Protocol Officer (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 Organization 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 (AfCFTA)

Requisition ID: 1623
Location: Accra, Ghana
Reports to: Protocol Officer (P2) 
Directorate/Department: Protocol Services
Division: Protocol Division
Number of Direct Reports: 2
Number of Indirect Reports: 0
Job Grade: P1
Number of Positions: 01
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 on 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 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;

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.

Oral Interview:

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

Core Competencies:

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

Functional Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Job Knowledge and information sharing
• Drive for result:
• Continuous Improvement Focus

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$25,523.00 (P1 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment ( 57% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 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
8th March, 2023.