OVERVIEW

Post Number : PAX 147

Grade : P-4

Parent Sector : Priority Africa and External Relations Sector (PAX)

Duty Station: Paris

Job Family: External Relations

Type of contract : Fixed Term

Duration of contract : 2 years, renewable

Recruitment open to : Internal and external candidates

Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time) : 15-MAY-2023

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority and direct supervision of the Assistant Director-Generat for Priority Africa and External Relations (ADG/PAX), the Chief of Protocol has principal responsibitity for planning, directing and supervising the full range of protocol services and diplomaty liaison with the Representatives of the Member States, Permanent and Observer Missions to UNESCO as well as other partners. The incumbent will ensure that all rules of diplomaty etiquette are correctly applied and will also handle matters related to the Host Government, and visiting high level officials. The incumbent will work closely with the Office of the Director-General (CAB) as well other units/sections/divisions of Sectors.

Long Description

Specifically, the incumbent will undertake the following tasks:

  • Initiates, develops and maintains optimum relations and high-level contacts with Host Country authorities, international organisations, States Parties, Member and non-Member States; provides authoritative advice to the Director-General as the representative of the Director-General on protocol and Host Country matters, and to the UN Departments, Agencies, Programmes and Funds in France on general protocol matters.
  • Plans, coordinates and assists in the organization of visits to UNESCO of Heads of State and Government, other high-ranking officials; ensures the appropriate participation of the Director-General in functions related to these visits.
  • Directs preparation of protocol procedures for the appointment of new Permanent Delegates and organizes presentation of credentials; ensures regular contacts with Permanent Delegates, other  high-ranking officials on protocol matters, diplomaty privileges and immunities, accreditation of new members of Permanent Delegations,including issuance of visas and residence permits for their stay in France  and on questions of precedence and flag etiquette; prepares and updates the list of Order of Precedence of high-level officials accredited to UNESCO for official ceremonies, in order to ensure the appropriate conduct of ceremonies and public functions; ensure that congratulatory messages are prepared and sent to Member States on important occasions.
  • Plans, manages and provides protocol servicing of major international conferences and meetings held at UNESCO Headquarters and, as required, of major conferences held away from Headquarters; ensures that  necessary protocol services are provided at the airport and at other ceremonies organized by UNESCO or involvjng UNESCO.
  • Provides leadership and general direction to and has full managerial responsibility for the operations of the Protocol Service and its staff; ensures that appropriate protocol services are provided to staff members, including facilitation issuance of visas and residence permits; oversees and administers the maintenance and publishing of the database related to the Permanent Delegates to UNESCO, and national authorities: s/he will be responsible for the publication of the diplomatic list and the issue of special documents for the diplomatic, consular and administrative staff of Field Offices and international organizations.
COMPETENCIES (Core / Managerial) Communication (C) Accountability (C) Innovation (C) Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement (C) Planning and organizing (C) Professionalism (C) Teamwork (C) Results focus (C) Building partnerships (M) Driving and managing change (M) Leading and empowering others (M) Making quality decisions (M) Managing performance (M) Strategic thinking (M) - For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in the field of Public Relations, International Relations, Diplomacy, Political Science, Communications , Social Sciences or in another related field.


Work Experience

  • Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience, of which preferably three (3) years acquired at the international level, preferably in an international organization, with exposure to diplomatic relations or protocol.
  • Experience in the field of international protocol.
Long Description

Skills & Competencies

  • Commitment and knowledge of the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.
  • Demonstrated in-depth understanding of diplomatic practices; substantial and diverse experience in all facets of the required role; strong analytical skills combined with good judgement.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of UN protocol policies, procedures and operations.
  • Proven ability to plan and organize VIP visits, functions, meetings and conference requiring in-depth understanding of strategic direction and political sensitivity at stake.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with sensitivity and respect for diversity in a multi-cultural environment.
  • Discretion and sound reasoning in dealing with sensitive matters; ability to independently solve complex and challenging problems.
  • Strong planning and organizational skills.
  • Ability to handle multiple concurrent issues; good negotiating skills; ability to identify key issues in a complex situation.
  • Ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally.
  • Proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications.


Languages

  • Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Work Experience

  • Knowledge of protocol and/or event management in a governmental or international organizations context including knowledge of working with host governments.
  • Work experience in the area of protocol or event management in a multilateral setting is desirable.
  • Work experience in bilateral protocol or event management is desirable.
Long Description

Skills & Competencies

  • Familiarity with the work and general functioning of international organization and/or the UN system.
  • Sound judgement and decision-making skills.

Languages

  • Knowledge of other official UNESCO languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and/or Spanish).
BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

UNESCO’s salaries consist of a basic salary and other benefits which may include if applicable: 30 days annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, pension plan etc.

The approximate annual starting salary for this post is 117 612 US $.

For full information on benefits and entitlements, please consult our Guide to Staff Benefits.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application submitted.

The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. 

UNESCO uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates.

Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided.

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UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of staff members shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity. UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. UNESCO is committed to achieving and sustaining equitable and diverse geographical distribution, as well as gender parity among its staff members in all categories and at all grades. Furthermore, UNESCO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Candidates from non- and under-represented Member States (last update here) are particularly welcome and strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality. Worldwide mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.

UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.