Protocol Officer, AfCFTA - African Union Commission

Purpose of Job

Develop and deliver 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

• Follow up on the activities of the division, including monitoring and evaluating progress made in line with a predefined strategic plan;
• Suggest new and expand on existing policy areas for planned research;
• Contribute in conducting analysis and generating accurate reports in a timely manner for the respective Unit/Division and AfCFTA Secretariat internal use;

• Assist in setting the overall research direction of a relevant policy area;
• Responsible for the delegation and execution of defined research areas;
• Engage with relevant mid-level stakeholders and develop working relationships. Support the promotion of the activities of the Division including preparing leaflets, guidelines and fact sheets;
• Assist in drafting reports and participate in the preparation of budget and work programmes related to the functioning of the Unit/Division;
• Provide technical support to internal and external stakeholders

Specific Responsibilities

• Prepare information guidelines for delegates and participants of AfCFTA Secretariat’s meetings on the modalities of accreditation and seating plans
• Assist in the preparation of the Diplomatic list of State Parties of the AfCFTA Secretariat and keep protocol related documents of historical value and ensure their periodical update
• Ensure the ceremonial items such as Mast flags; desk flags, car pennant and nameplates of Member States are properly procured and correctly used inappropriate places
• Custodian of the Secretariat ceremonial items (Mast flags; desk flags, car pennants, nameplates as well as the gifts etc…)
• Supervise the work of Protocol Assistants reporting to him/her
• 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;
• Coordinate with events management staff for effective progression of the event, briefing them about the standard events protocol;
• Oversees the work of the staff under his/her supervision;
• Oversees the processing of Exit Visas for the departing staff;
• Perform other related duties as may be assigned

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• A Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations, Diplomacy, Political Sciences, Public Administration, Humanities or any other related discipline with 5 years of relevant work experience in areas of Protocol Services,
  or
• A Master’s Degree in Social Sciences, with specialization in International Relations and Diplomacy or in related field with 2 years of relevant work experience in Protocol services
• Supervisory experience is an added advantage

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

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

Functional Competencies

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Job Knowledge and information sharing
• Drive for Results
• Continuous Improvement Focus