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.

Are you reliable, alert, and motivated by keeping people safe? Do you enjoy practical, hands‑on work in an international environment where no two days are the same? The British Embassy in Berlin is looking for Security Officers to join a committed team responsible for protecting staff, visitors, and high‑profile premises in one of the UK's largest overseas missions.

Who are we?

The British Embassy in Berlinis part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. Our Security Team plays a vital role in ensuring a safe, professional and welcoming environment for everyone who works in or visits the Embassy.

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:

As a Security Officer at the British Embassy Berlin, you will play a key role in ensuring the safety, security and smooth day‑to‑day operation of the Embassy and associated official residences. Working as part of a professional security team, you will help protect staff, visitors, contractors and high‑profile guests, while maintaining a welcoming and respectful environment.

This is a front‑line operational role that combines vigilance, good judgement and strong interpersonal skills. You will be responsible for monitoring security systems, controlling access to secure areas, responding to incidents and supporting emergency procedures. You will also contribute to security arrangements for official visits and events, including those involving senior UK representatives.

You will need to remain calm under pressure, follow procedures accurately, and work closely with colleagues to ensure consistently high security standards in a busy and dynamic environment.

What you will do?

In this role, you will:

• Manage access control, including security screening of visitors and contractors;
• Carry out mail screening and operate security equipment, including X‑ray scanners;
• Monitor CCTV, alarms and security systems, maintaining accurate security logs;
• Conduct physical security checks of the Embassy and the Ambassador's Residence;
• Support security arrangements for official visits, events and high‑profile engagements;
• Respond calmly and effectively to incidents, emergencies or suspicious activity;
• Liaise professionally with colleagues, contractors and visitors, providing clear guidance and assistance;
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all.
• Any other duties that may reasonably be required in support of the wider work of the Embassy, including crisis work.

Why should you apply?

• Being part of a close‑knit, supportive security team;
• Working in an international setting with real responsibility and purpose;
• A role that values reliability, judgement and teamwork over titles;
• Gaining experience in protective security, emergency response and high‑profile operations;
• Access to learning and development opportunities, including security‑specific training through the FCDO;
• Knowing your work makes a visible difference every day.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

Our Ideal Candidate shows:

• Proficient spoken and written English (minimum C1 level, CEFR framework) and at least an intermediate level of spoken German (B2, CEFR framework);
• A minimum of one year's experience in a security or protective role, or in a role involving safety, monitoring, access control or control duties;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a clear customer‑service focus and the ability to work effectively as part of a team;
• Reliability, integrity and professionalism, with the ability to handle sensitive or pressurised situations calmly and appropriately;
• Ability to work shift patterns, including early starts, late finishes and participation in a standby/on‑call rota;
• Experience operating mail scanners / X‑ray machines and carrying out security searches, supported by formal training or certification;
• Resilience and sound judgement when responding to incidents or working under pressure;
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to identify suspicious behaviour or changes in the environment;
• Physical ability to carry out security duties, including standing or sitting for prolonged periods, both indoors and outdoors.

Nice to have:

• Previous experience working in an embassy, diplomatic mission, government, or high‑security corporate environment;
• Surveillance or security monitoring experience, including CCTV and alarm systems;
• Holding the German Security Competence Certificate (Sachkundeprüfung nach §34a GewO) or an equivalent qualification (e.g. UK SIA licence);
• Additional security‑related training or qualifications gained within the public or private security sector;
• First Aid qualification or experience responding to medical or emergency situations;
• Demonstrated cultural awareness and sensitivity when working with diverse teams, visitors, and high‑profile stakeholders.

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 €43,620.- rising to a maximum of approx. €48,998.- gross per annum after a qualifying period in addition to performance related pay and €253,81 monthly functional allowance (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.

Working Patterns: The role operates on a shift system between 05:00 and 20:00, Monday to Friday, with participation in a stand‑by duty rota outside these hours and occasional weekend working.

Learning & Development:

Learning and development opportunities exist under the general FCDO learning and development criteria. Security specific development can be applied for under the FCDO learning and development Security Education package available for those FCDO members carrying out a security role.

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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