We lead the UK’s diplomatic, development and consular work around the world. We employ around 17,000 staff in our global network of 281 offices worldwide. Our UK-based staff work in King Charles Street in London, Abercrombie House in East Kilbride and in Milton Keynes.
Our Regional/Country Security Advisers play a critical and high‑profile role in safeguarding the FCDO’s staff, assets and operations, providing authoritative advice to senior leadership across their geographic area of responsibility, and shaping a strong security culture. Acting as the senior security lead at your Post, and serving as the primary point of contact for all FCDO security matters, it will be your task to ensure your Post’s security posture, infrastructure and regulations remain aligned with assessed threats and the relevant requirements.
Providing expert security advice and operational support and acting as the first point of contact for complex queries, you will conduct security surveys, support VIP visits and major events, and complete travel risk assessments. We will also expect you to deliver induction briefings, investigate security incidents and breaches, maintain incident records, and escalate any serious issues to the Security and Resilience Department.
You will have a number of additional responsibilities – these include ensuring barriers, alarms, surveillance systems, access controls and technical security equipment are serviceable, compliant and tested regularly, and maintaining strong networks with our partners. This will involve sharing intelligence and coordinating security efforts with host nation authorities, UN agencies, diplomatic police and other stakeholders. You will also conduct threat and risk assessments, oversee security communications systems, supervise contracted guard forces and security personnel, and if deployed in a regional capacity, ensure that satellite Posts are visited regularly.
To be a success in one of these fast-paced and challenging positions, you should have significant knowledge of physical security operations, personnel security principles and threat-based risk assessment, including counter-terrorism, counter-espionage and crime mitigation. With proven experience of the planning, testing and delivery of effective responses to security incidents in complex environments, we will also look for an established track record of leading, coaching and developing security teams, and the management of relevant resources and budgets.
It is vital that you possess the ability to communicate complex security issues clearly, influence senior stakeholders, and build good relationships with our partners. When it comes to qualifications you should hold SFJ Level 4 PSA, the NPSA Foundation Course (or their equivalent), and we will expect you to have participated in continuing professional development. In addition to substantial operational experience across security-related sectors and strong risk management skills, you should also be adaptable to emerging threats and hold a full UK manual driving licence (C1 preferred).
Please note that all appointable candidates will go on a Reserve List for 12 months, and roles will be filled when vacancies become available. However, there is no guarantee that candidates on the list will be offered a role within this time.
Candidates should be aware that we can only deploy staff and their families overseas when they are fit for the role and can access appropriate medical support for any existing conditions. You must show that you’re physically able to serve in any location, and that any health issues can be safely managed.
You must be a British citizen at the time of your application, and you’ll be required to attain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. Please note that obtaining DV clearance can take approximately three months depending on your individual circumstances. For more information about this process, click here.
We value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from all communities. Everyone here gets the support to develop their skills and capabilities as well as benefits that help to make the most of life in and out of work, including a Civil Service pension.
Use your talent and experience to shape our nation’s future, and deliver tangible improvements to millions of lives, including your own.
Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 15th June 2026