JOB DETAILS:
The Bodyguard (BG) Shift Leader (SL) is responsible for leading the Bodyguard team within the Protective Security Unit. The SL provides on-site leadership during protective security operations for the U.S. Ambassador/Chief of Mission (COM) and other designated or visiting U.S. government officials. The SL ensures operational readiness, conducts security assessments, and liaises with host-nation security elements to protect the COM or designated protectees.

Major Duties and Responsibilities
1. Shift Leadership (30%)
• Lead Bodyguard personnel during protective detail operations, providing mentorship and guidance.
• Document security incidents and performance concerns.
• Assist the Bodyguard Supervisor in planning, scheduling, and organizing Bodyguard work assignments using software tools like Microsoft Office and Google Maps.
• Conduct comprehensive security surveys, including route and venue analysis, and provide written reports with satellite imagery, photos, and GPS plotting.

• Oversee security arrangements at hotels, convention centers, restaurants, and other event venues.
2. Close Protective Services (60%)
• Provide personal protective services to the COM or other designated protectees during motorcades, walking movements, and residential security operations.
• Conduct perimeter security at events and perform counter-surveillance as needed.
• Liaise with local law enforcement, security officials, and protocol offices for coordination and support.
• Develop and implement advance security plans, including primary, secondary, and emergency route planning.
• Maintain high physical fitness levels and complete required training programs, including defensive driving and firearm qualification.
3. Liaison and Coordination (10%)
• Build and maintain relationships with Ugandan law enforcement, protocol offices, and security elements to facilitate effective protective operations.
• Act as a driver for the protectee during emergencies, employing advanced defensive driving techniques.

Qualifications Required
a. Education
• Completion of high/secondary school.
• Host government driver’s license to operate up to Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
b. Prior Work Experience
• Minimum 3 years of professional security experience in private sector, government, police, or military roles such as bodyguard, armed escort, or combat arms.
• At least 6 months in a leadership or supervisory role.
c. Post Entry Training
• Training in protective security tactics, emergency response, and first aid.
• Defensive driving training and regular firearm qualification.
• Participate in simulated emergency response scenarios, including attacks-on-principle (AOP), vehicle incidents, and cross-loading exercises.
d. Language Proficiency
• English: Level III (Good Working Knowledge) - Reading/Writing/Speaking.
• Luganda or Kiswahili: Level III (Good Working Knowledge) - Reading/Writing/Speaking.
e. Job Knowledge
• Comprehensive understanding of defensive security measures, emergency response procedures, and motorcade operations.
• Familiarity with Ugandan law enforcement, military, and government offices to enable effective liaison.
f. Skills and Abilities
• Leadership skills and ability to mentor team members effectively.
• Strong observational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced defensive driving skills and firearm proficiency.
• Ability to administer emergency first aid and maintain physical fitness.
• Adaptability to stressful environments and ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Competence in computer applications for reporting and planning.

Position Elements
a. Supervision Received
• Reports to the Bodyguard Supervisor. In the absence of a Bodyguard Supervisor or Coordinator, the SL assumes oversight of BG personnel under RSO supervision.
b. Supervision Exercised
• Leads a team of four (4) Bodyguards.
c. Available Guidelines
• Follows RSO instructions, Embassy policies, Bodyguard orders, Rules of Engagement (ROE), and applicable Diplomatic Security Service guidelines.
d. Exercise of Judgment
• Exercises sound judgment and decisiveness in responding to security threats and operational challenges.
• May use force when necessary, adhering to ROE and related policies.
e. Authority to Make Commitments
• None.
f. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts
• Maintains extensive liaison with host-nation law enforcement, military, and security agencies to obtain support and information for protective operations.
g. Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level
• 12 months to become fully trained and operational in all aspects of protective security.