The European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) has announced an opportunity for qualified professionals to join its Nairobi Regional Office as a Regional Safety Associate. This position offers experienced safety and security professionals an opportunity to contribute to humanitarian operations supporting disaster-affected and conflict-affected populations across East, Central, and Southern Africa.
DG ECHO is one of the world’s leading humanitarian donors, providing emergency assistance to victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts outside the European Union. The organization works through approximately 200 operational partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and international and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Humanitarian assistance is delivered impartially and without discrimination based on race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, gender, age, or political affiliation.
The successful candidate will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, and will support regional security operations aimed at protecting DG ECHO personnel, offices, and humanitarian activities across multiple countries.
This vacancy is open to Kenyan nationals and other residents of Kenya holding valid permanent residence permits.
Position Available
1. Regional Safety Associate
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Purpose
The Regional Safety Associate will support the Regional Security Coordinators (RSCs) responsible for East Africa and Central & Southern Africa by carrying out a wide range of safety and security-related responsibilities.
The role focuses on strengthening security systems, improving situational awareness, supporting contingency planning, coordinating with humanitarian partners, and helping ensure the safety of DG ECHO personnel deployed throughout the region.
The successful candidate will work closely with Regional Security Coordinators, Heads of Regional Offices, Heads of Offices, humanitarian partners, and other security stakeholders to maintain effective security management across the assigned regions.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Regional Safety Associate will be responsible for:
- Supporting the assessment of the security situation at the duty station.
- Gathering, verifying, and analysing security information required by the Regional Security Coordinators.
- Providing timely security information and updates to support operational decision-making.
- Communicating security-related information to the Head of Regional Office and Heads of Offices across East Africa and Central & Southern Africa.
- Providing security advice to DG ECHO staff in the absence of the Regional Security Coordinators when required.
- Liaising and coordinating with Security Focal Points from DG ECHO partner organizations.
- Building effective working relationships with relevant humanitarian and security actors.
- Maintaining a comprehensive statistical database of security incidents across the two regions.
- Producing analytical charts and reports based on security incident data.
- Assisting in the preparation and regular review of security plans.
- Supporting the review and updating of contingency plans.
- Contributing to the implementation of security procedures during operational activities.
- Assisting in the preparation of Country Security Risk Assessments.
- Supporting Premises Security Surveys.
- Assisting in developing country-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Supporting the preparation of contingency planning documentation.
- Maintaining the DG ECHO warden system.
- Keeping up-to-date information regarding DG ECHO offices and staff residences across the Regional and Country Offices.
- Assisting Regional Security Coordinators with ongoing security training programmes for DG ECHO staff.
- Performing additional security-related duties as assigned in support of regional humanitarian operations.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should possess:
- A relevant university degree and/or studies relevant to security or equivalent professional experience.
Knowledge and Experience
Candidates should demonstrate:
- A minimum of five (5) years of safety and security-related work experience at either national or international level.
- Previous operational security experience within the humanitarian system, including experience with United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, or international NGOs, which is highly desirable.
- Experience in diplomatic security, protection, or security analysis will be considered an added advantage.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including:
- MS Word
- MS Excel
- MS PowerPoint
- Knowledge of cartography principles, including:
- GPS coordinates
- Online mapping platforms
- Knowledge of humanitarian communication systems, including:
- HF radio systems
- VHF radio systems
- Satellite communication systems
- Basic knowledge of first aid and advanced first aid principles and techniques.
- A valid driver’s licence.
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Excellent written and spoken English.
The following will be considered advantageous:
- Knowledge of French.
- Knowledge of Swahili.
Required Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate the ability to:
Working and Communicating Effectively
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Work collaboratively within multicultural teams.
- Build and maintain strong professional relationships.
- Support collective objectives across regional offices.
Achieving Results and Quality
- Deliver work to a consistently high professional standard.
- Organize assignments efficiently.
- Produce quality outputs within required timelines.
- Demonstrate commitment to continuous quality improvement.
Understanding Humanitarian Operations
- Support DG ECHO’s humanitarian mandate and operational strategies.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
- Promote the appropriate use of Key Results Indicators (KRIs).
- Apply DG ECHO operational guidelines correctly in day-to-day activities.
- Support the visibility of DG ECHO humanitarian operations.
Professional Conduct
- Demonstrate integrity and professionalism.
- Uphold humanitarian principles and DG ECHO values.
- Display exemplary behaviour expected of field personnel.
- Maintain ethical standards in all professional responsibilities.
Employment Terms
The successful applicant can expect:
- An initial one-year contract.
- Possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs.
- A three-month probation period.
- Annual performance evaluations.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive remuneration package that includes:
- Monthly basic salary starting from KES 350,795 for candidates with five years of relevant experience.
- Salary progression based on verified years of relevant professional experience supported by work certificates.
- Disability and retirement allowance.
- 13th month salary.
- Comprehensive medical cover.
The salary package will be subject to applicable Kenyan tax laws.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are invited from:
- Kenyan nationals.
- Residents of Kenya holding valid permanent residence permits.
DG ECHO is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining diversity, inclusion, gender balance, and a supportive working environment that promotes both professional development and work-life balance.
Employees are required to comply with the DG ECHO National Staff Code of Conduct throughout their employment.
Application Deadline
23rd July 2026 at 6:00 PM (18:00 Hours)
How to Apply
Applicants should upload the following documents in PDF format:
- Cover letter.
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Copy of education certificate, diploma, or degree.
- Copies of relevant employment certificates.
Applications should be submitted through the official online recruitment portal before the deadline.
