Protocol Specialist

Organizational Setting

The FAO Subregional Office for Eastern Africa (SFE) is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing, and implementing agreed strategies for addressing subregional food, agriculture, and rural development priorities. It develops and maintains relations with subregion-wide institutions including Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). It assists the FAO Representations (FAORs) in the subregion with addressing subregional food security, agriculture, and rural development issues at the country level. The Office is also responsible for liaison with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The Subregional Office is a subsidiary of FAO’s Regional Office for Africa (RAF).

Reporting Lines

Under the overall guidance of the Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa (SFE), the overall supervision of the Senior Administrative Officer, and the direct supervision of the Business Support Officer, the incumbent will carry out the duties listed below:

Technical Focus 

The provision of general protocol support services to both SFE and FAO Representation in Ethiopia ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Provide protocol services for meetings and events involving the FAO Director-General, the Deputy Directors-General ,the Assistant Directors-General, the  Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa, the FAO Representative to Ethiopia, other Heads of Office, and other high-level dignitaries, including  for the annual African Union Summit;
•    Liaise with concerned Offices in FAO Rome, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ethiopia, African Union Commission (AUC)  Protocol department and other relevant AUC offices,  on the organization of high level meetings;
•    Apply Protocol, diplomacy and etiquette when interfacing with High level dignitaries and VIPs
•    Serve as the main contact person on relations with the Government of Ethiopia, especially in facilitating high level delegates’ mission and meetings;
•    Serve as a Focal Point for all Protocol matters and assists the Business Support Officer in the day-to-day management of the Protocol unit;
•    Maintain a database of all FAO international staff and assist with their arrival, residency and departure formalities for themselves and their families, in accordance with the privileges and immunities accorded by the host country
•    Assist in the organization of official visits by high level dignataries to the FAO Subregional Office for Eastern Africa and FAO Representation to Ethiopia (FRETH ). ie. Airport Protocol, hotel protocol operations , facilitate airport transfers, booking of VIP lounge
•    Support the Conference Services in organizing and preparing official visits of high-level FAO and UN senior officials to Ethiopia
•    Provide the necessary protocol and liaison services FAO SFE, FRETH staff and other stakeholders. Advises on matters of protocol and procedures when required.
•    Keep abreast of government and political developments in Ethiopia and the subregion within FAO and the UN System.
•    Maintain up-to-date information on the composition of governments of the FAO Member States in Eastern Africa, and of intergovernmental organizations based in Ethiopia.
•    Participate as a member of the UN Protocol Task Force and establish a wide range on contacts with  Protocol staff of Embassies,  Government of Ethiopia, African Union other International Organizations and NGOs based in Ethiopia.
•    Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements 

•    Candidate should be a national of Ethiopia
•    A university degree in international business, event planning & management, hospitality, political science, international relations, law, administration, management, a foreign language or related fields.
•    Seven years of experience in protocol, conference support, and the fundamental of protocols and diplomacy is required.
•    Working knowledge of English and working knowledge of the local language is required. Knowledge of other UN languages is desirable.

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills  

•    Ability to effectively use standard office software, such as MS Office (Windows, Word, Outlook, Excel, Exchange), etc.
•    Ability to use administrative software and/or other information systems and databases.
•    The incumbent must possess a cooperative spirit, flexibility, tact, courtesy, diplomacy and openness to work in an international environment with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
•    Experience in organizing high-level events is desirable.
•    Enhanced written and oral  communication skills required for interaction with VIPs, diplomats and Government etc

Selection Criteria 

•    Extent of experience in protocol functions;
•    Familiarity to work with UN agencies, African Union, Government and other partners;
•    Demonstrates integrity and ethics in the conduct of his/her work;
•    Interpersonal skills;
•    Ability to work under pressure;
•    Ability to clearly communicate in English (written and spoken);
•    Client orientation and ability to use tact and courtesy in communication with a wide range of individuals.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION