Protocol Officer at United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)

Job Description

United Nations and regional organizations; provides administrative and other support services to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat); provides joint and common services to other organizations of the United Nations system in Kenya, as applicable; and manages and implements the programmes of administration, conference services and public information and provides security and safety services for United Nations staff and facilities in the United Nations Office at Nairobi.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Within the delegated authority, the Protocol Officer will be responsible for performing the following duties:

Provides protocol services for meetings and events involving Senior UN officials as well as for high-level visits by government dignitaries as appropriate. Assists the Chief of Office in ensuring adherence to the various aspects of UN protocol in organizing bilateral meetings and liaises with counterparts in Permanent Missions and Intergovernmental Organizations to confirm arrangements and coordinates with relevant UNON entities on Protocol related matters.  Assists the Chief of Office in the organization of official visits by Heads of States, Heads of Government, ministers and other VIPs to UNON. Supports the Chief of Office in organizing and preparing official visits of the Secretary-General and the Deputy Secretary-General to Nairobi. Assists the Chief of Office in organizing ceremonies for the presentation of letters of credentials / letters of appointment to the Secretary-General by newly appointed Permanent Representatives / Permanent Observers. Provides protocol and liaison services to the Permanent Missions including the issuance of access budges to the compound and approval of access to the UN Commissary. Advises Permanent Missions, Observer Offices and UN entities staff on matters of protocol and procedures. Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM:

Knowledge of protocol and/or event management in a governmental or international organization context, including knowledge of working with host governments. Knowledge of norms, rules and customs of international diplomatic protocol, including practices developed with in the United Nations System. Knowledge of administrative procedures and practices of international organizations such as the United Nations. Ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. Ability to work under pressure. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

TEAMWORK:

Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

PLANNING & ORGANIZING:

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments. Adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

CLIENT ORIENTATION:

Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

REQUIREMENTS

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international relations, political science, public administration or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in protocol, diplomatic service, external relations or a related area is required. Experience in an international organization, foreign service and/or the United Nations System is desirable. Work experience in the area of protocol or event management in a multilateral setting is desirable.