Management Services Officer (Protocol)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance as a means to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for individuals recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP has been operational in Syria since 1964, providing critical assistance aimed at enhancing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and supporting resilience in communities. The organization operates with a vision of a diverse, committed, skilled, and high-performing workforce, selected based on merit and working in an inclusive environment. WFP is recognized for its commitment to equal employment opportunities and embraces diversity in its workforce. The organization has received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts globally. WFP operates in numerous countries, focusing on delivering effective humanitarian assistance to millions of people worldwide, and invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mobility opportunities.

Job Overview:
The Management Services Officer (Protocol) position is crucial for managing official communications and protocol functions that support WFP’s operations in Syria. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Deputy Country Director for Enabling Services and will be responsible for drafting and quality-assuring official correspondence, coordinating administrative formalities with national authorities, and managing protocol arrangements for delegations and missions. This role is essential for ensuring high-quality official communication and compliance with administrative procedures, thereby facilitating smooth interactions with external stakeholders. The position requires a proactive approach to managing protocol-related queries and ensuring effective support for daily operational needs. The incumbent will also be responsible for maintaining accurate protocol records and reporting, contributing to operational effectiveness by ensuring timely processing of all protocol-related requirements, and supporting the planning and implementation of protocol-related ceremonies and events.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protocol Officer will be responsible for a variety of duties, including managing and responding to protocol and administration-related queries, coordinating the work of the protocol team, overseeing reception and departure arrangements for official delegations, managing hospitality and logistics for visiting delegations, serving as the focal point for coordinating visits of international officials, preparing and coordinating meetings with national authorities, facilitating mission-related arrangements, liaising with national authorities for visa processes, organizing official meetings, managing the protocol database, and providing guidance to staff on national procedures. The role also includes ensuring compliance with established standards and procedures, maintaining confidentiality, and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong writing skills in both English and Arabic, with a Master's degree in English Literature, Law, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training is acceptable. The position requires strong communication skills to provide specialized protocol services and the ability to proactively identify areas for improvement in protocol and administrative services. Candidates should have experience in coordinating the work of others and providing training and support, as well as experience in simultaneous translation from Arabic to English or vice versa. A strong ability to build positive relationships across functions is essential.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in English Literature, Law, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field is required. A Bachelor's degree is acceptable if accompanied by additional years of relevant work experience and/or training. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of protocol functions and administrative actions within a humanitarian context.

Experience:
Candidates with a Master's degree should have at least one year of relevant experience in planning, monitoring, and processing administrative actions related to protocol functions. Those with a Bachelor's degree should have at least three years of relevant experience in similar areas. Experience within the humanitarian field is considered an added advantage, as it provides insight into the unique challenges faced in such environments.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered beneficial but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Damascus, Syria, and operates under the framework of the United Nations. The role is full-time and may involve interactions with various stakeholders, including national authorities and international officials. The WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.