Protocol Officer At African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA)

• 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 generating 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 area
• Participate in the organization 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 programs related to the functioning of the Unit/Division;
• Provide technical support to internal and external stakeholders
   
  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 pennants and nameplates of Member States are properly procured and correctly used inappropriate places
• Custodian of the Secretariat ceremonial items (Mast flags; desk flags, car pennants, nameplates 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 inquiries
• Undertake Airport duties of welcoming/and seeing-off VIPs and other personalities at the airport, VIP lounge arrangements, etc…
• Maintains working relationships 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 

 Qualification, Skills And 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  

• 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;