View Vacancy – Estates Health & Safety Officer, Bogota

Main purpose of job:

The main purpose of the role is to provide first-class support in the Corporate Services Team at the Estates Section being responsible of the Health & Safety to backing, observe and apply the Security, Health & Safety, Fire Safety, Seismic, Gas and Electrical policies of the FCDO for Residential accommodation overseas and Embassy Premises. Enforcing compliances with H&S regulations, presenting projects and carrying out activities and tasks of mitigation, prevention and resolution of a safety environment in the British Embassy offices and premises, guaranteeing prevention of risks of accidents/incidents and near misses in properties and work environment for CBS, UK Based, contractors and visitors. 

Ensuring that all the legal requirements of H&S, fire, electrical, seismic, both British and local regulations, are applied and observed in all environments and processes. Collaborating with Corporate Services Managers, Estates Manager, Technical Advisors and peers to execute plans with key stakeholders / contractors to accomplish safety protocols and standards. This position reports to Estates Manager and Head of Corporate Services.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Manage and implement H&S FCDO policies integrated them with local H&S regulations.
• Report and update FCDO Health and Safety Portal (Evotix) on daily basis or as required.
• Develop, implement, and enforce comprehensive health and safety policies and procedures in line with FCDO guidelines and local regulations.
• Conduct routine inspections and risk assessments of Embassy facilities to identify hazards and recommend corrective actions.
• Collaborate with department Heads, Estates Manager and team colleagues to integrate health and safety requirements into all operations and activities.
• Coordinate training sessions, workshops, and awareness campaigns to staff on health and safety matters.
• Stay updated on relevant health and safety regulations, best practices, and emerging trends.
• Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses, determine root causes, and implement preventive measures.
• Liaise with external agencies, contractors, and service providers to ensure adherence to health and safety standards.
• Develop and maintain emergency response plans, fire response, evacuation protocols, and crisis management strategies.
• Monitor and analyse health and safety performance data, preparing reports and recommendations for improvement.
• Serve as the primary contact for health and safety inquiries, concerns, and incidents, ensuring prompt and effective responses.
• Ensure employee compliance with safety protocols and monitor – supervise proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Participate in the Emergency Brigade and COPASST, coordinating crisis response efforts and mandatory drills, conducting toolbox meetings with Estates Manager, COPASST members and other stakeholders to discuss safety practices at work.
• Take the role as co-chair of the COPASST committee ensuring the CBS participation and promotion during elections periods.
• Promote safety awareness and cultivate a culture of safety consciousness among embassy staff.
• Oversee the maintenance and inspection of safety equipment, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits, grab bags, AEDs .
• Coordinate mandatory and periodic occupational training courses for operational roles, and maintain accurate records and documentation related to health and safety projects, procedures, and action plans.
• Cover absence periods of peer colleagues in the same grade in the Estates Team and/or deputise the EM in absences.
• Other ad-hoc functions related to Estates and H&S.

Resources managed):

• Staff: Line Manage 1 AA Estates Assistant colleague
• Resources:
  • FCDO Corporate Credit Cards: GPC & CCC
  • Estates Inventory
  • First and Fire Aid Equipment
  • Hera User (Oracle system) (requisitioner/receiver)
  • FCDO and Estates forms
  • FCDO Health and Safety Portal

Essential on arrival: 

• Health and Safety degree, (or related administrative studies in HSEQ) and/or certifications linked to this scope
• Administrative or logistics experience
• Experience at least 4 years in Health and Safety/fire programs and projects
• Multitasking: Capacity to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues and find effective solutions independently or with minimal guidance.
• Ownership of core activities to coordinate activities, emergency efforts, conduct training sessions and drive safety-conscious culture
• Typing Speed and Accuracy: Ability to type quickly and accurately to efficiently handle correspondence and documentation.
• Organization Skills: Capability to manage schedules, files, and documents in a systematic and efficient manner.
• Customer Service: Providing excellent customer service to clients, and colleagues.
• Effective team member: teamwork
• Adaptability to adapt to changing circumstances handle pressure situations, make quite decisions during emergencies is essential for this role

Must have the legal status to live and work in Colombia. 

Language requirements: 

Language: Spanish and English

Level of language required: Spanish native / English minimum B2 (under international qualification CEFRL or equivalent).