Security Assistant, Grade

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.
Job Category Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Operations and Corporate Services) Job Subcategory Security Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities) Main purpose of job: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 Security Advisor (RSA), Post Security Manager (PSM) or his/her appointed substitutes.We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business.Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:Security Assistants at the British High Commission report to the Regional Security Adviser (RSA) and the Post Security Manager (PSM).
The PSM is responsible for the day-to-day management of the security team.While on duty, Security Assistants are under the direct supervision of the Security Shift Supervisors and they must adhere at all times to the Rules and Regulations of the British High Commission.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 specific objectives and are expected to implement all relevant procedures and practices as required.
They must actively participate in any training provided, to the best of their ability.
Undertake additional duties as directed by the Regional Overseas Security Manager (ROSM) and the Post Security Manager (PSM), whenever necessary in the course of their security responsibilities.
The Security Assistant's duty schedule will be determined according to the shift roster and will be aligned with their terms and conditions of employment.While on duty, all Security Assistants are specifically responsible for, but not limited to:Security Assistants must maintain a smart and professional appearance at all times while on duty.Maintaining access control to the High Commission's properties in line with BHC Post Security Regulations and security standing orders.Maintaining security patrols during day and/or night shifts.Assist in facilitating the security changeovers.
(i.e. driving BHC fleet when needed).
Ensuring the protection of the High Commission buildings including residences as detailed above.Protection of property within the compounds.
This includes the prevention of FCDO property being illegally removed from the BHC.Reacting appropriately and timely in the event of the bomb, incident or fire alarms being activated.Provide fire watch as part of routine patrols.Supervising contractors out of hours.Reporting incidents inside and outside of the compound.Ensuring that CCTV cameras at all British High Commission (BHC) properties remain unobstructed and fully operational.Ensuring security lighting is functioning as required.Maintaining a detailed security log at all guardrooms.Operating and providing support on VHF radios.Liaising with visitors and staff on a daily basis.In the absence of the receptionist, working at the reception and telephone switchboard as required.Covering the Supervisors role in the absence of the Supervisor (leave, illness etc).
Provide additional assistance / resilience where needed in a crisis.Reporting faulty security equipment.Ensuring all mail received at the High Commission is subject to screening using the mail scanner (except for Diplomatic bags).
Raising and lowering the flag at designated times.Ensuring respective areas are clean and tidy before leaving shift.Maintaining security equipment (VHF radio, charger and spare battery, torch etc) and reporting any faults.Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):Candidate would be required to complete online and Offline training.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience Essential on arrival:Minimum of two (2) years' experience in a similar security role, preferably within a diplomatic mission or the corporate sector.
Minimum Educational qualification required is GCE Ordinary Level (O-Level).
Certification/ qualification on fire safety and emergency response would be an added advantage.Possess a valid driver's license (passenger car) with good driving skills/records.Language requirements:Language: English and Sinhala or Tamil (Spoken and Written).
Level of Language Required: English - IELTS 6/ upper intermediate or equivalent is required (Candidates will be required to undergo an assessment to evaluate their English language proficiency.)Sinhala and/or Tamil – Intermediate Desirable qualifications, skills and experience Desirable:Should be proactive in performing the duties and in helping others.Be an active team player with proven ability to work using own initiative.Should have enthusiastic attitude and willingness to deliver a professional customer service.Be friendly and helpful and able to remain calm and courteous in demanding situationsKnowledge of security procedures and protocolsStrong observation and problem-solving skills.Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.Physical fitness and ability to carry out frequent patrolling / rounds around the compound.
Required behaviours Delivering Value for Money, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together Application deadline 7 October 2025 Grade S2 Type of Position Full-time, Fixed Term Working hours per week 48 Duration of Post 24 months Region South Asia & Afghanistan Country/Territory Sri Lanka Location (City) Colombo Type of Post British High Commission Number of vacancies 1 Salary Currency LKR Salary LKR 141,677 per month + EPF 12% per month + ETF 3% per month.
Type of Salary monthly Start Date 17 November 2025 Other benefits and conditions of employment 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 141,677 + EPF 12% + ETF 3% per month.
Other benefits include 13 month's salary (pro-rated) and medical insurance coverage.
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.