At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fire safety reviews and implement new structures for overseas operations.
- Company: Join the UK's diplomatic team making a global impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Civil Service pension, and skill development support.
- Other info: Diverse work environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in fire safety while travelling the world.
- Qualifications: Fire safety qualifications and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 48000 € per year.
Overview
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.
When you join us as the Senior Overseas Fire Safety Officer you’ll take responsibility for leading and conducting a fire safety operating model review, and implementing a new fire safety structure for our extensive overseas estate. You’ll develop training and awareness campaigns to drive improvements in competence and work to improve operational fire safety across overseas networks. You’ll also develop assurance reporting processes for governance and lead an overseas fire safety working group to support a communications strategy.
We estimate that you’ll be travelling overseas about one week in eight; exact frequency and locations will be agreed in advance.
Responsibilities
- Lead and conduct a fire safety operating model review and implement a new fire safety structure for the overseas estate.
- Develop training and awareness campaigns to improve competence in fire safety.
- Improve operational fire safety across overseas networks and develop assurance reporting for governance and oversight.
- Lead an overseas fire safety working group and support an innovative communications strategy.
- Advise on fire safety aspects of large overseas projects; track risk and progress mitigations to an acceptable level.
- Report and escalate areas of operational concern; liaise with other departments to align with security constraints.
- Conduct inspections and audits to ensure Health & Safety compliance; work with service delivery partners to manage fire risk.
- Travel overseas as required with frequency agreed in advance.
Qualifications and experience
- Member of the Institute of Fire Engineers or equivalent; be working towards recognised qualifications (e.g., Level 3 or 4 Diploma in Fire Science and Fire Safety, or relevant building industry qualifications).
- Strong knowledge of current fire safety management principles and problem-solving skills to apply alternative fire safety solutions and risk assessments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to engage with diverse colleagues and manage competing workloads in a fast-paced environment.
- Thorough understanding of Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order and Fire Safety England Regulations, or the Approved Document B, Fire Strategies, BS9999, RRFSO, BS5839, and UK statutory compliance for an operational estate.
- British citizenship and eligibility to obtain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance (DV clearance process can take ~3 months).
Salary, location and type
- Pay: £46,000.00–£48,000.00 per year
- Work Location: In person
- Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
- Location: United Kingdom (overseas travel as part of role)
Closing date
Closing date: 27 October 2025.
Additional information
We welcome applications from all communities. The Civil Service pension is available, and we provide support to develop skills and capabilities for life in and out of work.
Senior Overseas Fire Safety Officer in East Kilbride employer: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
As a Senior Overseas Fire Safety Officer, you will be part of a dynamic team within the UK’s diplomatic service, dedicated to enhancing fire safety across our global network. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development, with opportunities for training and career progression, alongside a competitive salary and benefits package including a Civil Service pension. Working in London, with the chance to travel overseas, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and compliance of our international operations, making this an exciting and meaningful position.
Contact Detail:
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Overseas Fire Safety Officer in East Kilbride
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in similar roles. They can give you insider info on the company culture and maybe even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common fire safety scenarios and how you would handle them. Show us your problem-solving skills and knowledge of fire safety regulations!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to engage with diverse colleagues, so being clear and confident in your responses will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Overseas Fire Safety Officer in East Kilbride
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in fire safety management. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Senior Overseas Fire Safety Officer role, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Qualifications:Mention any relevant qualifications you have, especially if you're a member of the Institute of Fire Engineers or working towards recognised diplomas. We love seeing candidates who are committed to their professional development!
Communicate Clearly:Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically – we want to understand your ideas easily!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
✨Know Your Fire Safety Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest fire safety management principles and regulations. Familiarise yourself with the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order and other relevant standards. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Overseas Fire Safety Officer, you'll be leading teams and initiatives. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past. Highlight your experience in developing training campaigns or working groups to demonstrate your leadership capabilities.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to explain complex fire safety concepts in a way that’s easy for others to understand, especially when discussing your strategies for improving operational fire safety.
✨Prepare for Travel Discussions
Since the role involves overseas travel, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to travel. Think about any previous experiences you have had with international work and how you managed those responsibilities. This will show your readiness for the demands of the job.
