Nov 1, 2021

Regional Security Specialist - Kenya

Employer: Abt Associates
Location: Nairobi Kenya

Opportunity Summary


The Global Security Office (GSO) delivers insights and leadership that diminish risk. We design, implement, and manage effective, efficient, and adaptable methods and systems to address security challenges to Abt globally.

Abt Associates seeks a qualified Regional Security Specialist to join the GSO. This role will be based in, and will focus on, Africa. The preferred locations are Kenya and Tanzania; however, Abt may consider other locations on the continent.

In this position, the Regional Security Specialist will support security requirements across Abt’s broad project portfolio in over 25 African countries. As a member of the GSO, they will operate in a matrix-managed environment to identify, anticipate, measure, and mitigate threats to Abt's people, assets, and interests.

Key Roles and Responsibilities
Participate in a wide range of activities to diminish security risk to Abt staff and projects
Build capacity of project- and country-level security staff through direct training and technical assistance
Provide regional expertise and analytical support to project teams and home office staff
Assess and strengthen security and risk management measures in field offices through regular visits
Perform security-related administrative processes

Preferred Qualifications

General
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, to include presentation and briefing
Strong relationship-building and maintenance skills and the ability to lead through influence
Proven planning and organizational skills
Ability to adapt quickly to changing focus and requirements
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Security
Full-time experience in safety and security, ideally in roles with a regional scope
Knowledge of security approaches and interventions in international development
Familiarity with security assessments and planning

Regional
Expert knowledge security environments across Africa
Ability to travel throughout the region at short notice
Fluency in additional, regionally-relevant languages (e.g., Arabic, French, Portuguese, Swahili)
Local nationals of Kenya or Tanzania strongly preferred

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree + Twelve years of relevant experience, or Master’s Degree + Ten years of relevant experience, or PhD+ Eight years of relevant experience

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