Protocol Assistant, Nairobi

## Protocol Assistant, Nairobi - Organization:UNV - United Nations Volunteers - Office:UNV Nairobi, Kenya Description of assignment title:Protocol Assistant Assignment country:Kenya Duty stations:Nairobi Work location:On UN premises Expected start date:11/02/2026 Duration:12 months(with possibility of extension)Long-term benefits and allowances Sustainable Development Goal:17. Partnerships for the goals Host entity:United Nations Office at Nairobi Volunteer category:Specialist UCoS from Apr2026 Work schedule:Full-time Number of Assignments:1 Mission and objectives: - The United Nations Office at Nairobi, the UN headquarters in Africa, was established by the General Assembly in 1996. The office is headed by a Director-General, at the Under-Secretary-General level, serves as the representative office of the Secretary-General in Nairobi and performs representation and liaison functions with permanent missions, the host-country and other Governments, and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in Nairobi, as well as other organizations of the United Nations system in Kenya. - The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the only UN headquarter office in Africa and the global south and serves as the representative office of the UN Secretary-General in Kenya. UNON provides administrative and other support services to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN Resident Coordination System (RCS) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) globally in 166 countries. UNON also provides joint and common services to other organizations of the UN System in Kenya. Home to diverse fauna and flora in a rich environmental ecosystem, UNON sits on 140-acres of land, the largest of any UN compound in the world. - This UN Volunteer will serve in the Office of the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON). The Office of the Director-General operates in a highly international and multicultural environment, engaging regularly with Member States, diplomatic missions, senior United Nations officials and other international partners. - Under the direct supervision of Chief of Staff at the Director General’s Office, United Nations Office at Nairobi’s Office, the volunteer will perform the following duties: - 1. High-Level Visits and Engagements - • Coordinate protocol arrangements for visits by Heads of State, Heads of Government, Ministers, Permanent Representatives, senior UN officials, and other dignitaries. - • Prepare and oversee visit programmes, arrival and departure arrangements, security coordination, and ceremonial requirements. - • Liaise with Permanent Missions, Government counterparts, diplomatic corps, UN entities, and other stakeholders regarding protocol matters. - • Ensure appropriate ranking, precedence, seating arrangements, and courtesies during meetings and official functions. - 2. Support to the Director-General and Chief of Staff - • Advise the Chief of Staff and Director-General on protocol issues and diplomatic sensitivities. - • Prepare protocol notes, briefing materials, talking points, biographies, and background information for high-level engagements. - • Maintain records of diplomatic contacts, VIP visits, and protocol precedents. - • Support the preparation of official correspondence, notes verbales, and invitations related to high-level engagements. - 3. Events and Ceremonies - • Lead protocol planning for official ceremonies, receptions, commemorative events, launches, and high-level conferences hosted by UNON. - • Coordinate flag displays, seating plans, speaking order, motorcade arrangements, and ceremonial procedures. - • Ensure consistency with United Nations standards and practices. - • Work closely with conference services, security, communications, and facilities management teams. - 4. Stakeholder Relations - • Maintain regular engagement with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, diplomatic missions, airport authorities, and host-country protocol services. - • Serve as the principal OCS focal point for protocol-related coordination with Member States. - • Facilitate smooth engagement between visiting delegations and UNON leadership. - 5. Administrative and Coordination Functions - • Develop and maintain protocol guidelines, SOPs, checklists, and databases. - • Coordinate accreditation, grounds access, VIP clearances, and protocol support requirements. - • Prepare after-action reports and lessons learned following major visits and events. - • Support budget planning and resource requirements related to protocol activities. - Candidate must be a national, legal resident or hold refugee status in the country of assignment. Assignment requirements - English, Level: Fluent, Required Required education level: - Bachelor's degree in business administration, International Relations or related fields is an asset. Competencies and values: - • Commitment to Continuous Learning - • Planning and Organizing Skills and experience: - • At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in administration, protocol or logistic support services. - • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (Online ERP, MS Office applications etc.) is required. - • Proven experience in protocol and/or engagement with government, diplomatic or international counterparts is required. - • Experience working in a multicultural or international environment, including engagement with diplomatic missions, international organizations or stakeholders from diverse national and cultural backgrounds, is highly desirable. Area(s) of expertise: - Event organisation, protocol services, Administration