Security Officer

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. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.

Who are we?

The British Embassy in Berlin is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. The Embassy is now looking for a Security Officer, Corporate Services, based in Berlin.

We aim to be a diverse and inclusive employer, welcoming to people of all backgrounds. The senior leadership is committed to ensuring that we are a supportive and fair place to work. The Germany Network values are kindness, inclusivity, honesty, professionalism and responsibility. These values guide how we work on a daily basis, and all staff must adhere to them.

Main purpose of job:

The Security Officer will work with a team of colleagues to ensure the safety and security of Embassy Staff Members, visitors, customers and contractors as well as protecting all properties within the Embassy and Residence premises. The post holder will work on a shift system between the hours of 05:00am and 20:00pm, Monday to Friday, and be part of a stand by duty rota outside these hours. There is also a requirement to occasionally work different hours and weekends.

Roles and responsibilities:

This role would suite a proactive team player with experience of working in a security or similar protective role and covers the following responsibilities:

Security Monitoring:

• Physical security of the Embassy building and its facilities.
• Conduct regular checks of the Ambassador's Residence.
• Mail screening of all incoming mail to the Embassy.
• Monitoring of CCTV and Alarm Systems.
• Maintaining all security logs.
• Supervision of contracted security guards and other contractors.
• Handling / Investigating security incidents.
• Dealing with possible intruders and protesters.
• Support security arrangements for official visits, events and high profile engagements.

Access Control:

• Access control. Security checks of visitors to both the Embassy and the Consular Section.
• Mail screening of all incoming mail to the Embassy.
• Ensuring enquiries at the Main Entrance, which can be quite diverse, are handled professionally. This may involve seeking further assistance from other embassy colleagues from other sections, hence strong communication and interpersonal skills are required.
  

Emergency Preparedness and Response:

• Conduct routine tests of the alarms at the Embassy.
• Provide immediate response to any emergency scenario.

Customer Service:

• Guide visitors on arrival at the Embassy, providing information and assistance as appropriate.
• Liaising and escorting visitors when require.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, inclusive environment for all staff and visitors.

Any other duties that may reasonably be required in support of the wider work of the Embassy, including crisis work.

Participate in corporate projects focussed on supporting and developing the collective spirit of British Embassy in Berlin.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

Our Ideal Candidate shows:

• Fluent English, both written and spoken (minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*).
• Intermediate level of spoken German (minimum of B1 level for CEFR framework*).
• Professional experience working in a similar role.
• Experience working in the public or private security sector.
• Experience using/operating mail scanners and X-ray machines and conducting searches of vehicles and people, with evidence of relevant training (certificate).
• Ability to undertake security duties, including sitting/standing for prolonged periods inside and outside the premises.
• Good interpersonal skills with a strong customer focus.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to identify suspicious behaviour or changes in the environment.
• Commitment to teamwork and respectful conduct.
• High level of integrity, reliability and trustworthiness.
• Ability to remain calm and resilient in challenging situations.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing operational and security requirements.

Nice to have:

• Experience working in an international environment and/or a diplomatic mission.
• German Security Competence Examination (Sachkundeprüfung nach 34ª GewO) or the equivalent (e.g. UK SIA Licence).
• Relevant professional development qualifications gained while working in the public or private security sector.
• First Aid qualification.

This is a full time (40 hours a week), fixed-term 2 year contract with the possibility of a permanent contract subject to performance and funding. Salary €44,748.- rising to a maximum of approx. €50,265.- gross per annum after a qualifying period in addition to performance related pay (salary is not negotiable). Candidate must have pre-existing work authorisation in Germany in order to apply.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local German employment law.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Germany and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.

Equal employment

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with protected characteristics. The Germany Network wants to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us, regardless of their background.

Learning & Development

The British Embassy has a strong ethos of Learning and Development, including our Learning and Development Week. In addition, there will be many opportunities to attend external seminars and events on relevant issues. This is in addition to the induction programme offered to all Embassy staff.

The Embassy offers learning and development opportunities throughout the year and invites you to join committee led forums where you may have an interest and can help shape the organisations objectives.

The successful applicant will be encouraged to be actively involved in the corporate life of the Embassy, contributing to the wider objectives of the British Government's Germany network and supporting the Embassy's positive working environment.

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