Duties
Under the supervision of the Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) Site Security Manager (SSM), serves as the Foreign Service National Investigator (FSNI)/Security Investigator for all security related activities associated with the construction of the Nairobi CAA. Works independently and provides security and secretarial services in support of the project including background investigations, screening calls, file maintenance, etc. Maintains liaison with local police, OBO contractors, Local Guard Force (LGF), security organizations and other security authorities.
Investigations 40%
Conducts background investigations on contractors involved with the OBO construction project, and other Locally Employed Staff (LES) hired by OBO. Verifies educational qualifications, previous employment, references, allegations involving character, suspected fraud, misconduct, and suitability of applicants for employment with the Embassy. Initiates form letters for record checks and sends them to police investigative agencies in the country and abroad and Political and Consular Sections of the embassy. Conducts security interviews on each applicant and prepares investigative reports on the background, conduct and suitability for their employment to the RSO. Gives regular security briefings/presentations for construction project contractors and its subcontractors.
Security 20%
Acts as a Police liaison for SSM on all construction-related security matters. Assists SSM with loss prevention and criminal investigations as needed and directed by the SSM or RSO, including police reports to local authorities and interviews. Investigates employee or contractor misconduct as necessary. Coordinates with U.S. Embassy RSO and FSNI for investigations off-site, by preparing initial reports. Monitors and reports security-related news and events, identifies acts that may present a security risk.
Local Guard Coordinator/Liaison 20%
Supervises day-to-day LGF operations. Ensure LGF is trained and performing their duties correctly. Inspect OBO-provided equipment for serviceability. Ensure SSM operational forms (i.e., deliveries, visitors) are received and distributed appropriately. Liaison with local police, host country law enforcement, and security officials. Responds to incidents and/or accidents as necessary for initial action.
Administrative Duties 20%
Establishes effective working relations with other USG agencies, local agencies, and civil authorities. Maintains all office files per the requirements of the SSM Handbook. Screens telephone calls. Maintains and upkeeps investigation files, database, access logs and other security records in relation to the construction project. Maintains supply records and coordinates resupply of administrative materials for SSM. Receives and processes all incoming documents, additional access and site delivery requests, sorts and distributes mail, maintains incoming and outgoing letter logs, and ensures that all items are responded to within the prescribed timeframe. Translates documents requested by SSM or RSO. Operates government-owned vehicles (GOVs) to carry out official duties, as needed.
*Note: This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent. Incumbent will be required to perform other duties as assigned by the agency.
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Qualifications and Evaluations
Requirements:
All selected candidates must be able to obtain and hold a: [HR DELETE THE OPTION THAT DOES NOT APPLY]
- security clearance.
All selected candidates will be subject to a background investigation and may be subject to a pre-employment medical exam. Selected candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time upon receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.
Education Requirements:
Two years of post-secondary education is required.
Please address this factor in your ERA application under Education.Evaluations:
You will be evaluated against the qualifications and requirements in this vacancy announcement.
You may be asked to complete a pre-employment language or skills test.
You must complete the application form and provide the required documents. Your application must address all the position qualifications and requirements including education, experience, language, and any knowledge/skills/abilities listed. If you fail to submit a complete application, then your application may be disqualified for this position. Qualifications:
Experience:
Minimum three years of security related experience of progressively responsible experience in investigative work with police or private security organization.
Please address this factor in your ERA application under Major Duties and Responsibilities.
Language:
English: Level 3 – Good working knowledge; speaking, reading & writing
Kiswahili: Level 4 – Fluent; speaking/reading/writing, may include the ability to translate
Please address this language requirement in your ERA application.
Job Knowledge:
Good knowledge of host country legal system and institutions, criminal law, security standards and regulations. Good working knowledge of documentary sources of information, ability to maintain extensive contacts with officials of various local agencies, ability to exercise initiative and use research skills in obtaining information or evidence.
Please address this factor in your ERA application under Major Duties and Responsibilities.
Skills And Abilities:
Good computer skills in Word, Outlook, Power Point, and Excel. Ability to draft concise reports and letters of inquiry in English. Must have good interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain contacts with officials of various agencies. Must be able to conduct thorough interviews and evaluate honesty of candidate or employee.
Please address this factor in your ERA application under Major Duties and Responsibilities.
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Benefits and Other Info
Benefits:Agency Benefits:
The U.S. Mission offers a competitive compensation and benefits package for local employees.
Eligible Family Member (EFM) applicants should discuss with the HR Office. The pay plan is assigned by the HR Office and confirmed by Washington, D.C.Other Information:
HIRING PREFERENCE SELECTION PROCESS:
A hiring preference is extended to eligible and qualified applicants in the order listed below. It is essential you accurately describe your status in your application, failure to do so may result in a determination that you are not eligible for a hiring preference.
HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER
- Appointment Eligible Family Member (AEFM) / U.S. citizen Eligible Family Member (USEFM) who is a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran*
- AEFM / USEFM
- Foreign Service (FS) on Leave without Pay (LWOP) and Civil Service (CS) with reemployment rights **
* IMPORTANT: US citizen Eligible Family Member (USEFM) applicants who claim status as a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran must submit a copy of their most recent DD-214 (“Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty”) preferably Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs which indicates the present existence of a service-connected disability, equivalent documentation, or certification. A “certification” is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted by the applicant. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. Acceptable documentation must be submitted in order for the preference to be given.
** This level of preference applies to all FS employees on LWOP and CS with re-employment rights back to their agency or bureau.
For complete definitions of AEFM, USEFM, EFM, Member of Household, etc., please visit the 3 FAM 7210 Definitions.
ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS
The following apply to EFMs, USEFMs, and AEFMs only:
- Current employees who used a hiring preference to gain employment who are within their first 90 calendar days of employment are not eligible. This does not apply when the hiring mechanism is TEMP or the work schedule is intermittent or irregular.
- Candidates with a hiring preference who have already accepted a conditional offer of employment may NOT be extended a second conditional offer of employment unless and until they withdraw their candidacy for the first position in writing.
The following apply to Locally Employed (LE) staff only:
- Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible.
- Current employees with an Overall Summary Rating of Needs Improvement, Unsatisfactory, or an MBC score of less than 100 points on their most recent Employee Performance Report are not eligible.
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How to Apply
How to Apply:
Click the “Apply to This Vacancy” button at the top of the page to begin your application. For an instructional video on how to apply click here.
Please address all relevant experience, education, language skills (including English), and job related skills or requirements in your application.
You may edit your application any time before the vacancy closing date. If you fail to submit a complete application by the vacancy closing date of this vacancy, then your application may be disqualified for this position.
For a copy of the complete position description, please contact the HR Office.
To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the HR Office.
Required Documents:
Please upload all applicable documents to your application. If you fail to submit a complete 6application, then your application may be disqualified for this position.
All Applicants:
- Residency Permit (if applicable)
- Work Permit (if applicable)
- Driver’s License
- Post-Secondary Certificate
In addition, Eligible Family Member (EFM) Applicants must submit:
- Copy of Sponsor’s Travel Orders/Assignment Notification (or equivalent)
- Passport copy
- DD-214 – Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs, or other supporting documentation (if applicable)
- SF-50 (if applicable)
Next Steps:
The HR Office will contact successful applicants. For more information on applying for jobs or employment with us, please visit the U.S. Mission website.
Thank you for your application and your interest in working with us.
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Announcement Number:Nairobi-2026-045Hiring Agency:Embassy NairobiPosition Title:Security Investigator (OBO) – All Interested ApplicantsOpen Period:01/27/2026 – 02/18/2026Format MM/DD/YYYYVacancy Time Zone:GMT+3Series/Grade:LE – 0705 8Salary:KES KSh2,684,891 – KES KSh4,564,327 /Per YearWork Schedule:Full-time – Monday- Friday, 40 hours per week; occasional evenings and weekends may be required.Promotion Potential:LE-8Duty Location(s):2 Vacancy in
Nairobi, KETelework Eligible:NoFor More Info: HR Section
0203636000
[email protected]
Overview
Hiring Path:• Open to the public
Who May Apply/Clarification From the Agency:This position is open to:
• All Interested Applicants
• U.S. Citizen Eligible Family Members (USEFMs) – All Agencies
USEFM FP salary authorized by Washington D.C.Security Clearance Required:Public Trust – Background InvestigationAppointment TypeTerm appt, NTE 3 yrsAppointment Type Details:This is a Fixed Term Appointment, originally not to exceed three (3) years, but subject to extensions as determined by the Project Director, based on the needs of the project and the U.S. GovernmentMarketing Statement:
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO): The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.Summary:
The U.S. Mission in Nairobi is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the Security Investigator (OBO) in the office. This is a Fixed term position for three (3) years. It may be extended as determined by the Project Director, or the needs of the USG. Significant demonstrated experience with investigations, case management, networking and collaboration with police forces, criminal databases, interviewing techniques, and site investigations will be an added advantage.Supervisory Position:NoRelocation Expenses Reimbursed:No
