Main purpose of job:

The Post Security Manager (PSM) is responsible for leading and delivering effective security, fire safety, and property assurance across the Post. The role ensures the protection of staff, assets, and operations through robust physical and procedural security measures, proactive risk management, and strong liaison with local authorities and partners.

The PSM acts as the primary focal point for security operations, advice, and compliance, supporting the Post Security Officer (PSO) and Regional Security Advisor (RSA). The role combines operational oversight, policy implementation, and strategic input to improve security standards, resilience, and preparedness across all Post activities, including estates, events, and crises.

Roles and responsibilities:

1. Security Advice, Risk and Liaison (20%)

• Provide timely and accurate security advice to staff, visitors, and leadership, including briefings for arrivals and official visitors.
• Monitor local and international news, producing security updates, incident logs, and threat assessments.
• Maintain relationships and act as liaison with local police, security services, private security providers, and diplomatic partners.
• Continuously maintain and improve Post Security Fact Sheet (PSFS) and Post Security Regulations (PSRs).
• Provide advice to colleagues for the completion of Travel Risk Assessments (TRAs).
• Support delivery of security training and awareness programmes for staff and dependants.

2. Security Operations and Guarding (20%)

• Oversee daily guarding operations, ensuring effective supervision of the contracted guard force.
• Manage guard force contract, including guard force performance against contractual KPIs.
• Continuously maintain and improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for guarding and security operations.
• Ensure proper functioning of alarms, intrusion detection systems, and physical barriers at all properties.
• Manage contracts for security systems and emergency doors maintenance.

3. Security Control and Access Management (10%)

• Manage local vetting processes in coordination with HR and security stakeholders.
• Control issuance and management of passes and identification, maintain access control databases and ensure compliance with security policies.

4. Property Security and Estates Assurance (10%)

• Lead searches for new residential properties, ensuring compliance with FCDO standards and acceptance parameters.
• Conduct security, fire and health & safety assessments of prospective new properties.
• Lead delivery of ingoing works to new properties.
• Assess and approve marker hotels and temporary accommodation from a security perspective.
• Conduct residential security surveys and recommend mitigation measures.

5. Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness (10%)

• Act as Post Fire Safety Manager, ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations and policies.
• Plan and deliver emergency evacuation drills and fire exercises.
• Manage fire alarm maintenance contracts and ensure systems are regularly tested.

6. Emergency Preparedness (10%)

• Maintain readiness for emergencies through crisis planning, and participation in exercises.
• Continuously maintain and improve Medical Emergency Response Plan (MERP).
• Maintain and test operational readiness of communication systems (radios, satellite phones, telephone tree).

7. Additional Operational Responsibilities (10%)

• Provide security planning and support for events, including VIP visits and large-scale functions.
• Implement Overseas Security Adviser (OSA) recommendations.
• Manage Post parking arrangements in line with security requirements.

8. Line Management and Leadership (10%)

• Line manage Corporate Services Officer (Protocol/IT) and contracted guard force.
• Ensure effective performance management, development, and welfare of staff.
• Promote a strong security culture across Post through leadership and engagement.
• Deliver or coordinate security-related training for guards and staff.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure) 

• Corporate Services Officer (Protocol/IT)
• Contract guard force
  

Essential on arrival:

• Demonstrable experience in security, safety, or risk management (government, police, military, diplomatic, or corporate).
• Strong knowledge of physical security, access control, and emergency procedures.
• Experience managing contractors and/or guard forces.
• Proven ability to assess risk and deliver practical mitigation measures.
• Strong communication skills, including briefing senior stakeholders and liaising with external agencies.
• Ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure.
• Good IT skills (MS Office and security systems).

Language requirements: 

Language: English and Spanish 

Level of language required: Advanced (written and spoken)