External Publication of Job Posting 50707900

Job Posting Title : SENIOR PROTOCOL OFFICER

Start Date : 04.12.2019

End Date : 06.01.2020

Reference Code : PRO201912047

Job Title : Senior Protocol Officer

Organization

The African Union, established as a unique Pan African continental body, is charged with spearheading Africa’s

rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among

the peoples of Africa and African States as well as developing a New Partnership Worldwide. Its Headquarters

is located in Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia.

In seeking to achieve these objectives, the African Union intends to strengthen its capacity to deliver by, among

others, the implementation of new organization structure and the filling of regular vacant posts.

The Commission of the African Union invites applicants who are citizens of Member States to apply for the post

of Senior Protocol Officer within the Department of Economic Affairs in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Department

Job title: Senior Protocol Officer

Post level: P3

Supervisor: Deputy Chief of Protocol

Department: Bureau of the chairperson

Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Number of Position: 1

Project

Assist the Deputy Chief of protocol in practical implementation of the relevant provisions of Treaties on the

Additional Protocol on privileges and immunities and the Headquarters Agreement signed between the

Government of Ethiopia and the African Union Commission.

Ensure the practical implementation of the Staff Regulations and Rules and other administrative guidelines in

the Division also ensuring that issues on privileges and immunities of the Organization and its officials and staff

are handled in accordance with the relevant provisions of the above-mentioned Treaties.

Tasks

Under the supervision and guidance of the Deputy Chief of protocol, the incumbent will perform the following

tasks:

1. Dealing with administrative matters and office management, i.e. preparation of internal duty schedules

and programmes for the proper execution of the various protocol activities so that the smooth running of

business in the directorate is guaranteed

2. Establishing the work programme for Protocol Assistants, as well as supervise their daily activities;

3. Initiating and follow up on requests for diplomatic privileges and immunities from the relevant Ethiopian

authorities on behalf of the Organization and its staff members;

4. Facilitating the issuance and renewal of visas, resident IDs for staff members and family members;

5. Facilitating the opening of bank accounts, import export permits, customs clearances, etc… for the

Commission and staff members

6. Coordinating requests for obtaining import/export permits for vehicles and other goods and personal

effects for the Organization and its staff;

7. Processing driving licenses, obtaining vehicle ownership booklets, plate numbers for the AU and its staff

members and establish a data base. Also, sensitize annual vehicle inspections and ensures timely return of

vehicle plate numbers to the Ethiopian Road Transport Authority as appropriate;

8. Supervising the Protocol Assistants whenever they are processing duties with the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs, customs, transport, etc… of the host country including airport duties as well as secretaries, filing clerk

and the mail runner.

9. Over-seeing the smooth running of airport duets (i.e. preparation of airport duty schedules, VIP Lounge

usage and airport accesses; visas for conference participants, transport and accommodation arrangements;

10. Facilitating granting of landing/over fight permits for special flights

11. Initiating congratulatory, condolence, … messages and ensures timely dispatches

Requirements

1. Required Skills and Competencies

i) Skills

• Strong management and Leadership skills

• Time management skills

• Diplomacy and international relations skills

• Ability to negotiate and to persuade

• Computer literacy, especially MS office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint

• Policy development and analytical skills

• High degree of confidentiality

• Very strong skills in drafting

• Ability to Work under pressure and very busy working environment

• Working time flexibility (ready to work after official working hours, week-ends and holidays)

ii) Cross Functional Roles (within or with other units)

As Protocol Services Directorate handles various protocol duties, the officer is also expected to undertake the

following responsibilities:

Service AU meetings both at the Headquarters and outside;

Handle official visits, audiences and welcoming/seeing-off VIPs

Perform on rotation basis the duties assigned to other Protocol Officers

Representing the Protocol Services Directorate at Departmental Meetings

Organization and logistical arrangements for official functions and events

Give the necessary logistical and human resource support to all departments in the organization of

official functions and meetings.

Project the good image of the Organization by exhibiting extreme values of etiquette, commitment, good

communication skills, courtesy and cooperation.

iii) Competencies

Judgment and Decision Making: The Job Holder is expected to exercise a middle-level management decisionmaking authority and should have good communication and administrative skills. The Holder should also be

able to make decisions on routine matters.

Teamwork: Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations both internally and

externally in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender

balance.

Communication: Effective communication skills (spoken, written, and presentational), including ability to defend

and explain difficult issues and positions to staff and senior officials; Strong conceptual skills and openness to

information sharing.

2. Educational Qualifications and Professional Experience Required

Master Degree in Social Sciences, with specialization in International Relations and Diplomacy, with Seven (7)

years of relevant progressive work experience of which Three (3) years should have been at managerial level.

Or

Bachelor Degree in Social Sciences, with specialization in International Relations and Diplomacy with

specialization in International Relations and Diplomacy, with Ten (10) years of relevant progressive work

experience of which Five (5) years should have been at managerial level.

3. Language Requirement:

Proficient knowledge of 2 of the African Union official working languages. Advanced Knowledge of other

working languages would be an added advantage.

4- Tenure of Appointment:

The Appointment will be made on a regular term contract, in the first instance on a fixed-term contract for a

period of three (3) years, the first twelve (12) months of which shall be considered probationary period and

thereafter for renewable periods every two years subject to good performance and deliverables.

5- Gender Mainstreaming:

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

6- Least Represented Countries

Candidates from the following least represented countries are encouraged to apply: Algeria, Angola, Cape

Verde, Central African Rep. , Comoros, Congo (DRC), Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ghana,

Guinea, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, Saharawi Arab D.R. , Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles,

Somalia, South Africa and South Sudan

7- Remuneration:

Indicative basic salary of US$ 37,453.00 (P3 Step 1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post

adjustment 46% of basic salary, Housing allowance $ 22,932.00 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.

How to apply

Applications must be made through the AUC E-recruitment Website

http://www.aucareers.org no later than 6 January 2020.

1. Attach detailed and updated curriculum vitae/resume including three (3) referees with good knowledge.

Of candidate’s work, please, provide referees’ contact details – telephone and e-mail addresses.

2. Copy of valid passport.

3. Certified copies of educational qualifications – degrees, diplomas and certificates, where applicable (Not

4. More than 5 Documents in PDF Format, and not exceeding 1 MB).

4. Please be aware that only complete applications will be considered.

5. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Applications are pre-screened by the system according to the published requirements of the job opening on the

basis of the information provided in the application. In relation to the requirements of the job opening, applicants

must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their qualifications, including their education, work

experience, and language skills. Each applicant must bear in mind that submission of incomplete or inaccurate

applications may render that applicant ineligible for consideration for the job opening. Initial screening and

evaluation of applications will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted. Applications cannot be

amended following submission. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a

reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

Directorate of Administration and Human Resource Management

African Union Commission