Protocol Assistant, AfCFTA at the African Union (AU)

The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999).  We are an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Protocol Assistant, AfCFTA

Requisition ID: 1174
Location: Accra, Ghana
Reports to: Senior Protocol Officer
Directorate/Department: Office of Deputy Secretary General
Division: Protocol Services
Number of Direct Reports: 0
Number of Indirect Reports: 0
Job Grade: GSA 5
Number of Positions: 01
Contract Type: Regular

Purpose of Job

• To provide general and administrative protocol services support to the AfCFTA Secretariat.

Main Functions

• Follows- up on the activities of the division, including monitoring and evaluating progress made in line with a predefined strategic plan;
• Suggests new and expand on existing policy areas for planned research;
• Contributes to conducting analysis and generate accurate reports in a timely manner for the respective Unit/Division and AU’s internal use;
• Sets the overall research direction of a relevant policy area;
• Responsible for the delegation and execution of defined research areas;
• Participates in the organisation of relevant meetings, congresses and conferences with stakeholders;
• Engages 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;
• Drafts reports and participate in the preparation of budget and work programmes related to the functioning of the Unit/Division;
• Provides technical support to internal and external stakeholders.

Specific Responsibilities
Ceremonies, Conferences and Events:

• Welcomes and presents VIPs/Guests to the AfCFTA Secretary General
• Welcomes and ushers guests during official functions, meetings/conferences
• Prepare conference halls and service meetings/conferences and perform accreditation duties
• Assist delegates and participants of AfCFTA meetings with the modalities of accreditation and seating arrangements
• Ensure nameplates for AfCFTA Members States and organizations are sufficiently available and kept in order
• Follow-up the printing of nameplates, conference badges and invitation cards
• Assists with the preparation of receptions, cocktails, luncheons and dinners organized by the AfCFTA Secretariat.

Airport Duties:

• Undertake Airport duties of welcoming/and seeing-off VIPs and other personalities at the airport, VIP lounge arrangements, etc…
• Receives and assists newly recruited staff members of AfCFTA upon arrival at the airport
• Welcomes and assists delegates upon arrival at the airport.
• Process usage of VIP permits from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for AfCFTA Secretary General and other AU high level personalities
• Assist staff members on medical evacuation at the airport.
• Liase with transport officers with regard to transportation services of VIPs, newly recruited staff members, guests and delegates from/to airport/hotels on arrival at the airport

Consular Services:

• Process Applications for visa requests for staff members from both African and Non-African Embassies/High Commission
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• A minimum of Diploma in Management or Administration from a recognized educational institute.
• Higher relevant academic qualifications in Public or International Relations/Diplomacy will be an added advantage.
• A minimum of five years relevant work experience, in clerical or protocol/public relations duties, preferably in an international organization

Required Skills:

• Good knowledge and practical use of computer
• Good communication, drafting and reporting skills
• Proficiency in one of the AU official working languages (French, English, Portuguese, Arabic) and  fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies:

• Flexibility
• Risk Awareness and Compliance
• Core Competencies
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Accountability awareness and Compliance
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating Clearly
• Functional Competencies
• Trouble shooting
• Job Knowledge Sharing
• Task Focused
• Continuous Improvement Awareness.

Tenure Of Appointment:

• The appointment will be made on a regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

Gender Mainstreaming:

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

Languages:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.

Remuneration
Indicative basic salary of US$ 15,758.00  (GSA 5 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (57% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 16,813.44  (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.

Application Closing Date
6th June, 2022.