About this role

The position is located in the Office of the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva. The Protocol and Liaison Service is an autonomous unit within the Office of the Director-General of UNOG. The Chief of Protocol receives special instructions on specific important issues from the Director-General and works under their overall guidance, but has the delegated authority to make decisions in matters of protocol and liaison.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible of the following duties: Plans, directs and supervises the full range of protocol servicing of and diplomatic liaison with the Permanent and Observer Missions to UNOG; Initiates, develops and maintains optimum relations with Host Country authorities at the Federal, Cantonal and Municipal levels; Provides authoritative advice to the Director-General as the representative of the Secretary-General on protocol and Host Country matters, and to the UN Departments, Agencies, Programmes and Funds in Switzerland on general protocol matters; Plans, coordinates and assists the Permanent and Observer Missions in the organization of visits to Geneva of Heads of State and Government, other high-ranking officials; Ensures appropriate participation of the Director-General in functions related to these visits; Directs the drafting of official correspondence to Permanent and Observer Missions and to United Nations organizations on protocol-related matters; Is the focal point for the organization of visits to Switzerland, and if necessary, abroad of the Secretary-General and the Deputy Secretary-General; Directs preparation of the procedures for the appointment of new Permanent Representatives and organizes presentation of letters of credence; Ensures regular contact with Permanent Representatives, other high-ranking officials of the Permanent and Observer Missions on protocol matters, diplomatic privileges and immunities, accreditation of new members of Permanent and Observer Missions, and on questions of precedence and flag etiquette; Manages and provides protocol servicing of major international conferences and meetings held at the Palais des Nations and, as required, of major conferences held away from UNOG; Provides leadership and general direction to and has full managerial responsibility for the operations of the Protocol and Liaison Service and its staff; Represents the Director-General at official ceremonies in and outside Geneva, as necessary.

Competencies

Professionalism: Comprehensive knowledge of United Nations policies, procedures and operations is required. Capacity to provide authoritative advice on protocol and diplomatic practice, including official correspondence. Ability to navigate complex international and political environments with sensitivity. Shows attention to details under pressure. Shows excellent inter-personal and influencing skills coupled with political awareness, discretion and confidentiality. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Judgement/decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in international relations, political science, law or other relevant field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in international relations and diplomacy, including at least 10 years in the United Nations system is required. At least 10 years of experience in diplomatic protocol and liaison, including engagement with Permanent Missions and high-level officials is required. Proven experience advising high-level officials is required. Experience in planning and managing high-level international events / conferences handling complex logistics is required. Experience leading a team, service or unit is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. Either Arabic or Spanish or Russian or Chinese (Mandarin) is desirable.