Field Security Consultant

Background

In July 2026, the International Development Law Organization, in partnership with the Judiciary of Kenya and with the support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, launched the “Social Transformation through Access to Justice” (STAJ) project, which aims to support the judiciary in driving social transformation, stability, and inclusive economic growth through accessible, efficient, and people-centred justice services.

Project activities will be expected to take place in Maralal, Samburu County; Busia County; Kilifi County; Loitokitok, Kajiado County; and Mandera County. As part of the STAJ project’s inception activities, IDLO is looking to conduct a security assessment of the above locations to support safe and effective project implementation. Moreover, as project activities will include engagement with justice sector actors and communities in diverse county contexts, the assessment will also incorporate a conflict-sensitive context analysis component. This component will focus on identifying conflict-related dynamics and community sensitivities that may have implications for project implementation and operational security.

The conflict-sensitive component is intended to identify operational implications of local conflict dynamics and community sensitivities relevant to project access, acceptance, and security. It does not constitute a standalone conflict analysis, conflict prevention assessment, or Do No Harm analysis, which remain outside the scope of this consultancy.

Objective

The objective of the consultancy is to:

• Collect and analyze security information from the five target locations and provide practical recommendations for the safe implementation of project activities, including considerations related to operational access, movement feasibility, and project acceptance.
• Support the identification of conflict-related factors relevant to operational security, project access, and community acceptance. This will not constitute a full conflict analysis but will provide conflict-sensitive observations relevant to safe project delivery.
• Support IDLO in identifying relevant security threats and hazards; vulnerabilities affecting personnel and project activities; suitable accommodation and venues, including community halls and transportation providers; movement and route-related risks; available emergency support; potential safe havens and relocation points; and appropriate security mitigation measures.

The consultancy will not independently produce or approve IDLO Security Risk Management assessments. Final analysis, risk ratings, and security recommendations will remain under the responsibility of IDLO.

Please refer here to the detailed tasks the consultant will undertake.

Deliverables

The consultant will be expected to produce the following deliverables:

• An Inception Note, detailing the proposed methodology; workplan; field visit schedule; stakeholder consultation plan; information gaps; and any access or logistical concerns.
• A Field Security Assessment Report for each five (5) target location covering security context; relevant threats and hazards; movement and access; accommodation and venues; transportation providers; emergency support; safe havens; host-government response capacity; conflict-sensitive context observations; and recommended mitigation measures.
• A Facility and Provider Security Assessment Matrix covering hotels; venues; transport providers; medical facilities; safe havens; emergency contacts; and key strengths, weaknesses and recommendations.
• An Integrated Security and Conflict-Sensitive Assessment Report, summarising findings across all five locations, including security risks, conflict-sensitive operational considerations where relevant and practical recommendations for project implementation, including key security findings, location-specific differences; priority vulnerabilities; recommended mitigation measures; operational recommendations; and issues requiring further review by the Field Security Officer.
• A final report and supporting assessment tools, which will be revised and finalized based on IDLO comments.
• A debriefing with the Field Security Officer and the Kenya team.

All reports should be written in clear and professional English.

Education and Professional Experience

• A university degree in criminology, security management, risk management, international relations, political science, or a related field. A relevant professional qualification combined with substantial practical experience may be accepted in lieu of a university degree.
• At least seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in security, safety, emergency management, or field risk assessment.

Languages

• Outstanding written and verbal skills in English.
• Fluency in Swahili.
• Knowledge of relevant local languages would also be an advantage.

Specific knowledge, skills and competencies

• Demonstrated experience conducting security assessments in Kenya.
• Good knowledge of the Kenyan security and operating environment; knowledge of northern and northeastern Kenya, particularly Mandera and Samburu, would be an advantage.
• Experience working with international organizations, NGOs, or similar institutions.
• Experience conducting conflict-sensitive assessments, community risk analysis, or operating environment analysis will be considered an advantage.
• Experience assessing hotels, venues, routes, transport providers, or field locations.
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to travel to the target locations.

Confidentiality and Conduct

The consultant must:

• Maintain the confidentiality of all information received or collected.
• Use information only for the purpose of this assignment.
• Follow IDLO instructions and applicable security procedures.
• Obtain approval before sharing information with external parties.
• Apply a do-no-harm approach during consultations.
• Return all completed tools, notes, and supporting documentation to IDLO at the end of the consultancy.

All reports, data, and materials produced under the assignment will remain the property of IDLO.

The consultancy is expected to start in August 2026 and is expected to require up to 20 working days, including: (i) document review and preparation; (ii) field travel and data collection; (iii) analysis and drafting; (iv) debriefing; and (v) report revision.

The final field work plan, including travel and assessment activities, will be agreed with IDLO before the start of the assignment.

Travel to Mandera and any other higher-risk location will be subject to specific security review and prior approval.