UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, created in July 2010 by the UN General Assembly, is seeking a Chief, Security and Safety/Global Security and Safety Advisor to be based in Nairobi, Kenya. This is a full-time position at the P5 level.
Under the strategic leadership of the Executive Director, the incumbent will provide authoritative advice and oversight on all security, safety, business continuity, crisis management, and occupational health and safety matters across the organization. The role entails directing policy development, ensuring compliance with UN standards, and integrating gender-responsive perspectives into all security and safety frameworks.
Key responsibilities include: leading the formulation and implementation of global security policies and frameworks; providing expert advice to senior management on risk mitigation and compliance; coordinating security assessments in high-risk locations; ensuring organization-wide adherence to UN Security Risk Management (SRM) and Residential Security Measures (RSM); and strategically integrating security considerations into programme planning and budgeting.
The Advisor will also manage the global security team, oversee budgets, and represent UN Women in inter-agency forums such as IASMN and UNDSS. Additionally, the role involves directing crisis management and business continuity planning, maintaining strategic liaison with host governments, and fostering a culture of security awareness through training and knowledge management.
Education and Certification:
A Master's degree (or equivalent) in management, security, security management, business administration, law enforcement, international relations, programme management, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in these fields combined with a multi-year education in security and safety management (e.g., UN, military, or police senior Command and Staff College qualification with command experience at senior level) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted.
Experience:
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in security and safety management, with at least 5 years at senior professional or management level, is required. A minimum of 5 years of field experience in managing complex programmes in development or humanitarian contexts, with substantive reference to conflict and post-conflict scenarios, is also required. Experience in leading and managing professional multi-disciplinary teams in international settings is essential. Experience in managing organizational business continuity programmes is highly required, and experience in managing Occupational Health and Safety programmes is highly desirable. Experience in training and digital transformation projects, within the UN System, and in implementing organizational change management processes is desirable. Experience coordinating with multiple partners in the UN Common System or similar international organizations is also desirable.
Languages:
Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of another official UN language (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is highly desirable.
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply through the UN Women recruitment portal at estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com. Please ensure your CV is up to date and highlights your relevant experience.
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