Protocol Clerks
Organizational Context
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Africa Office, located in Pretoria, South Africa, is the leading global environmental authority. It sets the environmental agenda, promotes sustainable development, and advocates for the environment. The office coordinates UNEP's regional program, ensuring effective delivery of environmental capacity-building and technical support to meet regional and national needs.
Job Purpose
This role supports the UNEP Africa Office in organizing major events and managing protocol functions. The Protocol Clerk will liaise with government officials and delegation representatives, provide briefings on accreditation and access, and coordinate special needs for visiting dignitaries. The position is crucial for ensuring smooth logistical operations and effective communication with external stakeholders, contributing to the successful execution of UNEP's regional mandate and high-level meetings, including those related to the G20 Presidency and AU Commission.
Responsibilities
Provide comprehensive support for organizing high-level delegation visits and major events, including AU Commission meetings, AMCEN, and G20 Presidency Working Groups. Conduct protocol functions by liaising with government officials and delegation representatives, and providing briefings on accreditation and access issues. Arrange and coordinate special needs and requests for visiting dignitaries. Support international staff with necessary documentation and visa processing through relevant ministries. Inspect and ensure conference room readiness for meetings. Assemble, copy, and distribute background papers and agendas. Assist in daily protocol activities, coordinating with government offices for services for staff and dignitaries. Report protocol-related issues and update host country offices on protocol norms and customs.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in providing protocol clerk services is required. Experience working in an international organization, dealing with international relations ministries for protocol clearances and visas, and handling high-level officials is desirable.
Skills
Protocol functions, event organization support, liaison with government officials, accreditation and access briefing, special needs coordination, documentation and visa support, conference room preparation, document distribution, communication with government offices, reporting protocol issues, updating protocol information, knowledge of protocol norms and customs.