JOB DESCRIPTION

Global Safety and Security Officer​. Nairobi. Posting Date: 09/12/2025. Deadline: 09/25/2025

Role Title: Global Security Officer

Contract Type: Regular

Reporting To: Senior Director, Global Security and Risk

Program/Department/Unit Name: Global Risk and Security

Location: Nairobi, Dakar, Johannesburg

Team Name: Global Security

Role Purpose
Reporting to the Associate Director, Security Operations. This new role will be part of a globally dispersed team leading, delivering, and advising a range of our safety and security services across the organization with a primary focus on supporting the safety and security of our staff, in the pursuit of Open Society’s objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver operational security support across our global footprint.

• Assist in the design, development and implementation of security related operating procedures processes, templates, and frameworks across the span of our services and that align with the security strategy.

• Monitor the security situation in locations of significance to Open Society and communicate relevant information to stakeholders.

• Produce regular regional threat intelligence reports in areas of interest to Open Society teams including Global Security & Risk, Program, Global Operations or leadership groups.

• Provide security support, briefings, and guidance to staff.

• Be the Global Security focal point for workplace and event security support across our offices in Africa.

• Provide initial incident response guidance and partnership for Open Society departments as required.

• Contribute to the development and delivery of internal security training programs.

• Support wider Global Security team activities such as needed.

• Work to ensure an integrated approach to security risk management at Open Society

• Promote a common understanding and culture around security at Open Society

The ideal candidate

• A level of education that when combined with your professional experience will adequately show you have the capability to perform the key responsibilities and contribute to organizational success.

• Substantial, relevant experience of physical security and risk management with practical experience working across a global footprint in high risk and complex operating environments.

• An ability to leverage regional expertise to a global facing role.

• A strong network of relevant security contacts and resources

• Knowledge of global security and geo-political trends

• Demonstrable familiarity in designing, developing, and implementing contextually relevant and appropriate operational safety and security plans, procedures and processes.

• Experience in designing and delivering safety and security trainings.

• Experience in managing security related incidents.

What we offer

• Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.

• Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:

• Generous time off and flexible work arrangements.

• Employer-paid health insurance *and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).

• Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.

• Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.

• A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.

Description of the organization

Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.

Guided by our founder’s values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.

Additional information

Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.

Competitive rates of pay apply.

Open Society Foundations is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and to building a diverse staff that reflects the movements, issues and communities that our mission serves. Candidates from all underrepresented backgrounds, identities and communities are encouraged to apply.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.