Protocol Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) was established to promote economic and social development in Africa. Its mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, informed by the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 206

• UNECA operates with a focus on advancing its position as a premier knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic and structural policy options, designing innovative financing models, contributing solutions to regional challenges, and advocating Africa's position at the global level. The organization is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the continent's challenges and opportunities.

Job Overview:
The Protocol Assistant position is situated within the Publications & Conference Management Section (PCMS) of UNECA. The role is crucial for ensuring that all protocol-related activities are executed efficiently and in accordance with established standards. The Protocol Assistant will support the Chief of the Unit in organizing meetings and visits for high-level delegations, ensuring that all logistical and administrative needs are met. This includes liaising with government officials, coordinating seating arrangements, and managing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and access requirements for dignitaries. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining a high level of professionalism and discretion. The Protocol Assistant will also be involved in data collection and analysis, contributing to knowledge management and decision-making processes within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protocol Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: providing support in organizing meetings for major events, liaising with government officials and delegation representatives, coordinating special needs for visiting dignitaries, scheduling conference rooms, preparing invitations and participant lists, arranging security passes, and ensuring all protocol requirements are met. The role also involves inspecting conference rooms before and after meetings, collaborating with other UNECA offices for logistical support, supervising daily operations of the Protocol Unit, distributing tasks among Protocol Assistants, reporting protocol-related issues, liaising with specialized agencies, updating host country offices on protocol norms, participating in briefings for new personnel, maintaining the Commission's Protocol and VIP lists, assisting with data analysis and presentations, and undertaking additional assignments as requested by the Chief of the Unit.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in providing administrative and logistical support to foreign diplomats and expatriates is required. Experience in handling visa processes, protocol services, and logistical support within the context of the United Nations or international organizations is essential. Knowledge of administrative and operational support in logistical and protocol services is desirable, as is familiarity with best practices in planning and executing diplomatic events. Experience in data analytics or related areas is also considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. While specific job-related qualifications are not detailed, candidates with additional certifications or training in protocol services, event management, or related fields may have an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in providing administrative and logistical support, particularly within the context of the United Nations or international organizations. Candidates should have experience in logistical support tasks such as handling visas, protocol services, and organizing diplomatic events. Familiarity with data analytics or related areas is also desirable, indicating a need for candidates who can contribute to data-driven decision-making processes.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it 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 may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be residents of Ethiopia 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 and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted.