Operating under the authority of the Secretary-General and under the direct supervision of the Chief of Section – Protocol and Bilateral Cooperation, the Liaison and Protocol Officer Host Country is entrusted with the comprehensive management and coordination of the Protocol Service and the advancement of bilateral relationships for the Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC).
The role involves maintaining international protocol standards, deepening existing relations, and fostering new relationships with key bilateral partners.
Essential Job Functions
- Meeting and Event Management: Assist in the Organisation and management of meetings and events chaired by the Secretary-General, Chief of Staff / EOSG or the Director of ERIC;
- Official Visit Preparation: Prepare meetings with officials for the Secretary-General and/or the Director General of ERIC, ensuring seamless logistical arrangements;
- Airport Protocol: Represent the OSC at airport receptions and facilitate VIP guests’ arrival and departure, liaising with airport authorities and handling logistics;
- Visa and Travel Support: Assist the Secretary-General’s Executive Office with visa applications and travel arrangements;
- Official Visits: Support the Chief of Protocol in organising official visits, meetings, and events involving high-level OSC officials, member state delegates, and dignitaries, both at OSC Headquarters and abroad;
- Conference and Workshop Preparation: Assist in the preparation of conferences, workshops, and meetings in Addis Ababa and other locations;
- Protocol Liaison: Establish effective communication channels with the Immigration Services Department, authorities at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, and the Protocol Affairs Directorate General of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia;
- Activity Coordination: Contribute to the smooth functioning of activities undertaken by the Protocol Visas and Residence Permits Service;
- Credential Ceremonies: Assist in ceremonies for the presentation of credentials/letters of appointment to the Secretary-General by newly appointed Permanent Representatives/Permanent Observers;
- Other Duties: Undertake any other relevant duties as assigned by the Secretary-General, Chief of Staff/EOSG, Director/Office of ERIC, Chief of Bilateral Cooperation and Protocol.
Education, Experience and Qualifications
- Excellent interpersonal, diplomatic, and cross-cultural communication skills;
- Strong oral and written communication abilities;
- Strategic thinking and long-term planning skills;
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment;
- Capacity to operate under pressure and meet strict deadlines;
- Proficiency in protocol guidelines and diplomatic precedence, particularly concerning OSC Member States;
- Understanding of cultural differences and ability to communicate effectively within international teams.
- English – Fluent;
- And knowledge of one or more of the other official languages of the OSC (French, Arabic, Spanish).
