The British Embassy Bahrain is seeking a highly motivated Compliance Officer to join our team. This permanent role requires strong organisational and communication skills, along with expertise in compliance and health and safety, to maintain standards and ensure smooth operations across the Embassy.

Duties and responsibilities:

The Compliance Officer will ensure that the Embassy operates in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. This role combines oversight of health, safety, and welfare standards with regulatory and procedural compliance across transport, property, and operational functions. The jobholder will lead risk assessments, and training requirements to maintain a safe and compliant working environment, while supporting governance and assurance processes for Embassy operations, including leading on logistical planning and coordination for official visits.

Compliance & Governance

• Develop, implement, and maintain compliance policies, procedures, and systems in line with FCDO standards and local legislation.
• Lead on internal compliance audits, including health & safety assurance, property compliance checks, and gap analysis for newly acquired or leased properties.
• Monitor adherence to Embassy policies and statutory requirements, reporting non-compliance and recommending corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate compliance records for audit purposes, including fleet, property, and health & safety documentation.

Health & Safety Management

• Coordinate the development and implementation of health & safety policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular risk assessments, inspections, and audits across Embassy premises and operations.
• Organise and lead quarterly Health & Safety Committee meetings, ensuring timely completion of agreed actions.
• Ensure staff awareness and training on health & safety legislation, codes of practice, and best practices.
• Oversee contractor compliance for cleaning, gardening, pest control, and event logistics, ensuring adherence to H&S and Embassy standards.

Operational Compliance

• Support compliance in transport and logistics operations, including vehicle maintenance records, insurance renewals, annual traffic inspections, and timely maintenance and repairs. Maintain accurate vehicle records and monitor fuel spend.
• Driver Management: Line management of three (3) Drivers, including overseeing daily schedules, approving overtime, and conducting mid- and end-year appraisals.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of official documentation (residency permits, CPRs, IDs) in line with local regulations.
• Assist with IT troubleshooting to maintain operational compliance during periods when the Corporate Services Manager is unavailable.
• Stationery Management: Oversee the stationery room and maintain stock levels to support operational needs.

Logistical Support for Official Visits

• Act as lead on logistical planning and coordination for official visits, including VIP delegations.
• Develop and execute detailed transport and support plans in compliance with Embassy protocols.
• Liaise with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure smooth delivery of visit requirements.

Training & Awareness

• Develop and deliver structured compliance and health & safety training programmes for staff.
• Provide guidance and advice to managers and employees on compliance obligations and risk mitigation.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Investigate incidents and accidents, document findings, and implement preventive measures.
• Prepare compliance reports for senior management and recommend improvements to enhance operational integrity.
• Keep up to date with changes in relevant laws, regulations, and FCDO policies, communicating updates to stakeholders.

Wider Embassy contribution:

• The Job Holder, as with all members of staff, will contribute to the life of the Embassy community beyond their formal job description. This could include broader roles such as fire warden or joining a People Committee.
• The Job Holder will form part of crisis preparedness, exercising and any operational response.
• Respond flexibly and actively to evolving priorities and needs, including out of standard working hours.
• Cover for the other team members during times of leave and absence.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible as specific responsibilities could change in the future, and this would be at the discretion of the line manager. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs. The jobholder may also take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any other response to a crisis.

Key behaviours required:

• Managing a Quality Service – Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs. 
• Making Effective Decisions – Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions
• Delivering at Pace – Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.

Eligibility

• The successful candidate must have the right to work in Bahrain or must be eligible to obtain a work permit for Bahrain.
• The British Embassy will provide visa sponsorship for the successful candidate.

• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely. Accurate typing and proofreading skills.
• Excellent organisational and record-keeping skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to conduct audits, analyse data, and produce clear reports.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; capable of working on their own initiative as well as with and through others. Able to influence and engage at all levels and collaborate effectively across teams.
• Flexible, resilient, decisive and calm under pressure. Ability to understand competing priorities and make judgement calls on when to use own initiative and when to consult with managers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).