Protocol Assistant (Visas)

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Position Title: Protocol Assistant (Visas)
Location: Addis Ababa
Country: Ethiopia
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) was established to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, informed by the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 206

• The organization operates with a mission to advance Africa's position globally, develop macroeconomic policies, implement innovative financing models, and contribute to regional challenges focusing on peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and social inclusion. UNECA is a premier knowledge institution that collaborates with various stakeholders to address the continent's problems and promote local solutions. It is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and plays a crucial role in regional development and governance issues.

Job Overview:
The Protocol Assistant (Visas) position is situated within the Publications & Conference Management Section (PCMS) of UNECA. The role involves advising on UN rules and practices related to visa requests and documentation for staff traveling on missions, eligible dependents, and UN-sponsored travelers. The Protocol Assistant will serve as the primary point of contact for all visa-related inquiries, liaising with embassies accredited to Ethiopia, and overseeing the complete visa application process. This includes maintaining an up-to-date database of visa requirements, tracking application statuses, and ensuring timely communication with stakeholders. The position also requires assisting with administrative tasks related to visa processing, organizing high-level visits, and providing direct administrative support to the Chief of the Travel Unit. The Protocol Assistant will be responsible for drafting protocol-related correspondence, collaborating with various UN agencies, and supporting the creation of informational materials related to visa services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protocol Assistant (Visas) will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities including: advising on UN visa rules and practices; serving as the primary contact for visa inquiries; overseeing the visa application process; maintaining a database of visa requirements; ensuring compliance with regulations; assisting with administrative tasks related to visa processing; organizing high-level visits; drafting and dispatching protocol-related correspondence; collaborating with UN agencies on visa services; managing office functions; providing administrative support to the Chief of the Travel Unit; assisting with cost recovery tasks; collecting and analyzing data; and performing other related work as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A bachelor's degree in management, business administration, or related fields is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressive work experience in administrative roles with a focus on visas or protocols. For those with a first-level university degree or higher, the minimum experience requirement is reduced to three years. Knowledge of administrative and operational support is also desirable, along with experience in data analytics or related areas.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum. A bachelor's degree in management, business administration, or related fields is highly desirable and preferred for candidates applying for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressive work experience in administrative roles, particularly focusing on visa or protocol-related duties. This requirement is reduced to three years for candidates who hold a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in data analytics or related fields is also considered desirable, indicating a preference for candidates who can handle data effectively in support of decision-making processes.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is considered an advantage and is encouraged for applicants to enhance their candidacy.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be recruited within the country or within commuting distance of the office. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and strongly encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.