United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) is a leading higher learning institution in Nairobi, Kenya. With a diverse student body comprising about 7,000 students from over 60 nations and an alumni network exceeding 25,000 globally, USIU-Africa has cemented its reputation as a center for academic excellence. The university is uniquely accredited by both the Commission for University Education (CUE) in Kenya and the WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission (WSCUC) in the United States.
As part of our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality and secure educational services, we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Engineer Security Operations Center to join our IT & Digital Services Division. This position is critical to ensuring the security and integrity of the university’s information systems and safeguarding its data from potential threats.
Senior Engineer Security Operations Center
Job Purpose
The Senior SOC Analyst at USIU-Africa plays a pivotal role in maintaining the security of the university’s information systems. This position involves proactive monitoring, incident detection, analysis, and response to ensure that the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of IT resources are maintained at all times. The Senior SOC Analyst will work closely with other IT Division technical teams to enhance security measures and address potential vulnerabilities within the university’s digital ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities
1. Security Monitoring
- Work in 24/7 rotational shifts to monitor security alerts generated by various security tools deployed within the university.
- Respond promptly to security alerts within defined procedural SLAs and policies.
- Conduct continuous monitoring to detect and mitigate potential threats.
2. Incident Response and Management
- Investigate security incidents to determine their source, scope, and impact.
- Develop and implement incident response plans to mitigate security threats.
- Conduct vulnerability and risk assessment exercises to preemptively identify risks.
- Collaborate with internal teams to manage and remediate security breaches and incidents.
3. Security Tools and Technologies
- Maintain and optimize security tools, including:
- SIEM (Security Information and Event Management)
- IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems)
- EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response Solutions)
- Identify and correlate security events to ensure prompt response to threats.
- Continuously improve security measures based on analysis of system vulnerabilities.
4. Log Analysis
- Review system logs from different sources to analyze behavior and detect policy violations.
- Take corrective action based on log analysis insights to mitigate security threats.
5. Threat Intelligence Research
- Monitor and research emerging attack patterns and cyber threats.
- Stay up to date with industry best practices and trends in cybersecurity.
- Implement proactive threat intelligence measures to mitigate evolving security risks.
6. Compliance and Governance
- Assist in developing and implementing incident response procedures.
- Ensure that the university’s Information Security efforts comply with relevant industry standards and regulations.
- Manage General IT Controls (ITC) to maintain robust security governance.
Job Specifications
Academic Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Information Security or a related field.
- Master’s Degree in Information Security or a related field is an added advantage.
- A minimum of four (4) years of experience in a full-time information security role.
- At least two (2) years of experience in a Security Operations Center (SOC) role.
Professional Certifications
- Relevant professional certification such as CISSP, CEH, CHFI.
- Additional industry certifications (e.g., CISM, LPT, OSCP) are highly desirable.
- Membership in a recognized professional body.
Work Experience and Competencies
Technical Competencies
- Advanced knowledge and experience in deploying and managing IT Security monitoring tools, including:
- SIEM solutions
- SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response)
- Enterprise antivirus systems
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions
- Extensive experience implementing Security Operations in a higher education environment is desirable.
- Strong knowledge of:
- Networks, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems
- Web proxies, Windows, and Linux systems (both on-premise and cloud-based)
- Familiarity with Information Security and Privacy best practices and laws, especially within a higher education context.
- Experience with risk management frameworks, including:
- NIST SP-800
- ISO 27001
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)
Soft Skills and Other Competencies
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to present complex technical information in a clear and concise manner.
- High levels of integrity and professionalism.
- Exceptional problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Excellent collaboration and teamwork abilities.
How to Apply
If you have the requisite qualifications and experience and are eager to join a progressive, multicultural, and dynamic institution, we encourage you to apply.
Please indicate in the subject line: ‘Senior Engineer Security Operations Center’ and submit the following documents:
- Cover letter
- Current CV
- Certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts
- Three referees’ contact information (email & telephone)
Application Deadline: 5.00 PM, Friday, March 14, 2025
Send applications via email to: Director, Human Resource
United States International University – Africa
P. O. Box 14634-00800, Nairobi, Kenya
Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
USIU-Africa is an equal opportunity employer.
