Overview
The Protocol Officer will plan, organize, supervise and monitor the activities of the Host Country Services Unit, ensuring effective and timely delivery of protocol and host country services. The role involves liaising with the Government of Kenya and relevant ministries on matters affecting the United Nations.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, organize, supervise and monitor the activities of the Host Country Services Unit (HCSU).
- Develop and oversee implementation of the Unit's annual workplan.
- Provide advice and guidance on matters relating to the Host Country Agreement, privileges and immunities, diplomatic protocol, and host country procedures.
- Liaise with the Government of Kenya and relevant ministries, departments and agencies.
- Maintain effective working relationships with host government counterparts, UN client entities and other stakeholders.
- Review and advise on complex or sensitive cases relating to privileges and immunities.
- Ensure timely communication with client entities on protocol procedures, host country requirements, and service delivery updates.
- Monitor and analyze service delivery performance and operational data.
- Maintain and periodically review standard operating procedures, guidelines and business processes.
- Oversee the effective utilization and continuous improvement of information systems and tools supporting protocol and host country services.
- Represent the Unit in meetings with host government counterparts, inter-agency bodies, technical committees and other forums.
- Supervise the preparation and review of official correspondence.
- Monitor and report on the Unit's performance against established key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Prepare budget proposals and cost estimates for the Unit and monitor implementation and expenditure.
- Review and validate service billing and cost recovery reports for client entities.
- Identify operational risks and service delivery challenges and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.
- Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights.
- Ensure that requirements and background information used for data analysis are documented.
- Manage and supervise staff of the Unit, including work allocation, performance management, and professional development.
- Coordinate human resources actions within the Unit.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive and client-oriented work environment.
- Identify training needs and ensure staff have the knowledge and skills required.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Experience
A minimum of five (5) years of relevant and progressively responsible working experience in protocol services, diplomatic relations, government liaison or a related area is required. Experience in the interpretation and application of host country agreements, privileges and immunities and liaison with government authorities is required. Experience supervising staff and managing service delivery operations is required. Experience in the United Nations Common System or international organization is desirable. Experience using information management systems and analyzing service delivery data to support operational decision-making is desirable.
Qualifications
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in International Relations, Political Science, Law, Public Administration, Diplomacy, Foreign Affairs, Business Administration or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.
