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:
We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business.
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 Overseas Security Manager (ROSM), Post Security Manager (PSM) or his/her appointed substitutes.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:
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.
While on duty, all Security Assistants are specifically responsible for, but not limited to:
Maintaining a smart appearance at all times.
Maintaining access control to the High Commission (main and EU gates), Westminster House, Trenched House and Defence Advisers compounds / properties in line with BHC Post Security Regulations and security standing orders.
Working patterns:
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
Essential on arrival:
Language requirements:
Proficient user of English and Sinhala or Tamil.
Desirable:
For British High Commission (BHC) candidates, the Country Based Staff BHC Terms & Conditions will apply.
For other than BHC candidates, starting salary will be LKR 70,270 + EPF 12% + ETF 3% per month. The current equivalent USD salary paid (at fixed corporate exchange rate from March 2022) is USD 347.00 per month. Other benefits include 13 month’s salary (pro-rated) and medical insurance coverage.
Please note that the current salaries are being dollarized and processed in USD (pegged to a fixed corporate exchange rate from March 2022) to provide cushion against the current external market conditions. This is a temporary measure and is subject to review at regular intervals. The payroll will revert to local currency processing once the external market conditions are normalised.
Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks.
FCDO operates an agile workforce. To facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require. The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system. The High Commission takes pride in its organisational culture and its strong and diverse team. We offer leave entitlements as per Sri Lankan labour laws.
We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment.
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
To Apply:
Please note applications without (1), (2) and (3) will not be considered. Point (4) to be adhere strictly.
To ensure a successful application it is important that you explain how you demonstrate behaviours and technical / professional skills, basis your experience. You are strongly advised to read the Success Profiles Civil Service Behaviours Framework, which provides a detailed guidance on how these behaviours are defined for each position.
Applicants are encouraged to use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to prepare specific examples of when and how you have demonstrated these behaviours in your application, by evidencing a structured response, including your skills and experiences. You briefly describe the situation in which you demonstrated the behaviour, and then explain your task in addressing the situation, what action you took and the result of this.
Internal candidates applying for this position must have completed their probation & have prior approval from their line manager, else the application will not be considered.
We will accept only online applications received by midnight on 18 May 2025 (23:55hrs Sri Lanka Standard Time).
Please note that all the applicants will be required to strictly adhere to the security guidelines of the British High Commission. Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and no telephone enquires will be dealt with. Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or creed.
Note: The British High Commission in Colombo is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. Staff recruited locally by The British High Commission in Colombo is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.
The start date mentioned in the job advert is a tentative & the appointment of successful candidate will be subject to clearance of police and other checks including references, educational and professional.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
