Employer: Embassy
Location: Ghana
Closing: 06 Jan 2016
Main purpose of job
The Security Section of the British High Commission (BHC) is responsible for the management of the physical security of the building and its grounds, and the protection of the High Commission assets against loss or damage. You will be responsible for the management of the small in-house security team and liaison with the security contractor, who provides physical security for the High Commission and residential properties on a 24 hours x 7 days basis. You will also provide a professional interface with the public, ensuring that the necessary protections are in place for the High Commission’s core business and against a range of threats.
Main elements of the job:
Day to day management of the security of the High Commission;
Overall management of the BHC security team, including planning, rosters, briefing on local and regional issues, training and development, and staff management/appraisal;
Oversight of the outsourced security guarding contract, liaising with the contractor’s staff and management, feedback and recommendations to BHC management on performance of contractor against KPIs and agreed actions, and liaison with UK-Based staff on residential guarding and security issues;
Responsibility for identifying trends and managing potential security threats and control weaknesses, briefing new staff on security issues and policies, attending security meetings (BHC and a local Embassy/High Commission group), network liaison and communication;
Organise security and logistics for VIP visits, including police presence at special events and emergency situations;
Liaise and maintain good working relations with the Ghana Police Service and other key stakeholders;
Responsibility for the monitoring and provision of equipment, e.g. radios, CCTV, alarm and access control systems, with support of the security contractor and others;
Act as Fire Safety Manager, overseeing the fire safety programme, including responsibility for fire (and other emergency) drills, detection and alarm systems, equipment, fire wardens and communications with staff;
Act as first point of contact with difficult visitors/members of the public;
Ensure good information management in line with FCO guidance
Provide support to the Post Security Officer (PSO, who is the Deputy High Commissioner) and Deputy PSM;
Resources managed:
Security team of 5, budget to be confirmed
Learning and development opportunities:
There will be on-the-job training initially on the High Commission’s operating systems, support from the Regional Overseas Security Manager and a one week PSM course in Pretoria after the probationary period.
The High Commission offers excellent online training, available to all staff, which is both job-specific and offers wider development opportunity. We offer a good L&D environment and encourage staff to develop their skills and expertise. Job shadowing etc is actively encouraged.
Skills Required
Key competences required:
Managing a quality service
Collaborating and Partnering
Delivering at pace
Making Effective Decisions
Language requirements:
Fluent in Spoken and Written English
Other skills / experience / qualifications:
Qualified (graduate level) professional, ideally with security experience;
Awareness of security issues;
Desire to continue personal and professional development;
Prioritising in a fast-paced work environment, assuming responsibility for tasks with minimum supervision and delivering to deadlines;
Strong self-organisation, ability to be flexible and resilient;
Excellent team player, displaying strong leadership skills and ability to delegate;
Communication and influencing skills – including an ability to maintain high-level contacts with Security Providers, UK Government departments, members of other diplomatic missions Government of Ghana offices, BHC staff, as well as members of the public;
Comfortable dealing with sensitive issues, and therefore able to be highly ethical and discreet;
Strong IT skills using Microsoft software;
How To Apply
NOTE:
All applicants must be legally able to work in Ghana with the correct visa/status or work permit.
The British High Commission in Accra is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.
Staff members recruited locally by the British High Commission in Accra are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Ghanaian employment law.
Spouses/registered partners of UK Based Staff, are able to work within the BHC/BCG but their salary will be abated at the appropriate tax rates.
Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted.
If you have not heard from us 3 weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful. Note: Any questions you may have about this position will only be answered during interview, should you be invited.
Only electronic applications will be accepted.
The closing date is January 6, 2016 and no further applications will be accepted after this date.