View Vacancy – AUH – Post Security Manager and Crisis Coordinator B3(L)

The British Embassy Abu Dhabi has a vacancy for a Post Security Manager and Crisis Coordinator (PSMCC).

Reporting to the Regional Overseas Security Manager (ROSM), the Post Security Manager and Crisis Coordinator (PSMCC) in Abu Dhabi will manage the Embassy’s security team, playing an integral role in the delivery of security strategy to reduce risk and respond effectively to emerging threats. The jobholder will assist the ROSM in overseeing and implementing security policy, processes, and physical and technical security measures at Post, providing first point of contact assistance and subject matter expertise to security-related queries and issues and to a range of stakeholders. The PSMCC is also responsible for coordinating the Embassy’s crisis preparedness plans working to the Deputy Head of Mission (DHM) and ROSM. 

Duties and responsibilities:

– General security management

• Actively monitor security threats, risks and issues, consulting the ROSM and Post Security Officer (PSO) on risk mitigation techniques and Post State of Vigilance (SOV), setting commensurate security posture accordingly.
• Liaise with diplomatic and local police on protective security issues.
• Be on call and provide an out-of-hours response to security incidents, assisting in the coordination of security resources and management of any emergency response (on call allowance provided).
• Be first point of contact within the Embassy for security-related concerns, providing all stakeholders with quick, well-calibrated advice, escalating issues of concern accordingly.
• Assist the ROSM and PSO in planning and executing effective security strategy for Embassy events and visits that ensures commensurate levels of security, balanced against threat and business need.
• Assist the ROSM in conducting security risk assessments for external events and assist hosts in setting appropriate security posture.
• Monitor and report security breaches and security related incidents to the ROSM and PSO and assisting with breach/ incident management.
• Assist the ROSM in ensuring completion of Overseas Security Advisor (OSA) recommendations at Post.
• Act as local point of contact for V/VIP security details, and assist Post’s Visits Officer to ensure adequate security for visiting dignitaries.
• Conduct security induction briefings and training within five (5) days of arrival for all new members of staff and UK-based (UKB) families.
• Assist the ROSM in providing ongoing security support and advice to UKB families in collaboration with the Community Liaison Officer (CLO).
• Work in collaboration with the PSMCC based at the British Embassy in Dubai and provide support for periods of leave or absence as agreed with the ROSM and PSO.

– Guard force management

• Be the first point of contact and manage a large contracted guard force providing a range of manned guarding duties to the Embassy, ensuring security policy is adhered to and the operational effectiveness of all procedural, physical, and technical security measures are maintained at all times.
• Administer the contracted guard force, ensuring robust standing orders are up to date, appropriate, and effective, and underpinned by regular training and practice drills.
• Assist the Guard Supervisor in ensuring the Embassy’s operational needs are met through efficient resourcing that reflects business need. Ensure that guard schedules and rosters are accurate and submitted in a timely manner to allow efficient financial planning.
• Liaise with the contractor’s management team through regular meetings to ensure acceptable guarding standards are maintained through regular monitoring of contract Key Performance Indicators (KPI). Also ensure that the contractor maintains appropriate standards of welfare and duty of care to the guards.
• Ensure effective manned guarding services with a particular emphasis on access control; person and vehicle search; patrolling; fire prevention; mail scanning; maintenance of occurrence book (XQ1); incident reporting and incident response; protective surveillance; and exceptional customer service to visitors.

– Physical security

• Working with the ROSM and Estates Manager to regularly review and maintain the physical security of the Embassy and Residence grounds, identifying and dealing with issues quickly and effectively.
• Assist the ROSM in leading on maintenance projects of physical security measures in consultation with relevant partners and stakeholders.
• Assist the ROSM in reviewing and, where necessary, implementing physical security upgrades to staff accommodation.
• Assist the ROSM, as required and in accordance with security clearance levels, in providing training and guidance on Embassy opening/ closing procedure and policy to relevant staff.
• Assist the Embassy’s Estates Team to ensure maintenance schedules and emergency repairs to the Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) measures are conducted efficiently by the maintenance contractor.

– Technical security

• Responsible for Automated Access Control Systems (AACS), ID badge issue, issuing access privileges, and monitoring and reporting system faults.
• Monitor and report issues with Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) and to provide training and guidance to system users.
• Conduct and record weekly testing of VOICE alarm system, reporting any concerns to the Secure Technical Services Officer (STSO).
• Assist the ROSM in ensuring Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) policy on electronic devices and mobile phones is adhered to.
• Administer and account for the Digital Radio systems, ensuring that regular radio checks are carried out and recorded.
• Provide support, where necessary, to the STSO.

– Personnel security

• Assist the ROSM in conducting country based staff security vetting, ensuring all mandatory checks are completed in line with FCDO guidance and policy, liaising with UK Security Vetting/ ROSM/ PSO and Personnel Security Team, and storing records appropriately.
• Manage cleared/ un-cleared contractors and escorted/ unescorted visitor passes and access policy through consultation with the PSO and Post Security Committee (PSC).
• Ensure adequate supervision of external contractors and maintenance staff.

– Security administration

• Act as Joint Secretariat of the Post Security Committee (PSC) in conjunction with the PSMCC in Dubai. Under direction of the ROSM and PSO, to arrange meetings; draft agendas; and record, draft and issue accurate minutes in a timely manner.
• Assist the ROSM in providing thorough security risk assessments and reports of all internal and external embassy events.
• Assist the ROSM in reviewing, revising, and issuing Post Security Regulations to all new staff upon taking up appointment and all staff thereafter on an annual basis.
• Assist the ROSM and PSO with security breach investigations and remedial action as required.
• Maintain an accurate inventory of security equipment, ensuring all equipment is in satisfactory working order.
• Assist the ROSM in ensuring that regular security incident drills are conducted and that all staff are adequately briefed on procedures.
• Assist the ROSM in conducting security surveys of new staff accommodation and any other property being purchased or leased.
• Conduct periodic out-of-hours inspections of the Embassy to identify security breaches, reporting findings to the ROSM/PSO.

– Generalist

• Assist in managing all incoming and outgoing diplomatic mail in line with FCDO guidance and policy.
• Build strong and effective networks and relationships with key contacts outside of the Embassy, with a particular focus on other friendly embassies, security professionals, and security organisations.
• Ensure effective outreach and engagement with the British Council in Dubai.
• Take an active role in the embassy’s Crisis Management Plan and Embassy response to incidents or emerging threats that may affect the Embassy or UK nationals.

– Crisis coordination

• Take a lead role on crisis coordination work for the Embassy, working closely with the PSMCC in Dubai, ROSM, and Deputy Head of Mission in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on development of crisis plans and preparedness.
• Plan crisis drills, organise crisis training sessions (to be delivered by others), maintain crisis equipment, and support crisis awareness amongst colleagues.
• This is separate to the specific role the PSMCC will have during a crisis as Crisis Security Manager.

Key competences required:

• Managing a Quality Service – Valuing and modelling professional excellence and expertise to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements. Effectively planning, organising, and managing time and activities to deliver a high-quality, secure, reliable, and efficient service, applying programme and project and risk management approaches to support service delivery.
• Leading and Communicating – Showing pride and passion for public service, leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction, integrity, and enthusiasm. Championing difference and external experience, supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all and a dedication to a diverse range of citizens. Managing and engaging with people in a straightforward, truthful and candid way, and upholding the reputation of the organisation.
• Delivering at Pace – Focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. Working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way. Building a performance culture where staff are given space, authority, and support to deliver outcomes; and keeping a firm focus on priorities and addressing performance issues resolutely, fairly, and promptly.
• Making Effective Decisions – Using sound judgement, evidence, and knowledge to arrive at accurate, expert and professional decisions and advice. Being careful and thoughtful about the use and protection of government and public information to ensure it is handled securely and with care. Reaching evidence-based strategies, evaluating options, impacts, risks and solutions and creating a secure culture around the handling of information; and aiming to maximise return while minimising risk and balancing a range of considerations such as social, political, financial, economic, legal and environmental to provide sustainable outcomes.

• Military, law enforcement, or commercial security experience, or five years’ experience within a relevant field.
• Ability to think rationally and take decisive action when under pressure and during challenging situations.
• Proven team leader with good communication skills at all levels.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written. Ability to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely and with good presentation skills
• Collaborative approach to colleague and stakeholder partnerships. Ability to maintain a range of contacts to build effective working relationships.
• Ability to work quickly, reliably, and proactively with attention to detail and with limited supervision.
• Strong IT computer skills and in using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams).