Administrative Assistant (Protocol) at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO-UN) - An intergovernmental organization, FAO has 194 Member Nations, two associate members and one member organization, the European Union. Its employees come from various cultural backgrounds and are experts in the multiple fields of activity FAO engages in. FAO’s staff capacity allows it to support improved governance inter alia, generate, develop and adapt existing tools and guidelines and provide targeted governance support as a resource to country and regional level FAO offices. Headquartered in Rome, Italy, FAO is present in over 130 countries.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Administrative Assistant (Protocol)

Job Identification: 6687
Location: Abuja
Duration: 12 months with possibility of extension
Type of Requisition: NPP (National Project Personnel)
Grade Level: N/A

Technical Focus

• The Administrative Assistant (Protocol) will perform a wide range of routine administrative functions in support of the smooth and efficient protocol support in the FAO Representation. He/she will support day-to-day administrative actions, including specialized and complex processes and functions, ensuring consistency, timeliness and conformity with relevant FAO manuals, guidelines and procedures.

Reporting Lines:

• Under general supervision of the FAO Representative, the Administrative Assistant (Protocol) reports directly the Assistant FAO Representative (Administration) and work closely with other administrative Assistants/Associates.
• He/she is expected to use initiative and knowledge within the Protocol area to independently respond to queries with general guidance.
• There is a requirement to use judgment in dealing with unforeseen problems daily.
• The Administrative Assistant (Protocol) works for various Units and Thematic areas within the Representation, and supports with visa request, regularization and extension, customs duty waiver, facilitation of FAO employees’ transfers, benefits and entitlements as applicable etc.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Liaise with the relevant Host Country Government entities (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or Protocol unit) for troubleshooting of any protocol related matters.
• Assist staff members and their recognized dependents in processing and following up their requests for visas, resident permits and diplomatic identification as well as other necessary related documents in accordance with the requirement of the United Nations and the Host Country.
• Manage Airport Protocol Operations; facilitate airport lounge bookings including meeting and greeting airports in support of departure and arrival of UN officials.
• Arrange airport transfers of high-level officials and key partners and support to expedite customs and immigration procedures as necessary.
• Responsible for issuance of protocol routine correspondence.
• Process annual requests for airport passes for senior staff.
• Any other duties assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Requirements   

• University Degree in Business Administration, Political Science, Sociology, Management and other related fields
• Two years of relevant experience in Administration and Protocol support services 
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English
• National of Nigeria.

FAO Core Competencies:

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills:

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work
• Extent and relevance of experience in Nigerian Visa policies and procedures, Nigerian customs regulations etc.
• Extent and relevance of experience in effectively working with people of different national and cultural background
• Familiarity with the Nigerian Visa Policy, Privileges and immunities for Specialized Agencies of the United Nations.

Application Closing Date
12th March, 2026.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.