The U.S. Mission in Kenya has announced new employment opportunities for qualified candidates interested in security, investigations, technical security systems, law enforcement liaison and related functions. The current vacancies are based at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi and are open to all interested applicants who meet the requirements specified for each position.
The two opportunities are for Residential Security Equipment Technician (RSET) and Security Investigator within the Regional Security Office (RSO). Both positions are permanent, full-time roles based in Nairobi, Kenya, although their responsibilities and required levels of experience differ considerably.
The Residential Security Equipment Technician position focuses on the installation, maintenance, inspection and repair of residential security systems and equipment used at U.S. Government-owned or leased residences. The Security Investigator position involves sensitive investigations, security liaison, threat analysis, background investigations and coordination with Kenyan law enforcement and security agencies.
The annual salaries advertised are KSh1,539,616 for the Residential Security Equipment Technician and KSh2,478,361 for the Security Investigator. Applications for both vacancies are scheduled to close on August 30, 2026.
Applicants should carefully review the duties, education, experience, language and other requirements applicable to the position they intend to apply for. Applications are made through the U.S. Department of State Electronic Recruitment Application (ERA) system.
Available U.S. Embassy Nairobi Vacancies
- Residential Security Equipment Technician (RSET)
- Security Investigator (RSO)
1. Residential Security Equipment Technician (RSET)
Agency: Embassy Nairobi
Office: Regional Security Office
Announcement Number: Nairobi-2026-106
Series/Grade: LE-0701-6
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Salary: KSh1,539,616 per year
Employment Type: Permanent
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week
Telework Eligible: No
Number of Vacancies: 1
Application Deadline: August 30, 2026
The U.S. Mission in Kenya is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the Residential Security Equipment Technician position within the Regional Security Office.
The position is responsible for helping ensure that security equipment installed at U.S. Government-owned or leased residential properties in Nairobi is properly installed, maintained and functioning as required.
The technician works with residential security hardware, alarm systems and other security equipment. The position involves inspecting security systems before residences are occupied, responding to equipment failures, undertaking repairs and coordinating security installations and upgrades.
The work schedule is normally Monday through Friday for a total of 40 hours per week. However, occasional weekend and after-hours work may be required. The position may also provide assistance to Mission employees on a 24-hour basis when technical failures or urgent residential security incidents occur.
Job Description and Responsibilities
The Residential Security Equipment Technician supports the security of Mission residences by ensuring that installed security equipment remains operational and meets the required standards.
Key responsibilities include:
- Repairing, installing and servicing security alarm systems at U.S. Mission residences in Kenya.
- Inspecting residential security hardware, alarm systems and associated equipment to determine whether they have been properly installed and are functioning correctly.
- Inspecting door contacts, passive infrared sensors, glass-break sensors, panic buttons and intercom systems before occupants move into residences.
- Supporting the Regional Security Office on residential security issues involving malfunctioning security systems, grills, locks and other security installations.
- Conducting residential security surveys as required.
- Assisting with the preparation of residential properties for occupancy and with the process of returning properties to landlords.
- Installing and removing residential alarm systems, video cameras and alarm-monitoring equipment as directed.
- Troubleshooting alarm problems and carrying out emergency repairs to alarm systems.
- Determining when emergency technical assistance from alarm installation companies is required.
- Assisting with assessments to establish whether residences comply with updated residential security standards.
- Supporting the upgrading of residences acquired under previous security requirements so that they meet current standards.
Security Equipment Installation and Maintenance
A substantial part of the position involves practical technical work with residential security equipment.
The technician is expected to:
- Install alarm components at Mission residential properties.
- Repair and maintain residential security alarm systems.
- Inspect security upgrades and troubleshoot problems when necessary.
- Work with residential alarm systems, security lighting, safe-haven doors and related residential security measures.
- Assist with video camera and alarm-monitoring equipment installation or removal.
- Respond to reported security equipment malfunctions.
- Make appointments with occupants when visits to residences are required to identify and repair security equipment problems.
- Provide occupants with briefings on residential alarm systems.
- Provide personal tutorials to Mission personnel when requested to help them understand how residential alarm systems function.
The position may in future also be responsible for installing and maintaining alarm transmitters and equipment associated with a Central Alarm Monitoring System in Nairobi.
Where applicable, the technician may oversee Central Alarm Monitoring System operators and maintain information contained within the monitoring software.
Contractor Coordination and Quality Inspection
The Residential Security Equipment Technician also works with contractors responsible for different security improvements at Mission residences.
Responsibilities in this area include:
- Coordinating with alarm contractors.
- Coordinating with safe-haven door contractors.
- Coordinating with grillwork contractors responsible for residential security upgrades.
- Conducting final quality inspections of safe-haven door and grillwork installations undertaken by contractors.
- Inspecting completed residential security installations to establish whether equipment meets Regional Security Office standards.
- Reviewing residential security invoices submitted by contractors.
- Supporting the Regional Security Office in ensuring that contracted security work is completed to the required standards.
Security Equipment and Inventory Responsibilities
The position also contributes to the management and control of physical security equipment used at residences.
Responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the issuance and control of physical security hardware at residences.
- Maintaining an adequate inventory of residential security hardware.
- Helping ensure that the required equipment is available for planned residential security upgrades.
- Assisting with residential security funds.
- Preparing purchase orders for security equipment and hardware.
These duties require the technician to combine practical technical responsibilities with administrative support related to security equipment procurement and inventory management.
Emergency Security Support
The position may be required to respond outside normal working hours when urgent residential security problems occur.
Emergency responsibilities include:
- Providing technical assistance to Mission employees when residential security equipment fails.
- Responding to failures caused by electrical problems, lightning storms or other technical issues.
- Assisting with immediate repairs at U.S. Government residences affected by burglary or attempted break-ins.
- Supporting the restoration of residential security systems following security incidents.
- Monitoring developments and trends involving burglary and home invasion.
The technician may also be assigned other duties consistent with the requirements of the Regional Security Office.
Education Requirement
Applicants are required to have:
- Completion of high school.
Experience Requirement
Applicants are required to have:
- Two years of experience in the installation, repair and maintenance of electronic security products.
- Knowledge of physical security construction, including areas such as grillwork, masonry and safe-haven doors.
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- English Level 3 – Good Working Knowledge, written and spoken.
- Kiswahili Level 3 – Good Working Knowledge, written and spoken.
Job Knowledge
The successful applicant is expected to have:
- Knowledge of AES alarm products.
- Knowledge of CCTV and other related security equipment.
- Basic knowledge of electrical systems and circuitry.
- Basic understanding of the security situation in Kenya.
- Familiarity with the location of Mission housing pool residences and facilities.
Skills and Abilities
Applicants should possess the following skills and abilities as specified in the vacancy announcement:
- Ability to use Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Ability to use a keyboard.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Good communication skills.
- Good organizational skills.
- Ability to complete assigned tasks.
Security and Background Requirements
The selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain the security certification or Public Trust security clearance required for the position.
Selected candidates are subject to a background investigation and may also be required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination.
The selected candidate must be able to begin employment within a reasonable period after receiving the necessary agency authorization, clearance or certification.
Work Arrangement
The position is not eligible for telework. The successful candidate will therefore be expected to perform the role from the designated duty location and other locations required in carrying out residential security responsibilities.
The normal schedule is 40 hours per week from Monday through Friday, although occasional weekends and after-hours assignments may be necessary.
How to Apply
Applications for the Residential Security Equipment Technician vacancy must be submitted through the U.S. Department of State Electronic Recruitment Application system.
Applicants should ensure that their applications address all relevant education, experience, language abilities, job-related skills and other requirements specified in the vacancy announcement.
Applicants should also upload all applicable supporting documents requested through the recruitment portal. An incomplete application may be disqualified.
Applications must be completed and submitted by August 30, 2026.
Apply Now
2. Security Investigator (RSO)
Agency: Embassy Nairobi
Office: Regional Security Office
Announcement Number: Nairobi-2026-114
Series/Grade: LE-0705-8
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Salary: KSh2,478,361 per year
Employment Type: Permanent
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Telework Eligible: No
Number of Vacancies: 1
Application Deadline: August 30, 2026
The U.S. Mission in Kenya is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the Security Investigator position in the Regional Security Office.
The Security Investigator, also identified within the position description as a Foreign Service National Investigator, performs sensitive security and investigative responsibilities supporting U.S. Government operations under the Chief of Mission in Kenya.
The role covers background and special investigations, liaison with Kenyan security and law enforcement agencies, coordination of security support for senior U.S. Government officials, and analysis of security threats affecting official travel and Embassy operations.
The investigator is also responsible for developing and maintaining professional relationships with Kenyan police, security, immigration, customs, judicial and legislative officials.
Job Description and Responsibilities
The Security Investigator conducts complex and sensitive investigations on behalf of U.S. Government agencies operating under the Chief of Mission.
Investigations may involve:
- Personal suitability.
- Fraud.
- Malfeasance.
- Misconduct involving Locally Employed staff.
- Background investigations associated with security certification and continued U.S. Government employment.
The investigator maintains liaison with senior officials within host-government police, security and law enforcement organizations.
The role also involves interaction with customs and immigration officials as well as judicial and legislative officials.
Background and Special Investigations
Background and special investigations account for approximately 40% of the position’s responsibilities.
Duties include:
- Processing background investigations through the Regional Security Office Local Vetting system.
- Ensuring background investigation cases are submitted within the required timelines.
- Following applicable Overseas Vetting Guidelines.
- Following Regional Security Office Nairobi Standard Operating Procedures.
- Conducting thorough interviews with subjects of investigations.
- Conducting multiple reference interviews.
- Carrying out employment checks.
- Conducting neighbourhood checks as part of the investigative process.
- Investigating malfeasance, fraud and other misconduct involving Locally Employed staff when assigned by the Regional Security Officer.
These investigations contribute to determining whether individuals are suitable for security certification and continued employment with the U.S. Government.
Liaison for Security Support and Investigations
Approximately 25% of the position is devoted to liaison responsibilities involving security support, investigations, training and related activities.
The investigator serves as the Regional Security Office’s liaison with Kenyan law enforcement and the wider security community.
Responsibilities include:
- Maintaining working relationships with Government of Kenya law enforcement and security organizations.
- Liaising with Kenyan judicial and legislative officials.
- Arranging meetings with senior-level contacts in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya.
- Developing information concerning security and crime conditions.
- Identifying security developments that may affect American citizens and U.S. Government interests.
- Supporting security coordination involving U.S. Government agencies and associated personnel.
The investigator is expected to maintain extensive professional contacts at different levels of Kenyan law enforcement and security institutions.
Security Support for the U.S. Mission Community
The position supports the safety and security needs of a large Embassy community comprising more than 2,000 Chief of Mission personnel.
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting background investigations involving Locally Employed staff.
- Coordinating with host-government agencies to facilitate security deployments to U.S. Government facilities and interests.
- Coordinating regular deployment of officers from relevant Kenyan security units.
- Supporting residential security activities.
- Conducting residential surveys when required.
- Supporting monthly radio checks.
- Responding to residential alarms, including assignments outside Nairobi where necessary.
- Conducting hotel security surveys in different towns for possible use by Chief of Mission employees travelling within Kenya.
The investigator also advises the Regional Security Officer on threats affecting the official U.S. Embassy community and Mission facilities.
Coordination of Security for U.S. Government Dignitaries
Approximately 20% of the role concerns coordination with the Ambassador’s bodyguard detail and security arrangements for U.S. Government dignitaries.
Responsibilities include:
- Coordinating with the Kenyan National Police Service and its relevant units.
- Supporting arrangements for armed security officers assigned to the U.S. Ambassador’s Personal Security Detail.
- Working closely with the Bodyguard Coordinator.
- Coordinating security scheduling.
- Participating in travel-planning meetings.
- Supporting administrative coordination associated with U.S. Government-provided stipends for bodyguards.
This aspect of the position requires close coordination between the Regional Security Office and Kenyan security authorities.
Threat Analysis for Official Travel and Embassy Operations
Threat analysis represents approximately 15% of the position’s responsibilities.
The investigator provides security information and analysis concerning official travel, Embassy operations and events.
Responsibilities include:
- Monitoring Kenya’s changing security environment.
- Assessing security concerns involving regions affected by terrorism, ethnic violence or other threats.
- Providing ongoing security analysis to the Regional Security Officer.
- Supporting Mission planning for diplomatic and development activities.
- Reviewing official requests for travel within Kenya.
- Liaising with police and security officials in intended travel destinations.
- Determining whether security conditions could affect proposed official travel.
- Providing findings and analysis to the Regional Security Officer.
The information produced through these assessments helps inform decisions concerning Mission personnel travelling or operating in different parts of Kenya.
Crime, Political Violence and Terrorism Information
The Security Investigator also gathers and compiles information relevant to the wider security environment.
Responsibilities include:
- Compiling statistical information concerning crime.
- Monitoring political violence.
- Monitoring terrorism-related developments.
- Assessing security information from different parts of Kenya.
- Providing security information relevant to Embassy personnel, facilities and operations.
The investigator may serve as deputy to the Senior Foreign Service National Investigator and, when directed, may serve as Acting Senior FSNI.
Education Requirement
Applicants must have:
- Two years of university studies in international studies, security, law enforcement, legal affairs or a related field.
Experience Requirement
Applicants must have:
- A minimum of five years of experience in law enforcement, military service, private security or investigations.
Language Requirements
Applicants must have:
- English Level 4 – Fluent, written and spoken, including the ability to translate.
- Swahili Level 4 – Fluent, written and spoken, including the ability to translate.
Job Knowledge
Applicants are required to have:
- Detailed knowledge of the external and internal structure of Kenyan law enforcement and security agencies.
- Detailed understanding of Kenyan law.
- Understanding of the relationship between the U.S. Government and the Government of Kenya as it relates to the work of the position.
- Knowledge relevant to law and politics in the context of the investigator’s responsibilities.
Skills and Abilities
The position requires:
- Excellent understanding of the Regional Security Office’s interaction with counterpart agencies at post.
- Ability to maintain extensive contacts at different levels within Kenyan law enforcement and security agencies.
- Ability to conduct sensitive investigations.
- Ability to handle evidence in accordance with prescribed procedures.
- Ability to train and supervise others.
- Ability to prepare correspondence and written reports in English.
- A driver’s licence that has been valid for at least five years.
Working Hours and Availability
The Security Investigator works a full-time schedule of 40 hours per week from Monday to Friday.
However, the nature of the security role means the successful candidate is subject to recall on a 24/7 basis while on duty. This can include assignments during weekends, public holidays and outside normal official working hours.
The position is not eligible for telework.
Security Clearance and Background Investigation
The selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain the required security clearance.
Candidates selected for the position will be subject to a background investigation and may also be required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination.
The selected candidate must be available to begin employment within a reasonable period following receipt of the necessary agency authorization, clearance or certification.
Employment Benefits
The U.S. Mission states that it offers a compensation and benefits package for local employees. Depending on applicable employment conditions, benefits listed in the vacancy announcements include:
- Annual salary increases based on meeting performance goals.
- An annual 13th-month bonus equivalent to one month’s basic salary.
- Tuition reimbursement of $1,500 per year for university or college studies.
- Health insurance for the employee and family, with 90% of the premium paid by the Mission.
- Life and disability insurance, with 100% of the premium paid by the Mission.
- An annual pension contribution equivalent to 9.5% of basic pay.
- 25 days of paid annual leave accrued per year.
- 25 days of paid sick leave accrued per year.
- Five days of paid family leave per year.
- Paid maternity and paternity leave.
- Paid pre-adoptive and adoptive leave.
- Training and professional development opportunities.
The Residential Security Equipment Technician vacancy additionally lists 21 paid holidays each year among its advertised benefits.
Important Application Information
Applicants should complete the ERA application carefully and ensure that the information provided demonstrates how they meet the requirements of their selected position.
The U.S. Mission states that candidates are evaluated against the qualifications and requirements contained in the vacancy announcement. Applicants may also be required to complete a pre-employment language or skills test.
Applications should address relevant:
- Education.
- Professional experience.
- Language proficiency.
- Job knowledge.
- Skills and abilities.
- Position-specific requirements.
Applicable supporting documentation should also be uploaded through the recruitment system. Depending on the applicant and the requirements of the vacancy, documents may include residency or work permits, academic documents, language scores, licences, certificates and a CV or resume.
Failure to submit a complete application by the closing date may result in disqualification.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications electronically through the U.S. Department of State ERA recruitment platform.
Applicants should select the Security Investigator vacancy, complete all required sections of the online application and upload applicable supporting documents.
The closing date is August 30, 2026. Candidates should submit complete applications before the deadline rather than leaving incomplete applications in the ERA system.
The U.S. Mission indicates that its Human Resources Office will contact successful applicants regarding the next stages of the recruitment process.
