View Vacancy – Post Security Manager (19/21 PTA)

Main Purpose of Job:

This role supports the Regional Overseas Security Manager (ROSM) in managing and overseeing appropriate security measures for the safeguarding of the staff and premises, equipment and assets of The British High Commission (BHC). The premises includes the offices and residential properties in Pretoria and Johannesburg. The measures include guarding, access control systems, alarms, CCTV and other relevant security equipment.

This role includes providing advice, guidance, mitigation and support to diplomatic staff (UKB) and staff appointed in country (CBS) and on various aspects of security whilst keeping abreast of the security situation in South Africa.

The Post Security Manager supports the ROSM in representing the department at relevant security meetings such as the Post Security Committee and the Crisis Committee and includes engagement with other security contacts. This role also includes covering for the ROSM in her absence and line management of two A2 level security officers.

The jobholder will need to be willing to work flexibly to help others, take on different tasks where work pressures are heavy, cover leave absences and deal with emergencies.  This can involve calls and work dealing with customers and contractors in the evenings and weekends, for which a mobile phone is provided and allowance paid.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

You will be involved in the following key activities:

Management of physical security at the British High Commission and offices in Pretoria and oversight of security for offices and residences in Johanesburg (40%)

• With the support of the ROSM, manage the maintenance and repairs of physical security systems on our platform in line with FCDO policy and specifications.
• Supervise the guarding contract SOPs and ensure regular KPIs are reviewed monthly
• Oversee security projects in line with procurement procedures. This will include working along Corporate Services teams for purchase orders and finance procedures
• Oversee access control system and CCTV, issuing passes and reporting failures to ROSM or relevant technical officers
• Conducting reviews and physical security checks of residences including surveys prior to leasing or when UKB is departing post, allowing time for updates and repairs for next occupancy
• With support from Transport Dept, administration of armoured vehicles, ensuring maintenance, service and repair is in line with our security policy
• Administration of maintenance and accounting for radios and satellite phones

Security advice and support (20%)

• Provide general security information, updates and advice on security matters to staff on our platform utilising various forms of messaging and communication including email, sms and WhatsApp
• Provide initial security briefings to all new CBS staff and UKB when required. This includes a property arrival briefing for UKB at their residence
• To support ROSM in providing additional logistical support for security training courses
• Assess and provide security advice and operational support to staff visiting challenging neighbourhoods and areas of the Pretoria and Johannesburg. Ensure relevant travel risk assessments have been carried out
• Provide security support to the ROSM for VIP visits including weapons clearances and other formalities
• Create good working relationships with relevant South African Police Department, diplomatic police, local police and private security providers
• Provide appropriate security measures and arrange suitable security support for events that are hosted by the High Commissioner and other staff
• Attend the Post Security Managers meeting to represent the British High Commission in the absence of the ROSM
• Visit all offices within SA to review security or any areas of concern.

Security control and testing (10%) 

• Assist the ROSM in testing alarms and carrying out bomb and incident drills at all offices
• Periodic testing of satellite phones and emergency radios

Administrative tasks (10%)

• In conjunction with the ROSM, liaise with the South African Police Diplomatic Protection Branch and with the security staff at other friendly Missions, ensuring that necessary contact names/telephone numbers that would be required during an emergency are always up to date
• Manage the local security expenditure budget attending monthly budget meetings with ROSM
• Keep a record of all security contracts, reviewing these regularly with the ROSM. Attend contracts meetings where required.

Reporting (10%)

• Prepare reports on matters of security interest or concern and liaise with senior staff and London teams in OSM absence
• Assisting ROSM in reporting and recording any breaches of security informing the ROSM/PSO at the earliest opportunity
• Focal point for unclassified security reporting from security contacts and sources to ensure security team (ROSM) are kept apprised of emerging trends and threats

Emergency and crisis response and support (10%)

• Providing liaison and support for incidents. Reporting to ROSM or other crisis managers concerned
• Ensure follow up with respective personnel is provided
• Fully apply policies and guidelines as requested by the British High Commission, Pretoria
• Perform other activities required by the line manager in this position

Resources Managed:

• 2 x Security officers and supervision of contracted guard force manager and supervisor

• Significant experience in diplomatic, police, or private sector security management role
• Experience in dealing with police services and security professionals
• Confident in management skills and can work well will others
• A strong team player who can work well with senior staff and can communicate well with others
• Valid code B driver’s licence or higher – no limitations
• No previous criminal convictions