Senior Protocol Officer, AfCFTA - African Union Commission

The Senior Protocol Officer is to enable the AfCFTA Secretariat to achieve its objectives through the provision of protocol services with strict adherence to the appropriate conduct of ceremonies.

Main Functions

• Provide support in the preparation and Implement the programmes developed out of the Division’s strategic plan;
• Ensure effective coordination and implementation at various levels;
• Develop and maintain regular working relations with top-level stakeholders in appropriate agencies of the Member States and partners,
• Prepare and develop reports, budgets and work programmes related to the functioning of the Division;

• Provide support to develop resource mobilization strategy with stakeholder coordination;
• Manage and supervise employees under his/her supervision with regard to organization and performance evaluation;
• Conduct complex analysis and generate accurate reports in a timely manner for the Division and AfCFTA Secretariat's internal use;
• Liaise with the various Departments/Units of the Secretariat for coordination and alignment purposes;
• Prepare budgets for the Division in accordance with relevant frameworks.
• Support the promotion of the activities of the Division including preparing leaflets, guidelines and fact sheets as may be required;
• Actively contribute to the development of strategies, policies, programmes and plans.

Specific Responsibilities

• Assist the Head of Protocol on the issues related to privileges and immunities of the Secretariat and its staff are handled in accordance with the relevant provisions of the host agreement
• Advice on the appropriate souvenir/gift for the Secretariat special guests during the gift exchange
• Supervise Airport duties of welcoming/and seeing-off Council of Ministers, Senior Trade Officials, other VIPs and Delegates at the airport, VIP lounge when necessary
• Co-ordinate requests for import/export permits for vehicles and other goods and personal effects for the Secretariat and its staff
• Prepare and update the diplomatic lists of the AU Member States (Heads of State and Government; Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Ministers in Charge of Trade and High Commission/Ambassadors accredited to the host country)

• Draft congratulatory and condolence messages when necessary
• Supervise the preparation and organization of official functions and ensure that the conduct of ceremonies, official programmes, and functions are appropriately carried out;
• Assist the Head of Protocol to coordinate and follow up appointments of the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat for all public functions and ceremonies such as visits of Dignitaries, courtesy calls of newly appointed Ambassadors;
• Service the Secretariat conference organized both at the Headquarters and those out of the country
• Attend to all protocol-related matters at the official residence of the Secretary-General when necessary
• Conduct the periodical induction organized by the Directorate of the Administration when necessary
• Supervise all the audiences organized by the office of the Secretary-General and AfCFTA directors when necessary
• Prepare and supervise ceremonies and official functions
• In addition to the above, will perform any other duties directed by the Chief of Protocol and the Principal Protocol Officer

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

A Master’s Degree in International Relations, Political Science, Public Relations or Diplomacy or a related area with a minimum of 7 years of which 3 should be at the supervisory level.

Or

A Bachelor Degree in International Relations, Political Science, Public Relations or Diplomacy with specialization in International Relations and Diplomacy, with ten (10) years of relevant progressive work experience of which three (3) years at the supervisory level

Required Skills

• Ability to use strong managerial delegation, political tact and supervisory skills to achieve documented objectives
• Ability to work effectively with people from various backgrounds and create an environment where diversity is respected
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with top-level stakeholders
• Ability to identify key strategic opportunities and risks
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to actively seek, identify and apply appropriate technology to improve programme delivery
• Ability to delegate the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority with regard to performance management and professional development
• Proficiency in two 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

• Building Relationships
• Foster Accountability Culture
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence:

Functional Competencies

• Conceptual thinking:
• Job Knowledge and information sharing
• Drive for Results
• Continuous Improvement Orientation: