Bodyguard; Bodyguard​/Driver

Overview

The U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the Bodyguard/Driver in the Regional Security Office (RSO).

Position Title:

Bodyguard (Bodyguard/Driver) - Duty

Location:

Bern, SZ. Telework Eligible:
No.

Schedule:

Full-time (40 hours per week), some weekends. Promotion Potential: LE-5. Salary: CHF Fr76'679.99 per year. Security Clearance:
Public Trust - Background Investigation. Appointment Type:
Permanent (Indefinite subject to successful completion of probationary period).

Announcement Number:
Bern-2026-03. Hiring Agency:
Embassy Bern.

• 60%:
  Bodyguard/Advance Agent for the Ambassador/Chargé. Provide immediate physical protection, intervene in emergencies, restrain attackers, evacuate the Ambassador when needed, counter hostile surveillance, coordinate with local authorities, and maintain communications with the security team.
• 45%:
  Fully armored vehicle driver. Lead or backup driver for the Ambassador/Chargé, ensure safe transport in a fully armored vehicle in compliance with DS training, SOPs, and local driving laws. Maintain a valid driver’s license. Includes scheduled and occasional unscheduled weekend work.
• 15%:
  Training and planning. Maintain proficiency in protective security tactics, planning, counter-surveillance, communications, emergency medical procedures, and operation of Fully Armored Vehicles. Maintain firearms proficiency if authorized under DS procedures.

Note:

Percentages reflect primary responsibilities and may vary with operational needs.

• Two years of previous police, military, armored vehicle operation, or security work is required.
• Language:
  English (good working knowledge: speaking, reading, writing). German (good working knowledge: speaking, reading, writing).
• Education:
  
  Completion of secondary school is required.
• Job Knowledge:
  Basic knowledge of security procedures, protective driving, local threat environment, and familiarity with police/close protection operations in Switzerland.
• Skills and Abilities:
  
  Ability to interact effectively with senior Swiss government officials, corporate security, and local and federal police. Good judgment in challenging situations. Rudimentary self-defense skills.
• Other:
  Must have a valid residence/work permit for Switzerland at the time of application. Must be able to obtain and hold a Public Trust Certificate and a pre-employment medical exam. Must have a Swiss driving license. Must be able to begin work within 3 months of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications, or candidacy may end.

• Education Requirements:
  
  Completion of secondary school is required.
• Evaluations:
  You will be evaluated against the qualifications and requirements in this vacancy announcement. You may be asked to complete a pre-employment language or skills test. You must complete the application form and provide documents addressing all qualifications and requirements. Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

• Residency Permit/Work Permit (if applicable)
• Copy of passport
• Resume/CV
• A statement from the debt collection office and an excerpt from the criminal record
• Language Scores (if applicable)
• Driver’s License
• Certificate (if applicable)
• Professional License (if applicable)

• For Eligible Family Member (EFM) Applicants:
  Copy of Sponsor's Travel Orders/Assignment Notification (or equivalent);
  Passport copy; DD-214 or equivalent documentation; SF-50 (if applicable).

The U.S. Embassy offers a competitive compensation and benefits package for local employees. The pay plan is assigned by the HR Office and confirmed by Washington, D.C. For Eligible Family Member (EFM) applicants, benefits should be discussed with the HR Office.

Hiring Preference: A formal process applies. Eligible applicants receive ranking per the order of preference listed in the vacancy notice. For full definitions of AEFM, USEFM, EFM, and related terms, please visit the FAM 7210 definitions.

Note:

The Embassy does not sponsor work permits. All applicants must have a valid work permit at the time of application.

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