PROTOCOL OFFICER, Khartoum, Sudan

## PROTOCOL OFFICER, Khartoum, Sudan - Organization:UNISFA - United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei - Office:UNISFA in Khartoum Organizational Setting and Reporting This position is located in the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), duty station Khartoum. The Protocol Officer reports to the Mission Chief of Staff (MCOS). Under the overall direction of the Mission Chief of Staff, the Protocol Officer will carry out the following duties: - Serves as the focal point and primary liaison between UNISFA and the Government of Sudan, including relevant ministries, departments and agencies, on protocol, host-country and official liaison matters, and maintains effective working relationships with government counterparts, the diplomatic community, UN entities and other stakeholders. - Provides protocol advice, assistance and coordination to the Head of Mission and other senior officials in the planning and conduct of official programmes and engagements, including official appointments, meetings with government authorities, internal travel, accommodation, immigration and visa formalities, accreditation, access arrangements and other protocol requirements. - Arranges and coordinates meetings and official engagements between Mission leadership and host-government authorities, diplomatic missions and other relevant stakeholders, and represents the Office of the Mission Chief of Staff in meetings, inter-agency bodies, technical committees and other forums relating to protocol and host-country matters, as required. - Accompanies the Head of Mission and other senior officials on official travel, as required, to facilitate liaison with host-government authorities and ensure the timely resolution of protocol and other host-country matters. - Plans, coordinates and monitors protocol-related activities and ceremonies, including the logistical and administrative arrangements required for official events, visits and engagements, and coordinates special requirements and requests relating to visiting dignitaries. - Provides advice and guidance to Mission personnel, including uniformed personnel, civilian staff, UN Volunteers and international contractors, on host-country procedures, entry and extension of visas, accreditation, privileges and immunities, local laws and requirements governing interactions with host-government authorities. - Advises Mission sections and units on host-country procedures and requirements relating to import authorizations, customs clearance, duty-free privileges, tax and VAT exemptions, road and security clearances, and other official clearances required for the movement of personnel, goods and provision of services. - Coordinates and follows up with host-government authorities, diplomatic missions and other relevant entities on flight clearances, including special flight requests, blanket overflight clearances and other clearances required for official Mission activities, taking into account associated logistical and operational requirements. - Coordinates and follows up on customs clearance, duty-free privileges, VAT exemptions and other official host-country clearances for UNISFA shipments, assets, services and activities, and monitors pending requests to ensure their timely processing and resolution. - Maintains an effective tracking system for note verbales, clearance requests and other official submissions to host-government authorities; monitors delays and follows up with the relevant authorities to facilitate timely decisions and resolution of outstanding matters. - Provides advice on the Host Country Agreement, privileges and immunities, diplomatic protocol and applicable host-country procedures, ensuring their consistent application and advising on complex or sensitive host-country cases as required. - Ensures timely communication of protocol procedures and host-country requirements to Mission personnel through appropriate channels, including meetings, briefings, guidance materials, SharePoint and other information platforms, and supports the effective use and continuous improvement of information systems and tools for protocol and host-country services. - Prepares and coordinates official correspondence and documentation relating to protocol and host-country matters, including note verbales, briefing notes, memoranda, reports and communications with government authorities, diplomatic missions, UN entities and other stakeholders. - Maintains and regularly updates a comprehensive contact directory of host-government authorities, diplomatic missions, international organizations and other key counterparts relevant to the official functions of the Head of Mission and senior management. - Performs other duties as assigned. Professionalism: Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to apply the provisions of the Host Country Agreement between the Government of Sudan 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. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors' language, tone, style, and format to match audience; and demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Law, Foreign Affairs or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific Qualification A minimum of five years progressively responsible experience in a similar protocol position with government/public authorities and/or previous UN/International Intergovernmental Organizations is required. Practical experience in at least three of these areas; accreditation, duty-free, value-added tax exemption, vehicle registration and driving license processing in a diplomatic setting is required. Previous protocol experience with the Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Primature is desirable. Previous experience working in multicultural teams and in facilitating coordination with the Force and Police uniformed components is desirable. English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, EnglishandArabic are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment