Protocol Officer (P1), AfCFTA - African Union Commission

The Protocol Officer (P1) at African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is to support the development and delivery of a range of protocol activities during events such as training/information seminars, conferences, publicity events, dinners and luncheons in line with protocol policies, strategies and programmes within the AfCFTA Secretariat

Main Functions

• Assist in the following up on the activities of the division, including monitoring and evaluating progress made in line with a predefined strategic plan;
• Provide support in the implementation of programs, policies and procedures within the division; 

• Assist in conducting analysis and generating accurate reports in a timely manner for the respective Unit/Division and AU’s internal use; 
• Provide support to senior officers in setting the overall research direction of a relevant policy area; 
• Participate in the organisation of relevant meetings, congresses and conferences with stakeholders; 
• Assist in engagement with relevant mid-level stakeholders and develop relationships as may be delegated; 
• Support the promotion of the activities of the Division including preparing leaflets, guidelines and fact sheets; 
• Provide technical support to internal and external stakeholders. 
   

Specific Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of protocol information guidelines for delegates and participants of AfCFTA meetings on the modalities of accreditation and seating plans
• Assist in the preparation of the Diplomatic list of State Parties of the AfCFTA and keep protocol related documents of historical value and ensure their periodical update
• Assist in securing and maintaining ceremonial items such as Mast flags; desk flags, car pennants and nameplates of Member States are properly procured and correctly used inappropriate places

• Provide protocol assistance to staff and handle in-house and external enquiries
• Undertake Airport duties of welcoming/and seeing-off VIPs and other personalities at the airport, VIP lounge arrangements, etc…
• Maintains working relationships with airline personnel, immigration and customs officers under the guidance of the Manager;
• Oversees the work of the staff under his supervision;
• Oversees the processing of Exit Visas for the departing staff;
• Perform other duties as may be assigned 
   

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

A Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy, Public Administration, Humanities or any other related discipline with 2 years of relevant work experience 
 

Required Skills

• Oral and written communication skills
• Excellent analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Planning and organizational skills
• Ability to successfully manage ambiguity  
• Ability to work across business units/geographies; cultural sensitivity
• Proficiency in one of the AU official working languages (French, English, Portuguese, Arabic) and  fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage;

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Insight
• Developing Others
• Change Management
• Managing Risk

Core Competencies

• Accountable and Complies with Rules
• Communicating with Influence
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Learning Orientation