Protocol Officer, Noc

Role Overview

This position leads a Host Country Services Unit within a major international organization, acting as the central liaison between the institution and host government authorities on all protocol, administrative, and diplomatic matters. In practice, you will oversee the team that drafts high-level official correspondence, monitors service delivery against performance targets, ensures correct application of host country agreements, and turns operational data into actionable insights. Your leadership directly affects the organization's ability to maintain smooth diplomatic relations and deliver reliable services to its client entities.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the preparation and quality review of official documents such as note verbales, memoranda, briefing papers, and reports addressed to government bodies and external clients, ensuring accuracy and adherence to institutional style.
• Track unit performance against agreed key performance indicators, analyze gaps, and propose concrete corrective actions to keep operations on track.
• Develop annual budget proposals and cost estimates for the unit, then monitor actual expenditure to ensure alignment with approved allocations and financial rules.
• Validate billing statements and cost-recovery reports for client entities that subscribe to unit services, resolving discrepancies before submission.
• Identify operational vulnerabilities and service bottlenecks, then recommend practical mitigation strategies to senior management.
• Gather, clean, and analyze service delivery data using visualization tools to produce charts, dashboards, and narrative reports that support planning and decision-making.
• Supervise team members across work allocation, performance reviews, and professional growth, while coordinating recruitment, onboarding, training, and succession plans in line with organizational human resources policies.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, client-focused team culture and ensure staff members receive the training they need to excel in protocol and administrative duties.

Requirements & Qualifications

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in International Relations, Political Science, Law, Public Administration, Diplomacy, Foreign Affairs, Business Administration, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in place of the advanced degree.
• Completion of recognized certification or coursework in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in protocol services, diplomatic relations, government liaison, or a closely related field is required.
• Proven experience interpreting and applying host country agreements, privileges and immunities, and managing official relations with government authorities is required.
• Hands-on experience supervising staff and directing service delivery operations is required, preferably within the United Nations Common System or another international organization.
• Demonstrated ability to use information management systems, analyze service delivery data, and present findings to support operational decisions is desirable.
• Strong drafting and communication skills, combined with the ability to handle sensitive diplomatic matters with discretion and professionalism.