The British High Commission (BHC) Accra works to support the UK Government’s foreign policy objectives in Ghana and has a vacancy for a grade B3(L) Post Security Manager.

Purpose of job:

• The Security Section of the High Commission has responsibility for the effective management of the physical security of the building and grounds and the protection of the High Commission assets against loss or damage.
• You will be responsible for the management of the small security team and liaison with the security contractor, which provide 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 Mission’s core business and the Mission is properly and appropriately secured against threat.

Main elements of the job:

• Day to day management of High Commission security
Overall management of the BHC security team, including planning, rosters, briefing on local and regional issues, training and development, staff appraisal
• Oversight of the outsourced security guarding contact, liaising with the contractor’s staff and management, feedback and recommendations to BHC management on performance of contractor against KPI’s and agreed actions, liaison with UK-Based staff on residential guarding and security issues
• Responsibility for monitoring and provision of equipment, e.g. radios, CCTV, alarm and access control systems, with support of the security contractor and others
• 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 Poulsen Group), network liaison and communication
• 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
• Liaise and maintain good working relations with the Ghana Police Service
• Organise security and logistics for VIP visits, including police presence at special events and emergency situations
• Ensure good information management in line with FCO guidance
• Provide support for Post Security Officer (PSO) and Deputy PSO

Qualification Required & Experience

The skills/attributes of the successful applicant will include

• Qualified (graduate level) security professional with proven practical experience
• Professional qualification or evidence of formal training in security
• Desire to continue personal and professional development
• Knowledge of security issues and use of security equipment
• 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,
• 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 the ability to be highly ethical and discreet
• Strong IT skills using Microsoft software
• Experience of managing a team
• Driving licence

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Information for applicants

• The monthly salary range for B3(L) positions in the BHC starts at GHc2061 rising to a maximum of GHc3335. The starting salary will be Ghc2061.
• The appointment will be offered on a 1 year contract and subject to the satisfactory completion of a probationary period. Thereafter, the appointment will be renewed for periods of 3 years, subject to satisfactory performance, by mutual agreement.

The successful applicant will demonstrate that they meet the requirements under Ghanaian law to work in Ghana.

The successful applicant will need to

• undergo a rigorous security clearance process. Confirmation of appointment is subject to the award of security clearance
• observe the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s diversity and equality policies
• show some flexibility over working hours, as they may on occasion be unsociable – an on-call allowance will be paid

Candidates interested in applying for this position should complete an application form which can be obtained from this website: www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-high-commission-accra/about/recruitment#current-vacancies

add their CV plus a cover letter to the Human Resource Manager at the address below, no later than close of business on 12th August 2013.

HR Manager
British High Commission
Osu Link, off Gamel Abdul Nasser Avenue
P.O. Box 296, Accra

with the envelope clearly marked B3(L)PSM

or to this email address: Jobs.BHCAccra@fco.gov.uk The subject line must read B3(L)PSM

• The closing date for applications is 12 August 2013.
• Regrettably only those candidates short-listed for interview will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted soon after.
• Interested applicants can contact Cillian Walsh (0302 213210) at the British High Commission for further information. All enquiries will be dealt with “in confidence”.

The British High Commission Accra is an Equal Opportunities Employer

More information about the work of the British High Commission in Ghana can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/world/ghana