Hiring Organization: British Embassy
Post Security Manager EO (03/23 ABI)
Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)
Main purpose of job:
The British Embassy in Abidjan is growing!
The British Embassy in Abidjan is part of the worldwide UK diplomatic network representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas.
The Post Security Manager (PSM) is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day security and safety of the British Embassy in Abidjan. The PSM reports to the Post Security Officer (PSO) and advises Embassy senior management on all security matters, including training and preparedness. The jobholder will lead on overseeing and implementing UK government security policy, processes, and physical and technical security measures at Post. S/he will be the first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on security-related queries and issues. The jobholder will lead on contract and performance management of the guard force. S/he will have a wide network of security contacts across the Ivorian authorities and infrastructure. The PSM also plays a key role in the Embassy on crisis preparedness and response, and on transport, communication, and health and safety issues.
The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of safety and security issues, particularly in Côte d’Ivoire, an extensive local contact network at a range of levels, and the ability to plan, manage and work well independently. The Embassy offers the opportunity to work in a supportive, empowering, inclusive, English-speaking working environment, as well as a good work-life balance, and a fantastic L&D offer.
Roles and responsibilities:
Security management:
Application deadline
29 March 2023
Type of Position
Fixed Term, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
Duration of Post
12 months
Salary
XOF 951,463
Start Date
1 June 2023
Job Location: British Embassy in Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire
Post Security Manager EO (03/23 ABI)
Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)
Main purpose of job:
The British Embassy in Abidjan is growing!
The British Embassy in Abidjan is part of the worldwide UK diplomatic network representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas.
The Post Security Manager (PSM) is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day security and safety of the British Embassy in Abidjan. The PSM reports to the Post Security Officer (PSO) and advises Embassy senior management on all security matters, including training and preparedness. The jobholder will lead on overseeing and implementing UK government security policy, processes, and physical and technical security measures at Post. S/he will be the first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on security-related queries and issues. The jobholder will lead on contract and performance management of the guard force. S/he will have a wide network of security contacts across the Ivorian authorities and infrastructure. The PSM also plays a key role in the Embassy on crisis preparedness and response, and on transport, communication, and health and safety issues.
The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of safety and security issues, particularly in Côte d’Ivoire, an extensive local contact network at a range of levels, and the ability to plan, manage and work well independently. The Embassy offers the opportunity to work in a supportive, empowering, inclusive, English-speaking working environment, as well as a good work-life balance, and a fantastic L&D offer.
Roles and responsibilities:
Security management:
Responsible for the day-to-day running of security operations at the British Embassy, acting as first point of contact for all security queries, investigations and incidents.
Provide security advice to the Head of Mission and senior staff. Advising the Post Security Officer (PSO) and Regional Overseas Security Manager (ROSM, based in Nigeria) of any security breaches and incidents, including to security equipment (CCTV etc).
Lead on creating a culture of security awareness and compliance at post, organising and ensuring the completion of related mandatory training by the team, and offering ongoing security coaching, learning and development to keep standards high.
Ensure security policy and guidance from HQ is followed across the Embassy, that policy decisions from HQ and Overseas Security Adviser (OSA) recommendations are implemented rapidly and fully at post, and that appropriate documentation and records are maintained.
Build strong and effective networks and relationships with key contacts outside of the Embassy, including at senior level, with a particular focus on friendly embassies, the Diplomatic Police, transport hubs, security professionals, the security services, and security organisations.
Review the security posture of Post, recognising weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Working closely with the ROSM, HQ desk officers, OSAs and Post representatives to identify means of countering any such threats and seeking funding and/or resources as required.
Lead point of contact on security works for the Embassy, in close coordination with Estates, Corporate Services, ROSM and HQ.
Issue security badges and conducting security briefings for staff, families and official visitors.
Complete residential security surveys and monitor security for UKB properties. Report recommendations to the Corporate Services team and ensure completion prior to staff occupancy.
Preparation of security, emergency and event plans, weekly alarm tests, annual drills, emergency plans and car searching/parking arrangements.
Be point of contact for all event security, ensuring guest lists are received in sufficient time and additional resources (guards etc) deployed where necessary, working closely with the Ambassador’s Executive Assistant. Ensure that proportionate safety and security measures are in place and appropriate records kept.
Assist ROSM and PSO with local staff clearances, independent research, providing reports on security related subjects as required, analysis of current crime figures and trends. Feed in to Travel Advice on security issues where relevant.
Liaise with diplomatic and local police on protective security issues.
Provide an out-of-hours response to security incidents, assisting in the coordination of security resources and management of any emergency response (Time Off In Lieu given).
Act as local point of contact for V/VIP security details, and assist lead visit officer in ensuring adequate security for visiting dignitaries.
Other ad hoc tasks as required.
Guard force management
· Be the first point of contact for and manage the contracted guard force providing a range of guarding duties to the Embassy, ensuring security policy is adhered to and the operational effectiveness of all procedural, physical, and technical security measures are maintained at all times.
· Administer the contracted guard force, ensuring robust standing orders are up to date, appropriate, and effective, and underpinned by regular training and practice drills.
· Liaise with the contractor’s focal point and management team through regular meetings to ensure acceptable guarding standards are maintained, including through regular monitoring of contract Key Performance Indicators (KPI). Ensure that the contractor maintains appropriate standards of welfare and duty of care to the guards.
· Ensure effective guarding services with a particular emphasis on access control; person and vehicle search; patrolling; fire prevention; mail scanning; incident response; protective surveillance; and exceptional customer service to visitors and VIPs.
Physical security
Provide security advice to the Head of Mission and senior staff. Advising the Post Security Officer (PSO) and Regional Overseas Security Manager (ROSM, based in Nigeria) of any security breaches and incidents, including to security equipment (CCTV etc).
Lead on creating a culture of security awareness and compliance at post, organising and ensuring the completion of related mandatory training by the team, and offering ongoing security coaching, learning and development to keep standards high.
Ensure security policy and guidance from HQ is followed across the Embassy, that policy decisions from HQ and Overseas Security Adviser (OSA) recommendations are implemented rapidly and fully at post, and that appropriate documentation and records are maintained.
Build strong and effective networks and relationships with key contacts outside of the Embassy, including at senior level, with a particular focus on friendly embassies, the Diplomatic Police, transport hubs, security professionals, the security services, and security organisations.
Review the security posture of Post, recognising weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Working closely with the ROSM, HQ desk officers, OSAs and Post representatives to identify means of countering any such threats and seeking funding and/or resources as required.
Lead point of contact on security works for the Embassy, in close coordination with Estates, Corporate Services, ROSM and HQ.
Issue security badges and conducting security briefings for staff, families and official visitors.
Complete residential security surveys and monitor security for UKB properties. Report recommendations to the Corporate Services team and ensure completion prior to staff occupancy.
Preparation of security, emergency and event plans, weekly alarm tests, annual drills, emergency plans and car searching/parking arrangements.
Be point of contact for all event security, ensuring guest lists are received in sufficient time and additional resources (guards etc) deployed where necessary, working closely with the Ambassador’s Executive Assistant. Ensure that proportionate safety and security measures are in place and appropriate records kept.
Assist ROSM and PSO with local staff clearances, independent research, providing reports on security related subjects as required, analysis of current crime figures and trends. Feed in to Travel Advice on security issues where relevant.
Liaise with diplomatic and local police on protective security issues.
Provide an out-of-hours response to security incidents, assisting in the coordination of security resources and management of any emergency response (Time Off In Lieu given).
Act as local point of contact for V/VIP security details, and assist lead visit officer in ensuring adequate security for visiting dignitaries.
Other ad hoc tasks as required.
Guard force management
· Be the first point of contact for and manage the contracted guard force providing a range of guarding duties to the Embassy, ensuring security policy is adhered to and the operational effectiveness of all procedural, physical, and technical security measures are maintained at all times.
· Administer the contracted guard force, ensuring robust standing orders are up to date, appropriate, and effective, and underpinned by regular training and practice drills.
· Liaise with the contractor’s focal point and management team through regular meetings to ensure acceptable guarding standards are maintained, including through regular monitoring of contract Key Performance Indicators (KPI). Ensure that the contractor maintains appropriate standards of welfare and duty of care to the guards.
· Ensure effective guarding services with a particular emphasis on access control; person and vehicle search; patrolling; fire prevention; mail scanning; incident response; protective surveillance; and exceptional customer service to visitors and VIPs.
Physical security
Working with the Corporate Services and Ambassador’s office and Residence teams to regularly review and maintain the physical security of the Embassy and Residence, identifying and dealing with issues quickly and effectively.
Lead on maintenance projects of physical security measures in consultation with the PSO and relevant partners and stakeholders.
Assist the ROSM/PSO in reviewing and, where necessary, implementing physical security upgrades to staff accommodation.
Provide training and guidance on Embassy opening/ closing procedure and policy to relevant staff.
Assist the Embassy Transport Team to ensure maintenance schedules and emergency repairs to the Armoured Vehicle are up to date.
Technical security
Lead on maintenance projects of physical security measures in consultation with the PSO and relevant partners and stakeholders.
Assist the ROSM/PSO in reviewing and, where necessary, implementing physical security upgrades to staff accommodation.
Provide training and guidance on Embassy opening/ closing procedure and policy to relevant staff.
Assist the Embassy Transport Team to ensure maintenance schedules and emergency repairs to the Armoured Vehicle are up to date.
Technical security
Responsible for Automated Access Control Systems (AACS), ID badge issue, issuing access privileges, and monitoring and reporting system faults.
Monitor and report issues with Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) and to provide training and guidance to system users.
Conduct and record weekly testing of alarm and incident systems, reporting any concerns.
Assist the IT officer in ensuring Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) policy on electronic devices and mobile phones is adhered to.
Administer and account for the Digital Radio systems and satellite phones, ensuring that regular checks are carried out and recorded.
Personnel security
Monitor and report issues with Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) and to provide training and guidance to system users.
Conduct and record weekly testing of alarm and incident systems, reporting any concerns.
Assist the IT officer in ensuring Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) policy on electronic devices and mobile phones is adhered to.
Administer and account for the Digital Radio systems and satellite phones, ensuring that regular checks are carried out and recorded.
Personnel security
Conduct country based staff security vetting, ensuring all mandatory checks are completed in line with FCDO guidance and policy, liaising with UK Security Vetting/ ROSM/ PSO and Personnel Security Team, and storing records appropriately.
Manage cleared/ un-cleared contractors and escorted/ unescorted visitor passes and access policy through consultation with the PSO, and in collaboration with the Corporate Services team where needed.
Ensure correct supervision of external contractors and maintenance staff.
Security administration
Manage cleared/ un-cleared contractors and escorted/ unescorted visitor passes and access policy through consultation with the PSO, and in collaboration with the Corporate Services team where needed.
Ensure correct supervision of external contractors and maintenance staff.
Security administration
Act as Secretariat of the Post Security Committee (PSC), arranging meetings; draft agendas; and record, draft and issue accurate minutes in a timely manner.
Review, revise, and issue Post Security Regulations to all new staff upon taking up appointment and all staff thereafter on an annual basis.
Maintain an accurate inventory of security equipment, ensuring all equipment is in satisfactory working order.
Ensure that regular security incident drills are conducted and that all staff are adequately briefed on procedures.
Lead the management of incoming and outgoing diplomatic mail in line with FCDO guidance and policy.
Play an active role in the embassy’s crisis preparedness and Embassy response to incidents or emerging threats. Maintain crisis equipment, and support crisis awareness amongst colleagues.
Corporate (5%)
Contribute to the wellbeing and effective functioning of the Embassy (e.g. financial compliance suprise checks, membership of internal committees)
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
Guard contract, security element of local budget, equipment.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
A minimum of 3 years previous security experience
Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to manage several tasks simultaneously.
Ability to work and deliver unsupervised.
Flexibility & ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.
Strong interpersonal and networking skills and the ability to work with a diverse range of people.
Full driving licence.
Ability to develop and maintain a network of contacts at all levels.
Good judgement and decision-making skills.
IT competency including MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
Previous military, police or commercial security industry experience.
Required behaviours
Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together
Review, revise, and issue Post Security Regulations to all new staff upon taking up appointment and all staff thereafter on an annual basis.
Maintain an accurate inventory of security equipment, ensuring all equipment is in satisfactory working order.
Ensure that regular security incident drills are conducted and that all staff are adequately briefed on procedures.
Lead the management of incoming and outgoing diplomatic mail in line with FCDO guidance and policy.
Play an active role in the embassy’s crisis preparedness and Embassy response to incidents or emerging threats. Maintain crisis equipment, and support crisis awareness amongst colleagues.
Corporate (5%)
Contribute to the wellbeing and effective functioning of the Embassy (e.g. financial compliance suprise checks, membership of internal committees)
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
Guard contract, security element of local budget, equipment.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
A minimum of 3 years previous security experience
Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to manage several tasks simultaneously.
Ability to work and deliver unsupervised.
Flexibility & ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.
Strong interpersonal and networking skills and the ability to work with a diverse range of people.
Full driving licence.
Ability to develop and maintain a network of contacts at all levels.
Good judgement and decision-making skills.
IT competency including MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
Previous military, police or commercial security industry experience.
Required behaviours
Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together
Application deadline
29 March 2023
Type of Position
Fixed Term, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
Duration of Post
12 months
Salary
XOF 951,463
Start Date
1 June 2023