Latest Job Vacancies at British High Commission – 2015 Jobs

• 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

How To Apply

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.

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.

Given the nature of this role, employment will be subject to obtaining the appropriate security clearance.  Please note that nationals of UK, EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand are more likely to meet this requirement. However any other national capable of being cleared to minimum relatively high level can also apply.

To Apply

All applicants should submit a short (1 page maximum) covering letter stating why they are a suitable candidate for the position along with a copy of their CV in English and Attached Application Form, by email to: [email protected]

• Please submit only the requested documents.  Please also ensure that your email including attachments is no larger than 2 megabytes, otherwise it may be rejected by your email system or the systems through which it will pass en route to us.
• Internal applicants should also submit the above, with a copy of their most recent 24 months of appraisal evidence (i.e. two full appraisals, or however many abridged appraisals, minutes etc to make up two years’ worth of evidence) to the same email address.
• Internal candidates, and spouses of diplomatic officers: Please quote in the subject line, of your email, the Vacancy Notice No: 23/15 ACC, and position you are applying for, and also indicate that you are an internal candidate, or spouse of a diplomatic officer.
• All candidates: Please quote in the subject line, of your email, the Vacancy Notice No: 23/15 ACC, and position you are applying for.

The closing date is 3^rd July 2015 and no further applications will be accepted after this date. Only electronic applications will be accepted.

More information about the work of the British High Commission in Ghana can be found at http://ukinghana.fco.gov.uk/en/