Company Profile

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. 

Job Description

• British High Commission - Accra
• Vacancy Notice No – 24/15 Acc
• Position: Post Security Manager
• Section: Corporate Services
• Grad: B3l
• Position Type: 1 Year Fixed Term Contract
• Salary:  GHS 2,815 Per Month                  

Main purpose of job

The Security Section of the British High Commission (BHC) is responsible for the effective 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 Mission’s core business and the Mission is properly and appropriately secured 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 the 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 a local “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 and other key stakeholders;
• 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  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 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. 

Required Skills or Experience

• 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;

Key competences required: 

• Managing a quality service
• Collaborating and Partnering
• Delivering at pace
• Making Effective Decisions

Language requirements:  
Fluent in Spoken and Written English