Security Agent

General Information

• Type of contract: Fixed-term contract, which may be extended subject to individual performance and organisational needs
• Who can apply?: EU nationals
• Salary: D (bracket 1 - step 1) full time monthly net salary: €3,960 plus benefits, for further information see
• Role specialisation: Security
• Working time: Full time
• On-call?: Yes
• Shift?: Yes
• Place of work: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
• Closing date: 15.07.2024

Your team

You will be part of the Executive Protection Team in the Security and Safety Division of the Directorate Administration in the Directorate General Corporate Services.

Our Division has around 60 staff members. Together we deliver innovative technology, provide ongoing security risk management and constantly monitor the ECB’s threat landscape. In so doing, we strive to protect the bank’s staff, premises and operations, and to promote a healthy and safe working environment.

In your role as a Security Agent, you will be part of a team responsible for the security of high-level individuals in the protection programme, working closely with local and national law enforcement authorities, European institutions and agencies, and other entities as necessary.

The ECB is an inclusive employer and we strive to reflect the diversity of the population we serve. We encourage you to apply irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or other characteristics.

Your role

As a Security Agent you will:

• provide executive protection services in line with established tactics and operational procedures;
• plan and organise all transportation, as well as coordinate security arrangements, for the protection programme;
• liaise with international and domestic customs, immigration and special services officials to ensure swift and efficient security clearance and escorts at all border crossings;
• conduct site security reconnaissance based on dedicated checklists and prepare written reports;
• be the contact person for external close protection officers accompanying dignitaries to the ECB’s premises;
• take up special duties and perform specifically assigned tasks (according to expertise) to support the team’s administrative activities.

Your role requires you to be both physically and mentally fit and work well in a team. You will have to participate in regular firearms, tactical and other training activities, and perform at the highest level necessary to do the job of an armed security agent.

Qualifications, experience and skills

Essential: 

• relevant vocational training or equivalent or a university degree in law enforcement, security and executive protection or another relevant field (see How you can join us for details on degree equivalences);
• in addition to the above, at least five years’ experience in executive and close protection for high-level officials or senior executives gained in the field of law enforcement, in the military or in a public or private international organisation;
• a valid C1 driving licence or higher (if not held, the successful candidate will be required to obtain one within the first three months);
• proven experience in carrying and handling firearms;
• a proven track record of being able to maintain the required physical, psychological and tactical fitness to intervene in emergency situations;
• a valid and recent first-aid certificate (if not held, the successful candidate will be required to obtain one within the first three months);
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• computer literacy and familiarity with the MS Office package (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.);
• an advanced (C1) command of English and an advanced (C1) command of another European language, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Desired: 

• an intermediate (B1) command of German and French;
• knowledge of methods and techniques for conducting location threat and risk assessments and gathering protective intelligence;
• TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care) certification.

You are recognised as someone who supports others proactively. You work constantly to improve your own output and you learn willingly from other people’s diverse perspectives. You signal any need for change by explaining it and proposing alternative solutions. Your strong capacity for analytical thinking enables you to work with incomplete information and you deliver in line with stakeholder needs.

You are motivated to be part of our team and to develop and use your skills and competencies to achieve the aims of this position.

Working modalities

Your duties will involve frequent travel within Europe and overseas, sometimes at short notice and during non-standard working hours. You will be required to work early and late shifts on a rotational basis, and to perform night and weekend on-call duties (being able to reach the ECB within one hour if necessary).

Further information

The contract offered will be fixed-term, the appointment being for one year as of the exact starting date of the selected person.

Temporary appointments may be extended or made permanent subject to organisational needs and budgetary constraints. This may result in a staff member with a non-convertible fixed-term contract being offered a convertible contract in accordance with the ECB Conditions of Employment.

Application and selection process

The recruitment process for this position will be conducted in part remotely. It will involve an operational readiness assessment, including the handling of firearms, physical fitness and dynamics within a team in the pre-selection phase and – if you are invited to participate in the subsequent selection phase – a written exercise and interviews. 

If you are not selected for this position but are still considered suitable, you will be placed on a reserve list (see step 4 of How we hire), from which you might be considered for similar positions within the ECB.

Find out how to apply for a position at the ECB. 

Read more about how you can join us.