PROTOCOL OFFICER, Nairobi, Kenya

## PROTOCOL OFFICER, Nairobi, Kenya - Organization:UNON - United Nations Office at Nairobi - Office:United Nations Office at Nairobi Organizational Setting and Reporting The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the Director-General of UNON is the representative of the Secretary-General in Kenya. UNON supports programme implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Resident Coordination System (RCS) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, security, conference and information services (www.unon.org). This position is located in the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), Central Support Services (CSS), Host Country Services Unit (HCSU). The Protocol Officer (Chief of Unit) will report to the Administrative Officer, Central Support Services (CSS). Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following: Operational Management and Host Country Liaison: - Plan, organize, supervise and monitor the activities of the Host Country Services Unit (HCSU), ensuring the effective and timely delivery of protocol and host country services to client entities. - Develop and oversee implementation of the Unit's annual workplan, establishing priorities and monitoring performance against agreed objectives and service standards. - Provide advice and guidance on matters relating to the Host Country Agreement, privileges and immunities, diplomatic protocol, and host country procedures, ensuring consistent application of relevant agreements, regulations and policies. - Liaise with the Government of Kenya and relevant ministries, departments and agencies on matters affecting the United Nations and the implementation of the Host Country Agreement. - Maintain effective working relationships with host government counterparts, UN client entities and other stakeholders to facilitate resolution of host country service matters. - Review and advise on complex or sensitive cases relating to privileges and immunities, and other host country-related matters. - Ensure timely communication with client entities on protocol procedures, host country requirements, and service delivery updates through meetings, guidance materials, SharePoint and other communication channels. - Monitor and analyze service delivery performance and operational data, identify trends and areas for improvement, and recommend and implement measures to enhance efficiency, service quality and client satisfaction. - Maintain and periodically review standard operating procedures, guidelines and business processes to ensure consistency, efficiency and compliance with applicable policies and regulations. - 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 related to protocol and host country services. Administration and Resource Management: - Supervise the preparation and review of official correspondence, including note verbales, briefing notes, reports, memoranda and communications with government authorities and client entities. - Monitor and report on the Unit's performance against established key performance indicators (KPIs) and recommend corrective measures where necessary. - Prepare budget proposals and cost estimates for the Unit and monitor implementation and expenditure to ensure compliance with approved allocations and financial regulations. - Review and validate service billing and cost recovery reports for client entities subscribing to HCSU services. - Identify operational risks and service delivery challenges and recommend appropriate mitigation measures to management. - Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. - Ensure that requirements and background information used for data analysis are documented. Human Resources Management: - Manage and supervise staff of the Unit, including work allocation, performance management, and professional development. - Coordinate human resources actions within the Unit, including recruitment, onboarding, learning and development, succession planning and separation, in accordance with UN policies and procedures. - Foster a collaborative, inclusive and client-oriented work environment and promote high standards of professionalism, accountability and service excellence. - Identify training needs and ensure staff have the knowledge and skills required to effectively perform their functions. Perform other related duties as assigned. PROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to apply the provisions of the Host Country Agreement between the Government of Kenya and the United Nations, as well as relevant policies, regulations and procedures governing privileges and immunities, diplomatic protocol and host country relations. Ability to analyze, interpret and apply complex administrative and legal provisions, and provide sound advice on protocol and host country matters. Ability to identify issues, assess risks and recommend practical solutions. Ability to analyze and interpret data and information to support decision-making and enhance service delivery. 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. 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. MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly. 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. Job - Specific Qualification 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 immun