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 this objective, the African Union intends to strengthen its capacity to deliver by, among others, the implementation of its organizational structure and the filling of all vacant posts.
1. POST
Job title: Director, Protocol Services Department
Grade: D1
Supervisor: Chairperson
Directorate: Protocol Services Department
Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2. JOB PURPOSE
Reporting to the Chairperson through the Chief of Staff, the Director of Protocol Services Department is the principal adviser to the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson and other members of senior management and staff, on protocol, immunities and privileges, the application of relevant host agreements, and other relevant conventions. The role supports the work of the Commission by leading the development and implementation of effective, responsive and efficient Protocol services on matters such as privileges and immunities, consular matters, ceremonial services, official programmes, function and conferences preparation; aligned with the Union's needs and best practice.
The Director is expected to develop and maintain rules and procedures relating to protocol practices and services, including the implementation of Headquarters and other host agreements. He is also expected to advise the Union on all matters of protocol and ensure that existing international practices regarding protocol etiquette and procedure are properly upheld.
SPECIFIC DELIVERABLES
- Develop and maintain rules and procedures relating to practices and services;
- Manage all protocol related matters, resources and activities of the Commission;
- Overall supervision of the Protocol Directorate and dealing with policy matters with host government ,foreign embassies and international Organizations;
- Advise Commission on all matters of protocol and ensure that existing international practices regarding diplomatic protocol at ceremonies and public functions as well as forms of communication are adhered to;
- Advise the Chairperson on new practices in conformity with African circumstances and the particularity of the Union institutions;
- Continuously keep the Commission and staff informed of protocol rules and procedures;
- Supervise and process documents for diplomatic privileges and immunities of the Commission and staff;
- Supervise and process all requests for consular services with host countries and foreign embassies;
- Supervise, service and make arrangements for conferences and meetings of the AUC, including arrangements for hotel accommodation, visa and transportation for delegates and staff, receiving delegates and expediting airport formalities;
- Supervise the preparation and organization of official functions and ensure that the conduct of ceremonies, official programmes, and functions are appropriately carried out;
- Compile country profiles of AU Member States and keep them up-to-date and ensure that the AU diplomatic lists are compiled and regularly updated;
- Ensure that flags and national anthems of Member states and the AU,as well as portraits of Heads of State and Government are properly kept and made available when needed;
- Initiate all texts of congratulatory messages to Member States;
- Coordinate and follow up appointments of the Chairperson of the Commission for all public functions and ceremonies;
- Ensure that necessary arrangements for settlements of newly recruited staff members are made and assistance provided for securing accommodation and completing all residence formalities with host country authorities and institutions;
- Prepare the Programme Budget of the Directorate and overseeprogramme implementation and budget execution;
Competencies
Professional and Management Capabilities
Leadership
- Use strong managerial and supervisory skills to achieve documented objectives.
- Engage in effective delegation and follow up to ensure results.
- Use tact and political savvy in negotiating.
- Make informed decisions and communicates decisions effectively.
- Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to collaborate with others to achieve outcomes.
- Utilize strong analytical and problem solving skills.
Respect for Diversity
- Works effectively with people from various backgrounds.
- Treat all people with dignity and respect. Treats men and women equally.
- Show respect and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates it in decision-making.
- Examine own biases and behaviors to avoid stereotypical responses and does not discriminate against any individual or group.
- Create an environment where respect for diversity is embedded in behaviors, systems and processes.
Working with Others
- Collaborate effectively with top level stakeholders i.e. the Commission and SeniorManagement Group. Able to persuade, guide and advise top level stakeholders.
- Able to effectively collaborate with stakeholders and partners.
- Lead discussions and negotiations on behalf of the Commission on human resources issues.
- Create a culture where knowledge sharing and effective collaboration is encouraged.
Vision and Strategic Thinking
- Identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks.
- Clearly communicate links between the organization's strategy and the Directorate's goals.
- Establish/identify and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction.
- Identify clients' needs and appropriate solutions.
- Establish and maintain productive partnerships.
Communication
- Communicate orally with strong interpersonal skills.
- Express ideas and formulates plans by means of clear and effective writing and oral presentations.
- Draft conceptual and detailed reports/papers and reviews/edits the work of others.
- Prepare rationale with respect to key financial and administrative decisions.
- Negotiate effectively.
Teamwork
- Lead and gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavor.
- Build trust through integrity, transparency and creating an open and positive environment.
- Foster harmonious and effective teamwork in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Diversity Management
- Perform and relate effectively across organizational boundaries in a diverse Multi-national and multicultural setting.
Technology awareness
- Keep abreast of available technology and understands its applicability to the work of the Organization.
- Actively seeks, identifies and applies appropriate technology to improve programme delivery.
Performance management
- Delegate the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority.
- Establish clear roles and reporting lines for staff.
- Monitor progress against established milestones.
- Discuss performance and provide feedback and appraise performance fairly.
3. QUALIFICATIONS
At least a Master's university degree in public relations, international relations, political science or Diplomacy or a related area.
4. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Over 10 years of relevant experience in the management of a large Protocol Service at National, regional or international organization with at least 5 years at senior management level with wide powers to develop programmes, prepare plans and budget, manage human and financial resources and take decisions.
5. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
Proficiency in two of the African Union working languages . Proficiency of one or several other working language(s) would be an added advantage.
6. TENURE OF APPOINTMENT
The appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of three (3) years, of with the first twelve months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.
7. GENDER MAINSTREAMING
The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.
8. REMUNERATION
Indicative basic salary of US $73,646.00 per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (46% of basic salary), Housing allowance ($16,819.20 perannum), education allowance (75% of tuition and other education related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$7,800.00 per child per annum), etc. for internationally recruited staff of the Commission.
Applications must be made through the AUC E-recruitment Website http://www.aucareers.org not later than 4 th December 2014. Note: As this is the re-advertisement of this position, those who had previously applied may not re-submit their applications as these names are already stored in the AUC database. Directorate of Administration and Human Resource Management African Union Commission
