Operational Security Advisor at the Swedish Embassy in Nairobi

We are looking for someone with experience in operational security, security planning, and security protection in challenging environments. Are you interested in a position at the Swedish Embassy in Nairobi with primary responsibility for security work in Somalia?

Your Workday. Sweden's Tomorrow.

The Swedish Embassy in Mogadishu is located in Nairobi and consists of dispatched staff working on Sweden's relations with and support to Somalia. The work is largely carried out through frequent trips to Mogadishu. Read more at www.swedenabroad.se (http://www.swedenabroad.se)

Security work is a crucial part of the embassy's operations and is a fundamental prerequisite for travel into Somalia. The security section's work is conducted in close cooperation with the head of authority.

As a dispatched security advisor, you will be based in Nairobi and lead the security section of the embassy in Mogadishu, which currently consists of a field security team made up of a security group leader and three security operators. Frequent travel to Mogadishu is a prerequisite for the assignment.

The main task is to enable the embassy's operations through analysis, planning, and advice regarding staff travel to Somalia, receiving incoming visits from Sweden, and preparing field trips in the country. In addition, the security advisor's role is to facilitate the embassy's regular work by assessing threat levels related to the current security situation and any terrorist threats. Some financial follow-up is also included in the assignment. If necessary, security-enhancing measures in other countries in the region may also be relevant.

The work requires a broad network of contacts and close collaboration with both Swedish and Somali authorities as well as international partners. This includes gathering and analyzing information, conducting security risk analyses, and proposing risk-reducing measures for the embassy's operations. You will also work closely with the security unit of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Stockholm.

Your Background

We are looking for someone with relevant academic or equivalent police/military education and several years of experience in operational security work, primarily in the public sector. You have previous experience in security planning and personal security of various kinds, as well as implementing risk-reducing measures related to transportation, physical security, security reconnaissance, and security collaboration. Experience in security work within the EU, UN, or any other international non-governmental organization is an advantage, as is experience working in the region.

Your Qualities

As a security advisor at a foreign mission, you must have integrity and good judgment, be stable, independent, as well as attentive and flexible with a focus on the needs of the operation. You adhere to the ethical guidelines of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and are a good representative of Sweden.

If you have experience in communication and pedagogy in educational contexts, it is an advantage, as training staff and disseminating information is an important part of the assignment.

You must have a Swedish B driver's license at the time of application; having a C driver's license is also an advantage. You must be a Swedish citizen and registered in Sweden.

Other Information

Start date in May 2026 or as agreed. Fixed-term employment for two years with the possibility of extension. The position is classified in a security class, and a security clearance with a background check will be conducted before a hiring decision is made. Note that Mogadishu is classified as hardship class five and that a health certificate is required. The health certificate indicates fitness for the current location. The placement in Nairobi allows for accompanying family members. Some training must be completed in Stockholm before the start date.

Are You Interested?

If you would like to know more about the job and what we offer, please contact case officer Anders Myhrén at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs or Sofia Tillfors at the Ministry's personnel unit, reachable via the Government Offices switchboard at 08-405 10 00. This number also connects you to union representatives UPF (Saco) and ST-MFA. We welcome calls from those interested in the job, but we decline offers from those selling advertisements and recruitment services.

Welcome to register your application in our recruitment tool by February 19, 2026.

The Government Offices' mission is to support the government in its work to govern Sweden and realize its policies. Here, 4,800 people work, of which 600 are abroad. The Government Offices welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We see gender equality and diversity as a strength and asset, and we actively work to be a workplace free from discrimination. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is responsible for foreign and security policy, global development and aid, trade policy, assistance to Swedes abroad, international law and human rights, export control of defense materials, international cooperation with countries and regions, as well as trade, investment, and Sweden promotion.