National Professional Officers are employed for functions in UNMIS which by their very nature require national knowledge and experience and so could not be carried out as effectively by international professionals

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the Supervision of the Head of Mission, UNMIS, Juba and in liaison with the Chief of Staff the Protocol Officer is responsible for the following duties:

• Assist in the provision of protocol services to the Mission as a whole; will provide Protocol support to the SRSG in his meetings with high level delegations as well as to organize official social engagements, i.e. luncheons and receptions and the planning of commemorative ceremonies;
• Facilitate high-level/working visits to Mission, by Senior UN officials and other delegations that include non UN personnel, i.e. representatives from government, academia, civil society and media; in collaboration with UNMIS Substantive Units will prepare programmes, organize appointments, arrange hotel accommodation, facilitate air and road transportation and in this regard will maintain close liaison with the relevant UNMIS offices;
• Prepare conferences and meetings at UNMIS Headquarters, when requested, and in consultation with the Substantive Unit will assist in the identification of an appropriate venue; preparation and issuance of invitations; dissemination of programme and agenda; as necessary;
• Prepare and maintain an up-to-date mailing list and information pertaining to the composition of the host country Government, Diplomatic Missions, Delegations, Governmental and non-governmental organizations and United Nations agencies in the mission area;
• Publication and preparation of "Protocol Directory" to include information mentioned above;
• Maintain a comprehensive and updated database of Mission-relevant events and visits;
• Advise on matters of protocol usage, practices and norms of diplomatic etiquette accepted by the United Nations.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Demonstrated in-depth understanding of diplomatic practices; substantial and diverse experience in all facets of the required role; strong analytical skills combined with good judgment; basic knowledge of UN Protocol practices;
• Judgment & Decision-making: Discretion and sound reasoning in dealing with sensitive matters; ability to independently solve complex and challenging problems;
• Planning & Organization: Strong planning and organizational skills; ability to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; ability to plan, budget for and implement large-scale functions;
• Leadership: Strong negotiating skills and ability to influence others to reach agreement; effective organization and supervision of work of lower-level staff;
• Technological Awareness: Proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications;
• Communications: Ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally;
• Teamwork: Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with sensitivity and respect for diversity in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment.
  

Qualifications:

• Education: Advanced University Degree (Masters or Equivalent) in Political Science, Management, Communications, Public Relations or a related field.
• Experience: 3 to 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in diplomacy, protocol, public relations, international relations, or a related field.
• Languages: Fluency in English and Arabic. Knowledge of other languages spoken in Sudan an advantage.