Protocol Officer, (P2) 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, (P2) AfCFTA

Requisition ID: 1164
Location: Accra, Ghana
Reports to: Senior Protocol Officer 
Directorate / Department: Office of the Deputy Secretary General
Division: Protocol Division
Job Grade: P2
Contract Type: Regular

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 generate 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;
• Participate in the organisation of relevant meetings, congresses and conferences with stakeholders;
• 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 name plates of Member States are properly procured and correctly used in appropriate places
• Custodian of the Secretariat ceremonial items (Mast flags; desk flags, car pennant, name plates 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 relationship with airline personnel, immigration and custom 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.

Languages:

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

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.

Remuneration
Indicative basic salary of US$31,073.00 (P2 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment ( 57% of basic salary), Housing allowance of US$ 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.