Protocol Officer (P1) - AfCFTA at the African Union (AU)

The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999).  We are an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Protocol Officer (P1) - AfCFTA

Requisition ID: 1163
Location: Accra, Ghana
Reports to: Protocol Officer (P2) 
Directorate/Department: Protocol Services
Division: Protocol Division
Number of Direct Reports: 2
Job Grade: P1
Contract Type: Regular

Purpose of Job

• Support the development 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

• 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 implementation of programs, policies and procedures within the division; 
• Assist in conducting analysis and generate 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 pennant and name plates of Member States are properly procured and correctly used in appropriate 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 relationship with airline personnel, immigration and custom 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 at least 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.

Functional Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Job Knowledge and information sharing
• Drive for Results

Tenure of Appointment

• The appointment will be made on a regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period.
• Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

Gender Mainstreaming:

• The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Language:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.

Remuneration

• Indicative basic salary of US$25,523.00 (P1 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment ( 57% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 21,196.80 (per annum), and education allowance (100% of tuition and other education-related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10,000.00 per child per annum), for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of $3,300 per child per annum for locally recruited staff.

Application Closing Date
23rd May, 2022.