The United States Mission in Nairobi, Kenya, through Embassy Nairobi, invites applications from qualified and interested individuals for the position of Security Support Assistant. This recruitment exercise is open to all interested applicants and is conducted in line with the Mission’s commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and well-coordinated working environment for U.S. Government facilities, personnel, dependents, and visitors. The position is locally employed and is based in Nairobi, with two vacancies available.
Security operations form a critical component of the Mission’s overall mandate. The ability to anticipate, observe, document, and respond to security-related developments is essential to ensuring that official operations are carried out without disruption and that personnel and property remain protected. The Security Support Assistant plays a key role in supporting the Regional Security Office by providing timely, accurate, and actionable security information. Through consistent reporting, analysis of observable trends, and participation in operational security activities, the role contributes directly to situational awareness and informed decision-making.
This job advertisement is intended for publication on a third-party job board and presents a comprehensive overview of the position, including the scope of work, reporting relationships, duty location, work schedule, and application process. The article is written in a neutral, professional tone and uses a third-person perspective throughout. All information included is drawn from the official announcement and position description.
Position Overview
Announcement Number: Nairobi-2025-039
Hiring Agency: Embassy Nairobi
Position Title: Security Support Assistant – All Interested Applicants
Open Period: January 14, 2026 to January 28, 2026
Vacancy Time Zone: GMT +3
Series/Grade: LE – 0710 4
Salary: KES 1,504,499 to KES 2,662,955 per year
Work Schedule: Full-time, 45 hours per week
Promotion Potential: LE-4
Duty Location: Nairobi, Kenya (two vacancies)
Telework Eligible: No
Appointment Type: Permanent
Appointment Type Details: Indefinite, subject to successful completion of the probationary period
Supervisory Position: No
Relocation Expenses Reimbursed: No
Travel Required: Not required
Security Clearance Required: Public Trust – Background Investigation
The successful candidates must be able to begin working within a reasonable period, defined as within four weeks of receipt of agency authorization and/or required clearances or certifications. Failure to do so may result in the termination of candidacy.
This position reports to the Regional Security Office and works under the direction of supervisory security personnel. The role does not involve supervisory responsibilities but requires close coordination with other security staff and relevant Mission components.
Scope of the Role
The Security Support Assistant provides direct operational and analytical support to the Regional Security Office. The primary focus of the position is to collect, observe, document, analyze, and report security-related information that may affect U.S. Government interests. The role requires a high level of situational awareness, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate observations clearly and accurately.
The position involves a significant amount of time spent outdoors and in the field. The incumbent may be required to work in varying environmental and weather conditions and across different shifts, depending on operational requirements. In addition to routine observation and reporting duties, the Security Support Assistant may be tasked with other security-related functions as directed by supervisors.
The overall objective of the role is to ensure that the Regional Security Office has access to up-to-date, relevant, and reliable security data. This information supports planning, threat assessment, and response coordination, contributing to the Mission’s overall security posture.
Detailed Job Description
Security Support Functions (Approximately 90 percent of time)
The core responsibility of the Security Support Assistant is to conduct security support and analysis within an assigned area of responsibility. This function involves systematic observation, information gathering, and assessment of activities that may have security implications.
The job holder is responsible for identifying and observing suspicious or unusual activities within the designated area. This includes monitoring pedestrian and vehicular movements, public gatherings, and other activities that could indicate potential threats or emerging security concerns. Observations are made with the objective of detecting behaviors, patterns, or situations that may pose a risk to U.S. Government facilities, personnel, family members, or residences.
The role requires close and continuous observation of the surrounding environment. The Security Support Assistant is expected to remain alert to changes in routine patterns, the presence of unfamiliar individuals or vehicles, and any indicators of surveillance or hostile intent. Information gathered through these observations is documented accurately and in a timely manner.
The incumbent collects security-related information from open sources and direct observation. This information is organized and tabulated to support analysis of trends in criminal tactics, techniques, and procedures. The Security Support Assistant may be required to track recurring incidents, identify emerging threats, and note shifts in the local security environment.
Another key aspect of the role is the initiation of appropriate responses to potential threats. When necessary, the job holder initiates emergency responses in accordance with established procedures to safeguard life and property. This may involve alerting supervisory security personnel, coordinating with other security staff, or taking immediate action within the scope of assigned authority.
The Security Support Assistant supports the Regional Security Office by ensuring that collected information is current, relevant, and presented in a format that facilitates decision-making. The role requires the ability to synthesize observations into coherent assessments that can be used for briefings and operational planning.
In addition to routine observation and analysis, the position may involve participation in special security operations or tasks as directed. These tasks are assigned based on operational needs and may vary over time. Flexibility and readiness to support a range of security functions are essential components of the role.
Reporting Functions (Approximately 10 percent of time)
Reporting is a critical component of the Security Support Assistant position. The job holder is responsible for producing both verbal and written reports based on observations and findings.
Written reports include situation reports, incident reports, and other documentation required by the Regional Security Office. These reports must be clear, concise, and accurate, providing sufficient detail to support understanding and follow-up action. The ability to document events objectively and systematically is central to this function.
Verbal reporting involves briefing supervisory security personnel on observed activities, incidents, or emerging trends. These briefings must be delivered in a clear and structured manner, highlighting key points and relevant details. The Security Support Assistant may be called upon to provide updates during meetings or in response to specific inquiries.
The role may also require maintaining records and performing data entry into designated software applications. This includes entering observation data, incident details, and other security-related information into systems used by the Regional Security Office. Accuracy and consistency in data entry are essential to maintaining reliable records.
Reporting duties support the broader security analysis process by ensuring that information collected in the field is effectively communicated to decision-makers. Through timely and accurate reporting, the Security Support Assistant contributes to the Mission’s ability to assess risks and respond appropriately.
Work Environment and Conditions
The Security Support Assistant position is full-time, with a standard work schedule of 45 hours per week. However, operational requirements may necessitate work outside of standard hours, including evenings, weekends, or holidays. Shift work may be required to ensure continuous security coverage.
The role involves extended periods of time outdoors and may require standing, walking, or remaining alert for prolonged durations. The incumbent may be exposed to varying weather conditions and is expected to perform duties effectively in such environments.
The position is based in Nairobi and does not offer telework options. All duties are performed on site or within assigned areas of responsibility. Travel is not required as part of the role, and relocation expenses are not reimbursed.
Compensation and Benefits Information
The position is classified under the LE – 0710 4 series/grade and offers an annual salary ranging from KES 1,504,499 to KES 2,662,955. The final salary is determined in accordance with the Mission’s pay plan and is assigned by the Human Resources Office at the time of the conditional offer.
Locally Employed Staff working at the U.S. Mission in Nairobi may receive a compensation package that includes health benefits, separation benefits, and other applicable benefits. Eligibility and specific benefit entitlements are determined by Mission policies and applicable regulations.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The U.S. Mission is committed to providing equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, selection, and placement.
Hiring Preference Information
The hiring preference selection process is applied in accordance with established guidelines. Applicants who fall within specific hiring preference categories may be extended preference in the order prescribed by policy. Applicants are responsible for accurately describing their status during the application process and for submitting required documentation to support their eligibility for preference consideration.
Application Process
All candidates must be able to obtain and hold a Police Clearance Certificate and provide a Credit Reference Bureau certificate as part of the application and selection process.
Applications are submitted through the designated online application system. Applicants are required to click the “Submit Application” button and follow the instructions provided on the Mission’s website. Detailed guidance on how to apply is available on the Mission internet site.
Applicants must ensure that all required documents are submitted by the closing date of the announcement. Failure to provide requested documentation or submission of insufficient information may result in disqualification from consideration.
Required documentation may include, where applicable, proof of residency or work authorization, educational certificates, licenses, and other supporting documents specified in the application instructions.
Next Steps in the Selection Process
Applicants who are shortlisted may be invited to participate in language or skills testing and/or interviews. Communication regarding tests, interviews, and selection decisions will be conducted via email.
Additional information, including the complete position description and further details on duties and responsibilities, may be obtained by contacting the Human Resources Office at the U.S. Mission in Nairobi.
Closing Statement
The Security Support Assistant role offers an opportunity to contribute to the safety and security of U.S. Government operations in Kenya. Through diligent observation, accurate reporting, and effective support to the Regional Security Office, the successful candidates will play an important role in maintaining a secure operating environment.
Interested applicants are encouraged to review the announcement carefully, ensure that all application requirements are met, and submit their applications within the stated open period.
