Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online Application form including the employment, educational details, behavioural and technical/ professional skills questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only with all the required details and the shortlisting is not basis CV/ cover letter. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

Main purpose of job:

The responsibilities of the British High Commission Security Assistant are to help to protect the occupants and property of the British High Commission; to safeguard the physical security of the mission; protect all staff as well as its visitors, as far as reasonably practicable, from all associated risks; and to assist by implementing all orders as directed by the Post Security Officer (PSO), Regional Security Advisor (RSA), Post Security Manager (PSM) or his/her appointed substitutes.

We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:

British High Commission Security Assistants are responsible to the RSA and PSM. The day-to-day management of the security team will be the responsibility of the PSM. During the period of duty, the Security Assistants will be under the direct control of the security shift Supervisor. Whilst on duty, the security team is subject at all times to the Rules and Regulations of the British High Commission.

Security Assistants may be required to act as Security Supervisors and to carry out such duties, if needed, in the absence of a supervisor. Security Assistants are required to know the shift patterns, responsibilities of the Supervisor and contribute appropriately to any tasks arising.

Security Assistants will be assigned objectives and will be required to implement procedures and practices as required. Security Assistants will be required to participate to the best of their ability in any training given to them. Security Assistants will be required to fulfil additional duties as directed by the ROSM and PSM, as and when required to do so in the course of their security responsibilities.

The Security Assistant’s period of duty will be designated as per the shift roster and in line with their terms and conditions of employment. Guards will not leave their post until they have handed over to their relief and briefed them on any unusual events. Security Assistant’s will be punctual when taking over their duty. If a guard’s relief fails to report for duty, the Supervisor must inform the PSM who will then arrange an alternative relief. At no time should a Security Assistant leave post without appropriate relief.

Security Assistants are expected to remain fully awake and vigilant throughout the duration of their shift. Should a Security Assistant be found asleep, inattentive, or absent from their post without authorisation at any time, appropriate disciplinary measures will be implemented.

While on duty, all Security Assistants are specifically responsible for, but not limited to:

• Maintaining a smart appearance at all times. BHC uniform is to be worn at all times when on duty, to include BHC ID passes.
• Maintaining access control to the High Commission (main and EU gates), Westminster House, Trenchard House and Defence Advisers compounds / properties in line with BHC Post Security Regulations and security standing orders.
• Maintaining security patrols during day and/or night shifts. Including clocking of rounds and ensuring patrol routes are clear of obstructions.
• Will assist in facilitating the security changeovers at the Defence Advisers property (i.e. driving BHC fleet when needed).
• Ensuring the protection of the High Commission buildings including residences as detailed above.
• Protection of property within the compounds. This includes the prevention of FCDO property being illegally removed from the BHC.
• Reacting appropriately and timely in the event of the bomb, incident or fire alarms being activated.
• Provide fire watch as part of routine patrols.
• Supervising contractors out of hours.
• Reporting incidents inside and outside of the compound.
• Ensuring BHC, Westminster, Trenchard and Defence Advisers house CCTV cameras are not obstructed and operational.
• Ensuring security lighting is functioning as required.
• Maintaining a detailed security log at all guardrooms.
• Operating and providing support on VHF radios.
• Liaising with visitors and staff on a daily basis.
• In the absence of the receptionist, working at the reception and telephone switchboard as required.
• Covering the Supervisors role in the absence of the Supervisor (leave, illness etc).
• Provide additional assistance / resilience where needed in a crisis.
• Reporting faulty security equipment.
• Ensuring all mail received at the High Commission is subject to screening using the mail scanner (except for Diplomatic bags).
• Raising and lowering the flag at designated times.
• Ensuring respective areas are clean and tidy before leaving shift.
• Maintaining security equipment (VHF radio, charger and spare battery, torch etc) and reporting any faults.
• Will participate at all corporate, town hall and team meetings.
• Will complete mandatory monthly security training to the required standard. 

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

Candidate would be required to complete online and Offline training.

Essential on arrival:

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar security role, preferably within a diplomatic mission or the corporate sector.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent is required
• Certification/ qualification on fire safety and emergency response would be an added advantage.
• Possess a valid driver’s license (Normal) with good driving skills/records.

Language requirements:

Language: English and Sinhala or Tamil (Spoken and Written).

Level of Language Required:

• English – IELTS 6/ upper intermediate or equivalent is required (Candidates will be required to undergo an assessment to evaluate their English language proficiency.)
• Sinhala and/or Tamil – Intermediate