CWS processes and tools.

Administration (35%)

• Reviews and recommends improvements to safety and security field protocols, contingency plans, and the CWS Africa Security Manual, and conducts staff awareness sessions.
• In coordination with the Training Unit, supports the development and implementation of mandatory security training programs, including country-specific security plans, revised manuals, policies, and procedures, as well as new hire and refresher trainings.
• Deploys to support security teams in country offices as required.
• Ensures proper documentation and filing of both electronic and physical security records, including training schedules and related documentation.
• Contributes to the development of country-specific Security Risk Assessments and operational and programmatic contingency plans in collaboration with country office SRM teams and the Regional Senior Security Risk Manager.
• Conducts periodic office security risk assessments, compiles reports with findings and recommendations and advises the Property Manager and Security Risk Manager accordingly.
• Serves as the security risk management focal point for program teams within assigned areas.
• Conducts security briefings for CWS travelers, manages travel tracking through the CWS travel portal, and monitors staff movements in areas of operation.
• Disseminates security advisories to in-country staff through SMS, phone, and email alerts.

Representation (10%)

• Attends partner agency meetings, prepares inputs, and follows up on agreed action points.
• Coordinates with the Property Manager to ensure timely servicing of fire extinguishers and first aid kits, maintaining OSHA compliance across CWS Africa offices.
• Attends weekly security risk management meetings and represents the Security Risk Manager in their absence.
• Serves as the security focal point on joint assessment teams, identifying, reviewing, and approving worksites and accommodation for CWS Africa field teams in line with minimum security standards.
• Collaborates closely with the Regional Senior Security Risk Manager, seeking technical guidance as required.
• Engages with security focal points, floor wardens, and external stakeholders as needed.

Compliance (25%)

• Monitors surveillance systems and works closely with the IT team to ensure CCTV functionality and compliance with access control measures.
• Conducts annual security risk assessments of the Nairobi office and advises the Security Risk Manager on findings and recommendations.
• Plans and conducts building evacuation and lockdown drills, maintains a drill schedule, carries out phone tree tests, and reports findings with recommendations.
• Conducts facility security assessments, compiles findings, and provides practical recommendations.

• Delivers safety and security training, including new staff induction, refresher sessions, and security orientation for visitors.
• Monitors and reviews staff tracking systems, ensuring compliance with security protocols.
• Ensures CCTV systems retain a minimum of 90 days of footage and are routinely serviced.

Data Management (15%)

• Collaborates with IT staff to maintain existing Security Risk Management platforms and liaises with the Systems Development Unit to support the development of new security risk management solutions.
• Ensures CCTV systems remain operational 24/7 and retain a minimum of 90 days of recorded footage.

Additional Responsibilities (5%)

• Performs any other duties as assigned.

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of work experience in the same field is required
• Professional security experience is required, including a minimum of two (2) years within a non-profit or NGO in an international humanitarian and development context is preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of INGO security frameworks.
• Familiarity with physical security measures—such as CCTV, safe room design, perimeter security, and access control—is required, along with a solid understanding of communications technology and procedures.
• Proven experience in developing security training plans and modules; implementing safety and security frameworks; conducting security risk assessments; drafting security and incident reports; and coordinating responses to security emergencies.
• Experience facilitating security training for large groups and conducting pre- and post-training assessments.

Skills:

• Strong organizational, facilitation and training skills with excellent writing and communications skills with advanced proficiency (verbal and written) in English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
• Detailed oriented and ability to manage multiple competing deadlines.
• Basic knowledge of humanitarian principles.
• Demonstrated ability to work in multicultural teams.

Education & Certifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in security risk management, humanitarian studies, development, or a related field is required.
• Professional certification in Security Risk Management (country-level) is preferred.
• Prior experience managing security plans and security risk assessment documentation within a humanitarian context is desirable.

Abilities:

• Works independently, makes sound decisions, and contributes to the overall operations of CWS Africa at the management level.
• Maintains high performance standards with strong attention to detail and completes tasks within established timelines.
• Exercises sound judgment and seeks guidance when necessary in addressing unanticipated challenges.
• Engages effectively and courteously with colleagues, external partners, refugees, and the general public.
• Manages a high-volume and diverse workload under pressure while handling competing priorities.
• Maintains the integrity and confidentiality of official records.
• Analyses complex issues, solves problems, and makes well-informed decisions.
• Operates effectively with minimal supervision.
• Adapts flexibly to evolving priorities and changing operational demands.
• Actively supports the implementation of CWS programs.

Important Requirements:

• Strong English communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment required.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS’ Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee required.
• Remain alert and responsive to any child safeguarding and PSEAH (Prevention of Sexual, Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment) risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills which will enable you to promote strong safeguarding PSEAH practices, understand the child safeguarding and PSEAH Policies and procedures, and conduct yourself in a manner consistent with the Child Safeguarding and PSEAH Policies

• This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya.
• This position requires use of laptops at all time, competence in Microsoft office packages is required.
• Background check which includes references and an educational and criminal check is required before the start of employment
• This position is Full Time
• All employees should be prepared to work from the CWS office