Security Investigator (RSO) – All Interested Applicants

The U.S. Embassy in Kenya represents the United States government, operating under the Chief of Mission to foster diplomatic relations and provide services. Established in 1964, it falls under the Government & Public Sector category.

The U.S. Embassy Nairobi Foreign Service National Investigator (FSNI) is responsible for conducting complex and sensitive investigations including personal suitability, fraud, and malfeasance for US Government (USG) agencies operating under the Chief of Mission (COM).

The FSNI maintains liaison with high level host government police, law enforcement and security organizations, customs and immigration officials, and judicial and legislative officials. The FSNI serves as the Regional Security Officer’s advisor on threats to the official U.S. Embassy community and facilities.

The FSNI requests and coordinates support from host nation government (HNG) agencies by leveraging relationships with senior national police and security contacts. The position ensures a variety of safety and security support functions to an Embassy community of over 2000 COM personnel to include background investigations of LE staff to determine their suitability for a security certification required for continued employment with the U.S. government. The FSNI also coordinates with the HNG to provide regular deployment of General Services Unit (GSU), Administration Police Service (APS) and Diplomatic Police Unit (DPU) officers to USG facilities and interests.

The FSNI routinely conducts hotel surveys in various towns for use by Chief of Mission employees on travel. The FSNI also supports the Residential Security team to conduct residential surveys, monthly radio checks, and responding to residential alarms (e.g., in Kisumu). FSNI is responsible for the investigation of malfeasance, fraud, and other misconduct by LE staff as assigned by the RSO. The FSNI is responsible for compiling statistical data on crime, political violence, and terrorism throughout the country. The FSNI can operate as a Deputy to the Senior FSNI, and when directed, as the Acting Senior FSNI.

1. Processes background investigations using the Regional Security Office Local Vetting system (RESOLVE) while ensuring each case is submitted in a timely manner according to the Overseas Vetting Guidelines and RSO Nairobi Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
2. Conducts a thorough subject interview and multiple reference interviews to include employment and neighborhood checks.
3. Serves as RSO’s liaison with the Government of Kenya (GoK) law enforcement and security community, and with GoK judicial and legislative officials.
4. Takes the initiative to arrange meetings with senior level contacts both in Nairobi, and in remote regions of Kenya, to develop information on the security and crime environment that may impact both the public and private American citizen community to include U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) implementing partners and Peace Corps volunteers.
5. Coordinates closely with the Kenyan National Police Service through its various units for provision of armed GSU officers to provide a Personal Security Detail (PSD) to the U.S. Ambassador.
6. Works with the Bodyguard Coordinator to coordinate scheduling, attend travel planning meetings, and facilitate U.S. government-provided stipends to the bodyguards.
7. Provides ongoing analysis to the RSO regarding the constantly evolving security environment, which in turn informs the Front Office and Mission agencies planning to conduct diplomacy and development engagement.
8. Reviews all official trip requests within Kenya, liaises with local police in the destination area, determines if there are any security issues that will impact travel, and provides analysis to the RSO.

1. Ability to obtain and hold a Security clearance.
2. Two years of university studies in international studies, security, law enforcement, legal affairs, or related field is required.
3. Minimum of five years of experience in law enforcement, military, private security, or investigations is required.