Chief of Protocol

The Chief of Protocol leads the Protocol and Liaison Service at the United Nations Office at Geneva, managing diplomatic protocol and liaison with Permanent and Observer Missions, Host Country authorities, and organizing high-level visits and international conferences. The role involves providing authoritative advice on protocol matters and representing the Director-General at official ceremonies.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• English and French are required at UN Level III for reading, writing, listening and speaking.
• Either Arabic or Spanish or Russian or Chinese (Mandarin) is desirable at UN Level I for reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Skills

• Diplomatic Protocols
• International Relations
• Diplomacy
• Liaison with Permanent Missions
• Advising High-Level Officials
• Event Planning
• International Conference Management
• Complex Logistics Management
• Team Leadership
• Protocol Advisory
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Bilingual Communication
• Public Information Management
• Political Science Expertise
• Law Knowledge
• High-Level Visit Coordination

Languages

English, French, Arabic, Spanish, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin)