View Vacancy - DXB - Post Security Manager and Crisis Coordinator B3(L)

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Operations and Corporate Services)
Security

The British Embassy Dubai has a vacancy for a Post Security Manager and Crisis Coordinator (PSMCC) on a fixed-term contract of two (2) years.

Reporting to the Deputy Consul General/ Post Security Officer, the PSMCC will manage the Embassy’s security management team, playing an integral role in the delivery of security strategy to reduce risk and respond effectively to emerging threats. Working with the Abu Dhabi-based Regional Overseas Security Manager (ROSM), the jobholder will oversee 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 Consul General.


Duties and responsibilities:

- General security management

  • 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.
  • Be the Embassy’s subject matter expert on Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) security policy and procedure, seeking further guidance and clarity on unfamiliar issues.
  • Actively monitor security threats, risks and issues, consulting the 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).
  • Plan and execute effective security strategy for Embassy events and visits that ensures commensurate levels of security, balanced against threat and business need. 
  • Conduct 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 PSO and ROSM, and assisting with breach/ incident management.
  • Lead on completion of Overseas Security Advisor (OSA) recommendations at Post in consultation with the ROSM.
  • 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.
  • Provide ongoing security support and advice to UKB families in collaboration with Community Liaison Officer (CLO).
  • Provide supervision of works within the secure zone as required.
  • Review, adapt, and deliver the Embassy’s Expo 2020 Dubai security strategy for the lead up to and during the Expo in line with FCO security policy and guidance.
  • Ensure that the Embassy is fully prepared for the intense activity at in the lead up to during Expo 2020 Dubai.

- Guard force management

  • 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 is 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

  • Review and maintain the physical security of the Embassy and Residence grounds, identifying and dealing with issues quickly and effectively.
  • Act as Post lead for significant installation/ maintenance projects of physical security measures in consultation with relevant partners and stakeholders.
  • Review and, where necessary, implement physical security upgrades to staff accommodation.
  • Maintain a record of secure combinations and access codes to critical areas, administering routine changes when required.
  • Provide 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 Heavy 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).
  • Ensure FCO 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

  • Conduct all local staff security vetting, ensuring all mandatory checks are completed in line with FCO guidance and policy, liaising with UK Security Vetting/ ROSM/ PSO and Personnel Security Team, and storing records appropriately.
  • Manage staff access to areas and information within Government Security Classification (GSC) and FCO policy.
  • 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 Secretariat of the Post Security Committee (PSC). Under direction of the PSO, to arrange meetings; draft agendas; and record, draft and issue accurate minutes in a timely manner.
  • Conduct thorough security risk assessments and create reports of all internal and external Embassy events.
  • Ensure all XQ logs are managed accurately and efficiently, and available for inspection.
  • Monitor and report on Estates and Security Directorate (ESD) Key Performance Indicators on a quarterly basis.
  • Review, revise, and issue Post Security Regulations (PSR) 1 to all new staff upon taking up appointment and all staff thereafter on an annual basis. Issue PSR 2 to all new UKB staff and local staff with access to the Confidential Area, and re-issue on an annual basis.
  • Assist the PSO with security breach investigations and remedial action.
  • Maintain an accurate inventory of security equipment, ensuring all equipment is in satisfactory working order.
  • Ensure that regular security incident drills are conducted and that all staff are adequately briefed on procedures.
  • Conduct 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 PSO.
  • Act as contract owner for all security-related contracts, i.e. guarding and gate maintenance.
  • Act as delegated budget holder for Post’s security budget and provide quarterly reporting to Corporate Services on budget forecasting and expenditure.

- Generalist

  • Manage all incoming and outgoing diplomatic mail in line with FCO 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 (specifically supporting as crisis security manager) and Embassy response to incidents or emerging threats that may affect the Embassy or UK nationals.
  • Assist FCO Services with security related projects at Post.
  • Provide logistics and transport support, alongside security responsibility, to Embassy visits.

- Crisis coordination

  • Lead on crisis coordination work for the Embassy, working closely with the Deputy Consul General 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 competencies required:

  • Managing a Quality Service - Being organised 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 and efficient service, applying programme and project management approaches to support service delivery.
  • Leading and Communicating - Leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction, and enthusiasm. Managing and engaging with people with honesty and integrity, 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. Providing the focus and energy to drive activities forward through others and encourage staff to perform effectively during challenging and changing times.
  • Making Effective Decisions - Showing clarity of thought, setting priorities, analysing and using evidence to evaluate options before arriving at well-reasoned, justifiable decisions. Creating evidence-based strategies, evaluating options, impacts, risks, and solutions; maximising while minimising risk and balancing social, political, financial, economic and environmental considerations 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.
  • 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).
  • Formal security related training qualification.
  • Experience of security risk management.
  • Membership in security industry professional bodies (ASIS, Security Institute).
  • Previous experience of working for Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) or understanding of UK government structures and processes.
  • Arabic language skills.
  • Additional commercial security industry experience.
16 December 2019
Executive Officer (EO)
Fixed Term, Full-time
38
24 months
Middle East & North Africa
United Arab Emirates
Dubai
British Embassy
1
AED
16,492
16 February 2020
31 March 2022

The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role, including: 25 days of annual leave per annum, on-site swimming pool, gymnasium, and sports facilities.

Salary is at AED 16,492 per month.

There are no other allowances payable as part of this package. No accommodation and relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

Conditioned working hours are 38 hours per week. Standard working hours are from 07:30 to 15:06, including a lunch break of 36 minutes, from Sunday to Thursday.

The successful candidate should be flexible in their approach to hours worked as there may be some work out of hours (evening and weekend), particularly during events and visits or during times of crisis.

The successful candidate will also be required to be on call, including over holiday periods. An on call allowance will be provided.

Eligibility:

The successful applicant will be required to obtain the necessary security clearance. Higher clearances can be granted only to certain nationalities. For this reason, candidates must be of British, American, Australian, Canadian, or New Zealand nationality in order to gain the level of clearance required for this role.

How to apply:

Interested candidates must attach to their online application form 1) an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and 2) a covering letter stating how you meet the requirements of the role.

Your application must also include examples of when you have demonstrated the competencies outlined above.

Applications that do not include these information will not be considered.

Closing date for applications is at 23:55 (UAE local time) on 16 December 2019.

Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.

 

Process:

The recruitment process, including security clearance, is expected to take around two months.

The start date mentioned in the job advert is a tentative start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, only those shortlisted for the next step of the recruitment process will be contacted.


The British Embassy Dubai is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy Dubai are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local UAE employment law.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.