Job Opportunity: Communication Assistant (Protocol), GS5, TA

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child,  dedication

UNICEF has been working in Cameroon since 1975 to allow women and children to fully realize their rights to development without restriction, as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. UNICEF provides financial and technical support to Cameroon across seven areas to fully realize the rights of women and children. These areas include Health, HIV/AIDS, Water-sanitation-Hygiene, nutrition, education, child protection, and social inclusion. UNICEF focuses mainly on children and the most vulnerable and excluded families. Cameroon’s 2020 population is estimated at 26,545,863 people according to UN data. The population is young and generates strong socioeconomic demand. In rural areas, limited access to basic social services and the effects of climate change led to household impoverishment and severe child deprivations. The task is immense but not insurmountable; it requires the energy of all stakeholders in Cameroon and out of Cameroon: also, women, men, youth and children, government, technical and financial partners, donors, civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians, communities. Everyone is invited to take part in the struggle to meet the challenges that lie ahead. It is together that we will act for Cameroon, a country that summarizes the challenges and hopes of Africa.

For more information about UNICEF Cameroon, please click  here .

How can you make a difference?

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Communication Specialist, the Protocol Assistant assists in the organization of high-level meetings, ceremonies and events with Government counterparts and other stakeholders. S/He will work closely with the Operations/Administration Unit to assist international/local UNICEF personnel and UNICEF visitors with procedures when dealing with government Ministries and Agencies. The Protocol assistant is responsible for assisting in the organization of high-level visits involving UNICEF.

The Protocol Assistant is responsible for building strong collaboration with the government institutions, embassies, diplomatic missions and other resident and non-resident agencies to facilitate the relationships between UNICEF and these entities on protocol matters.

Support connection

• Facilitate the relations with the government institutions and serve as a liaison for all diplomatic matters related to UNICEF.
• Ensure exchange of information and effective working relations are maintained with other UN agencies, local authorities and partners on immigration aspects.

Event management

• Manage protocol aspects of events in which Senior Management and high-level officials (UNICEF and others) are involved.
• Assist in preparing and maintaining agendas on high-level meetings and events organized by UNICEF, as required.
• Assist in processing relevant clearance and entry permits for filming equipment for visiting crews.

Administrative support

• Act as courier and support to the Country Office on protocol issues with the Ministry of External Relations (MINREX), in close collaboration with Operations/Administration Unit.
• Work closely with Operations/Administration Unit to brief and advise all personnel and visitors on general administrative matters relating to protocols, and guide staff on accurate completion of relevant host country applications governing privileges and immunities.
• Follow up on all administrative matters, applications, and requests with relevant MINREX authorities to expedite processes.
• Arrange airport transfers of high-level officials and UNICEF visitors such as donors and facilitate customs and immigration procedures as necessary.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Completion of Secondary education with specialized training in administration, diplomacy, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the field of work.
• 5 years of relevant experience in protocol support, public relations, communications, general office management, administration, or similar field of work.
• For this position, a bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a relevant field may replace three years of related work experience. A master’s degree may replace additional two years.
• Experience in administering Protocol procedures, activities and related tasks is highly desirable.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
• Training and experience using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other UNICEF software such as SharePoint; knowledge of integrated management information systems required.
• Thorough knowledge of UNICEF administrative policies and procedures is highly desirable.
• Organizational, planning, and prioritizing skills and abilities.
• Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with visitors.
• High sense of confidentiality, initiative, and good judgment.
• Ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work in a team environment to achieve common goals and to provide guidance to more junior support staff.
• Knowledge of UN and Republic of Cameroon protocol, immigration, customs and excise processes, procedures, policies, working methods and practices.
• Fluency in French and working knowledge of English required.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values ​​of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values ​​Charter:  UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels:  competency framework here .

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to including everyone , irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a  wide range of benefits to our staff , including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and  reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities . UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore undergo, rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Notes:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advanced to the next stage of the selection process.