Protocol Officer at the Confederation of African Football (CAF)

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) was founded in 1957 by four nations: Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia and South Africa. As the administrative body of the region, CAF manages competitions, offers technical and administrative training courses while actively fostering the promotion and practice of football. The Confederation organizes championships such as the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN or AFCON), the most popular competition. It maintains very close links with FIFA in coordinating tournaments for different events such as the World Cup, Youth and Women competitions and the Olympic Games Football Tournaments.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Protocol Officer

Location: Cairo, Egypt

Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of Guest Relations Team Lead to be a key representative of the Guest Operations functional area to both external and internal stakeholders
• Coordinate with relevant government agencies and Protocol teams of visiting VIPs to ensure all guest needs are met.
• Enforce Protocol procedures in accordance with CAF guidelines, understanding the Order of Precedence and principles of VVIP/VIP Seating.
• Support various Protocol tasks, including creating seating arrangements and guest profiles, providing guidance on appropriate forms of address and ceremonial procedures, warmly receiving guests, and arranging exclusive experiences.
• Develop a thorough understanding of protocol requirements and daily operations at assigned venues, including familiarity with VIP areas such as drop-off and pick-up zones, ingress and egress routes, lounges, seating sections, and other potential VIP pathways.
• Familiarize with CAF's Incident Management Reporting System and the escalation hierarchy for addressing issues.
• Conduct Protocol training sessions covering specific customs, etiquette, and cultural considerations relevant to hosting dignitaries and individuals of significance, for event staff, volunteers, and service providers.
• Collaborate closely and maintain clear communication with other functional areas, particularly those with overlapping responsibilities and roles within CAF.
• Maintain close coordination with counterparts within CAF to ensure alignment of all protocol services and processes with the organization's expectations.
• Implement any other additional tasks as directed by line manager.

Requirements (Profile)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in protocol management, particularly in sports events, serving high-level dignitaries.
• Proven track record in orchestrating various events, while effectively engaging with prominent individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to handle tasks with precision and professionalism, ensuring flawless execution.
• Extensive expertise in overseeing end-to-end protocol and VIP hospitality programs during major sports events.
• Experience in crisis management and problem-solving, capable of handling unexpected challenges and emergencies effectively.
• Proficiency in English, French, and Arabic spoken and written. English-Arabic and English-French speaking candidates would be preferred
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office and other modern IT tools.
• Familiarity with protocol procedures, such as diplomatic protocols and etiquettes, with a keen understanding of cultural sensitivities particularly within the context of sports events hosting international dignitaries.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Flexibility and adaptability to accommodate last-minute changes or adjustments to protocols and schedules, while still upholding the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency.

We Offer

• An interesting and varied job in an exciting and innovative international organization.
• Attractive employment conditions.
• The opportunity to be part of a highly committed international team.
• Quality social security coverage.
• An excellent pension schemes.

Application Closing Date
29th May, 2024.