Post Security Manager at Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Job Description

• Managing relationship between Contract Security Company and British High Commission
• Managing monthly Key Point Indicator Targets with the security contractor
• Direct and close relations with Authorities, in particular Mobile Police, Anti-Terrorist Police and Army
• Direct and close relations with International Partners, including the US, UN, European, and Australian Missions.
• Assisting the ROSM with staff security clearances
• Managing the Operations Room and its Operational Staff including responsibility for all personal operational equipment e.g. Radios, Panic Alarms, Tracking Devices and Satelite Telephones
• Conducting regular security drills for staff in a variety of locations
• Conduction security briefings for new and existing staff
• Daily liaison with the ROSM on a variety of differing security issues, brainstorming solutions
• Proactivley planning Security Meetings, and leading the understanding of security at Post.
• Overseeing new security contract, and major security-related projects at Post.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

• Operations Staff x 1 deputy Post Security Manager and x5 supervisors; External Security Contract, 1 x Contract Manager, Shift managers, and over 80 guards), Contract value c £1m pa.

Requirement/Skills

• Excellent Interpersonal and Communication Skills.
• Ability to interact equally confidently with senior post management and Ghanaian Security Authorities, as well as with different genders, or different religions or beliefs.
• Security Sector Competence Skills at a Management Level.
• Excellent experience within the security sector.
• Good educational background
• Excellent Time Management Skills, Computer Literate and able to use Windows based software.
• Have a flexible outlook to the working day.
• Minimum of 5 years relevant experience
• Demonstrable networking skills with friendly diplomatic missions in order to enable the receipt/sharing of mutually beneficial information e.g. to support travel advice planning.
• Preference for someone who has a qualification in security at management level.
• Experience in managing a security contract or security force.
• Demonstrable experience of at least some of the following: formally investigating and reporting on security incidents; proposing post incident risk mitigation recommendations and advice, in writing; reviewing/drafting risk assessments with recommendations; designing operational plans and procedures; low level analysis and reporting on trends in the threats from crime, terrorism and civil disorder; conducting and reporting on marker hotel security reviews; conducting first drafts of any reviews to post security recommendations; delivering travel and general security briefings; delivering training to Post staff members e.g. on travel security planning, use of risk assessments and personal security advice; and, acting as the custodian of some mission security processes in the PSO’s absence.
• General knowledge (not expertise) of the following would be desirable: the ability to demonstrate the provision of advice on whether e.g. Accra and the Residence’s physical security postures are proportionate to mitigate known threats and risks; the proposal of risk reduction recommendations; and, demonstration of a general/users understanding of technical security infrastructure and apparatus e.g. CCTV and general surveillance/monitoring equipment, intruder detection and access control devices; and, scanning, screening and detection technologies.
•  Making Effective Decisions, Leading and Communicating, Building Capability for All, Managing a Quality Service

Other benefits and conditions of employment  

Learning and development opportunities:

• There will be on-the-job training initially on the High Commission’s operating systems, support from the network and access to the High Commission’s excellent online training, available to all staff. We offer a good L&D environment and encourage staff to develop their skills and expertise. Job shadowing etc is actively encouraged.
• Full range of FCO Courses available.
• Sector Specific Courses relevant to employment.
• Conference with other PSM’s in the region.
• Local Conference with other PSM’s in immediate vacinity.

Working patterns:

• Normal working patterns 07.30 to 15.30 Monday to Thursday, 07.30hrs to 13.30hrs on Fridays, 30 minutes for lunch.
• Flexitime is available, some late evening and weekend visits to sites may be required, call out is a possibility compensated with TOIL.