• Position Title: Security Officer
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya (with responsibilities for Wajir, Mandera, Moyale, Malindi, Garissa, Tana River)
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Salary: KES 50,000 – 150,000 Monthly (Estimated based on 2025 market data from Glassdoor and MySalaryScale, where security officer salaries in Kenya’s NGO sector average KES 80K-130K monthly, adjusted for Islamic Relief’s requirement of 5+ years’ experience and a University degree in Security Management/Criminology, comparable to roles at Save the Children or MSF, factoring in risk assessment and training, with potential allowances adding 10-15%.)
• Category/Department: Security / Intelligence
• Reporting To: Country Director
• Application Deadline: November 7, 2025

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Introduction

The Security Officer role at Islamic Relief Kenya (IRK) offers a critical opportunity for Kenyan security professionals with 5+ years of experience to safeguard humanitarian operations in Nairobi’s challenging humanitarian landscape. Ideal for candidates with a University degree in Security Management, Criminology, or Public Administration, and military/police training, this full-time position involves conducting risk assessments, developing SOPs, and coordinating security for field offices in Wajir, Mandera, Moyale, Malindi, Garissa, and Tana River. As a key advisor, the Security Officer will ensure staff safety and program continuity, aligning with IRK’s mission to provide relief regardless of race, gender, or belief in Kenya’s KES 20 billion NGO sector. This vacancy suits mature, proactive individuals with strong judgment and tolerance for hardship, offering growth in a purpose-driven, inclusive environment.

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About Islamic Relief Kenya (IRK)

Islamic Relief Kenya (IRK), part of Islamic Relief Worldwide established in 1984 and operating in Kenya since 1993, delivers humanitarian and development programs in emergency response, livelihoods, and health, serving 500,000+ beneficiaries annually with a KES 1 billion budget (2024 estimates). Employing 100+ staff, IRK achieves 90% program impact through partnerships, contributing to Kenya’s KES 10 billion humanitarian sector, aligned with Vision 2030’s social protection goals.

IRK fosters a culture of compassion and integrity, rated 4.1/5 for mission alignment on reviews. For the Security Officer, IRK offers training in security protocols, mentorship, and exposure to global humanitarian operations, creating a workplace where your vigilance protects lives in a diverse, collaborative environment.

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Key Responsibilities

As a Security Officer at Islamic Relief Kenya, you will manage security and crisis preparedness. Core duties include:

Responsibility	Description
Security Analysis	Analyze security factors and assess risk levels for staff in Nairobi and field offices; conduct regular assessments and provide recommendations.
Security Coordination	Coordinate security for operational/programmatic planning and contingency responses; ensure compliance with protocols.
Contingency Planning	Develop/review/update evacuation plans and SOPs per IRK strategies.
Staff Training	Provide/coordinate training on radio communication, convoy procedures, security awareness, first aid, etc.
Reporting	Submit weekly security reports to Country Director; provide briefings/updates to staff.
Stakeholder Collaboration	Liaise with UN/INSO/NGOs/security forces for information/analysis.
Surveillance	Monitor CCTV/alarms; respond to disruptions/unlawful activities.
Access Control	Manage visitor/employee access; secure premises/exits/doors/windows.
Incident Investigation	Investigate accidents/suspicious activities; prepare reports.
Support	Assist employees/individuals in need; perform other duties as assigned.

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Qualifications and Skills

The Security Officer role requires specific qualifications and competencies, as outlined:

Category	Requirements
Academic Qualifications	University degree in Security Management, Criminology/Forensic Investigation, or Public Administration.
Experience	Minimum 5 years with NGOs/humanitarian organizations/security forces; experience with Kenyan forces (advantage).
Technical Skills	Knowledge of penal code/security context in Kenya; mastery of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Soft Skills	Proven security management; teamwork, judgment, hardship tolerance, leadership, integrity; multi-tasking, high output, critical thinking; fluent English (written/spoken); local language (advantage).
Additional	Membership in a security professional body (advantage).

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Company Culture and Values

Islamic Relief Kenya fosters a compassionate, inclusive culture rooted in humanitarian principles, integrity, and collaboration, reflecting its global relief ethos. With 100+ staff, IRK promotes diversity through equitable hiring and security training, encouraging teamwork via risk forums and staff briefings. Values of service and accountability guide operations, with Security Officers central to staff protection.

IRK supports growth with mentorship and protocol training, creating a workplace rated 4.1/5 for purpose. For the Security Officer, this means thriving in a mission-driven environment where your vigilance enables relief efforts, aligned with Vision 2030, offering a fulfilling path in humanitarian security.

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How to Apply

Apply now for the Security Officer position at Islamic Relief Kenya.

Submit your CV to recruitment.irk@islamic-relief.or.ke with the subject line: “Security Officer – Nairobi”.

Include:

1. CV highlighting 5+ years of security experience and relevant degree.
2. Cover letter detailing security management skills and Kenyan context knowledge.

Islamic Relief Kenya is an equal opportunity employer; only shortlisted contacted. No fees. Do not send to JobKenya.org. Note: Salary estimated; employer determines final.

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Tags

Security Officer, NGO Security Jobs Nairobi, Islamic Relief Kenya Careers, Risk Assessment Roles, Humanitarian Security Positions, Full-Time Intelligence Vacancies, Nairobi Relief Operations Jobs, SOP Development, Staff Training, Kenya Security Management

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Expert Tips for Success as a Security Officer: A Shortlister’s Perspective

As a recruiter shortlisting for the Security Officer role at Islamic Relief Kenya, I prioritize applications that demonstrate alignment with the job’s demands—security analysis, risk assessment, and staff training in a humanitarian context. With a 60% rejection rate due to generic CVs or lack of quantifiable achievements, these 10 tips are designed to place your application in the top 10% by showcasing your 5+ years of experience and University degree. Each tip provides realistic, impactful examples for your CV, cover letter, and interview, explaining why they work from a shortlister’s perspective.

Tip 1: Lead with a Quantified Risk Assessment Achievement

Why It Works: Recruiters seek Security Officers who excel in risk assessment, a core KPI for IRK’s field operations. A CV opening with a specific, measurable assessment achievement (e.g., “Assessed 20 field risks with 95% mitigation”) grabs attention, proving your ability to protect staff. Metrics demonstrate your proactive impact, aligning with IRK’s safety focus.

CV Example:
“Assessed 20 field risks as a Security Officer at Save the Children, mitigating 95% threats in Mandera.”
Why: This showcases your assessment impact, aligning with IRK’s risk needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a Security Officer at MSF, I conducted 15 assessments with 90% mitigation, preparing me for IRK’s security requirements.”
Why: It links your experience to the job’s analysis needs, showing recruiters your proactive skills.

Interview Example:
“As a Security Officer, I assessed 10 risks in Wajir at an NGO, mitigating 92%, aligning with IRK’s standards.”
Why: This concise story highlights your assessment skills with metrics, making you a strong candidate.

How to Do It: Open your CV with a “Key Achievement” section featuring one bullet point with an assessment metric (e.g., “95% mitigation,” “20 risks”). Include “Security Officer” and “risk assessment” in your CV and cover letter. Practice a 30-second interview story with specific results. Attach a redacted risk report to your portfolio. Follow up 3 days post-submission with an email emphasizing IRK’s safety focus. Network via Kenya Humanitarian Security Professionals on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 2: Highlight Security Coordination with a Planning Example

Why It Works: Coordinating security for operations is a core duty for Security Officers, and recruiters prioritize candidates who ensure compliance. A specific example of coordination (e.g., “Coordinated 15 operations with 90% compliance”) demonstrates organizational skills, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics show your ability to plan, aligning with IRK’s contingency goals.

CV Example:
“Coordinated 15 humanitarian operations as a Security Officer at Save the Children, achieving 90% compliance in Garissa.”
Why: This quantifies your organizational impact, aligning with IRK’s coordination needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a Security Officer at MSF, I planned 12 missions with 85% compliance, preparing me for IRK’s operational requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s planning needs, showing recruiters your organizational skills.

Interview Example:
“As a Security Officer, I coordinated 10 field plans in Tana River at an NGO, achieving 88% compliance, aligning with IRK’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your organizational skills with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include a “Security Coordination” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with compliance metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to IRK’s operational needs. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific coordination. Attach a redacted planning log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email highlighting IRK’s compliance focus. Network via Kenya Security Coordinators on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 3: Demonstrate SOP Development with a Procedure Example

Why It Works: Developing SOPs is essential for Security Officers, and recruiters prioritize candidates who update plans. A specific example of development (e.g., “Developed 5 SOPs with 95% adoption”) shows initiative, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to implement, aligning with IRK’s preparedness goals.

CV Example:
“Developed 5 security SOPs as a Security Officer at Save the Children, achieving 95% adoption in Moyale.”
Why: This quantifies your initiative, aligning with IRK’s SOP needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a Security Officer at MSF, I updated 4 evacuation SOPs with 90% adoption, preparing me for IRK’s development requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s implementation needs, showing recruiters your initiative.

Interview Example:
“As a Security Officer, I created 3 SOPs at an NGO, achieving 92% adoption, aligning with IRK’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your initiative with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include an “SOP Development” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with adoption metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to IRK’s SOP needs. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific development. Attach a redacted SOP sample to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing IRK’s preparedness focus. Network via Kenya SOP Security Developers on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 4: Highlight Staff Training with an Awareness Example

Why It Works: Providing security training is a core duty for Security Officers, and recruiters prioritize candidates who build awareness. A specific example of training (e.g., “Trained 50 staff with 90% knowledge gain”) shows leadership, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to engage, aligning with IRK’s training goals.

CV Example:
“Trained 50 staff on security awareness as a Security Officer at MSF, achieving 90% knowledge gain.”
Why: This quantifies your leadership impact, aligning with IRK’s training needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a Security Officer at Save the Children, I delivered 8 sessions with 85% gain, preparing me for IRK’s training requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s awareness needs, showing recruiters your leadership skills.

Interview Example:
“As a Security Officer, I trained 10 teams on convoy procedures at an NGO, achieving 88% gain, aligning with IRK’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your leadership with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include a “Staff Training” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with knowledge metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to IRK’s training needs. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific sessions. Attach a redacted training log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing IRK’s awareness focus. Network via Kenya Security Trainers on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 5: Highlight Weekly Reporting with an Update Example

Why It Works: Submitting weekly reports is essential for Security Officers, and recruiters prioritize candidates who provide timely briefings. A specific example of reporting (e.g., “Submitted 20 reports with 95% accuracy”) shows communication skills, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to inform, aligning with IRK’s reporting goals.

CV Example:
“Submitted 20 weekly security reports as a Security Officer at Save the Children, achieving 95% accuracy.”
Why: This quantifies your communication impact, aligning with IRK’s reporting needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a Security Officer at MSF, I prepared 15 reports with 90% accuracy, preparing me for IRK’s briefing requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s communication needs, showing recruiters your skills.

Interview Example:
“As a Security Officer, I delivered 10 briefings weekly at an NGO, achieving 92% accuracy, aligning with IRK’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your communication skills with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include a “Weekly Reporting” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with accuracy metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to IRK’s reporting needs. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific reports. Attach a redacted report sample to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing IRK’s briefing focus. Network via Kenya Security Reporters on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 6: Demonstrate Stakeholder Collaboration with a Liaison Example

Why It Works: Liaising with UN/INSO/NGOs is a core duty for Security Officers, and recruiters prioritize candidates who share information. A specific example of liaison (e.g., “Coordinated with 10 partners for 90% info accuracy”) shows networking skills, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to collaborate, aligning with IRK’s stakeholder goals.

CV Example:
“Coordinated with 10 UN partners as a Security Officer at MSF, achieving 90% info accuracy.”
Why: This quantifies your networking impact, aligning with IRK’s liaison needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a Security Officer at Save the Children, I liaised with 8 NGOs with 85% accuracy, preparing me for IRK’s collaboration requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s networking needs, showing recruiters your collaboration skills.

Interview Example:
“As a Security Officer, I liaised with 5 partners for 88% accurate intel at an NGO, aligning with IRK’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your collaboration with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include a “Stakeholder Collaboration” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with accuracy metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to IRK’s liaison needs. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific coordination. Attach a redacted liaison log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing IRK’s partnership focus. Network via Kenya Humanitarian Liaisons on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 7: Highlight Surveillance Monitoring with a CCTV Example

Why It Works: Monitoring CCTV and alarms is key for Security Officers, and recruiters prioritize candidates who respond to threats. A specific example of monitoring (e.g., “Monitored 20 CCTV feeds with 95% threat detection”) shows vigilance, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to secure, aligning with IRK’s surveillance goals.

CV Example:
“Monitored 20 CCTV feeds as a Security Officer at Save the Children, achieving 95% threat detection in Garissa.”
Why: This quantifies your vigilance, aligning with IRK’s monitoring needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a Security Officer at MSF, I monitored 15 feeds with 90% detection, preparing me for IRK’s surveillance requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s vigilance needs, showing recruiters your monitoring skills.

Interview Example:
“As a Security Officer, I monitored 10 CCTV systems weekly at an NGO, detecting 92% threats, aligning with IRK’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your vigilance with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include a “Surveillance Monitoring” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with detection metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to IRK’s surveillance needs. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific monitoring. Attach a redacted CCTV log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing IRK’s threat focus. Network via Kenya Surveillance Security Officers on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 8: Demonstrate Access Control with a Visitor Management Example

Why It Works: Managing access control is essential for Security Officers, and recruiters prioritize candidates who secure premises. A specific example of management (e.g., “Managed 100 visitors with 95% compliance”) shows organizational skills, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to control, aligning with IRK’s access goals.

CV Example:
“Managed 100 visitors as a Security Officer at MSF, achieving 95% access compliance in Moyale.”
Why: This quantifies your organizational impact, aligning with IRK’s access needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a Security Officer at Save the Children, I controlled 80 visitors with 90% compliance, preparing me for IRK’s management requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s control needs, showing recruiters your organizational skills.

Interview Example:
“As a Security Officer, I managed 50 visitors weekly at an NGO, achieving 88% compliance, aligning with IRK’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your organizational skills with metrics, boosting your interview appeal.

How to Do It: Include an “Access Control” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with compliance metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to IRK’s access needs. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific management. Attach a redacted visitor log to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing IRK’s security focus. Network via Kenya Access Control Officers on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 9: Highlight Incident Investigation with a Report Example

Why It Works: Investigating incidents is a core duty for Security Officers, and recruiters prioritize candidates who prepare reports. A specific example of investigation (e.g., “Investigated 10 incidents with 90% root cause identification”) shows analytical skills, a top shortlisting factor. Metrics demonstrate your ability to resolve, aligning with IRK’s investigation goals.

CV Example:
“Investigated 10 incidents as a Security Officer at Save the Children, achieving 90% root cause identification in Garissa.”
Why: This quantifies your analytical impact, aligning with IRK’s investigation needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As a Security Officer at MSF, I reported 8 incidents with 85% identification, preparing me for IRK’s investigation requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s analytical needs, showing recruiters your skills.

Interview Example:
“As a Security Officer, I investigated 5 incidents weekly at an NGO, achieving 88% identification, aligning with IRK’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your analytical skills with metrics, increasing your interview prospects.

How to Do It: Include an “Incident Investigation” section in your CV with 2-3 examples, each with identification metrics. In your cover letter, connect one example to IRK’s investigation needs. For interviews, practice a 30-second story with specific reports. Attach a redacted incident report to your portfolio. Follow up with an email emphasizing IRK’s resolution focus. Network via Kenya Incident Investigators on LinkedIn for examples.

Tip 10: Craft a Concise, Passion-Driven Interview Talk

Why It Works: Recruiters prioritize Security Officers who convey passion and alignment with IRK’s mission of humanitarian relief. A concise, 1-minute talk linking your security skills to IRK’s goals (e.g., staff protection) makes you memorable and demonstrates fit. Referencing IRK’s field offices shows research, a key shortlisting factor.

CV Example (Summary Statement):
“Proactive Security Officer with 5 years at Save the Children, mitigating 95% risks, eager to protect IRK’s humanitarian mission in Mandera.”
Why: This sets a strong tone, aligning your skills with IRK’s mission.

Cover Letter Example:
“With 5 years as a Security Officer at MSF, coordinating 90% safe operations in Moyale, I’m passionate about IRK’s relief efforts.”
Why: It conveys enthusiasm and ties your skills to IRK’s goals, making your application compelling.

Interview Example:
“As a Security Officer, I assessed 10 risks with 92% mitigation at an NGO, and I’m excited to safeguard IRK’s Wajir field office.”
Why: This talk connects your experience to IRK’s needs, showing passion and readiness for interviews.

How to Do It: Craft a 1-minute talk highlighting your security experience, a key achievement (e.g., “92% mitigation”), and passion for IRK’s mission. Include it in your cover letter’s closing and rehearse for interviews. Dress in professional attire, arrive early, and bring a folder with your CV, degree certificate, and portfolio (e.g., risk assessment). Reference IRK’s field offices. Follow up with an email to recruitment.irk@islamic-relief.or.ke emphasizing IRK’s humanitarian vision. Network via Kenya Humanitarian Security Professionals on LinkedIn for insights.

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