The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Liaison and Protocol Manager to lead the unit in execution of its mandate as the hosting agreement with the Government of Ethiopia. The job holder shall possess a deep understanding of protocols to ensure that all engagements are handled professionally and in accordance with the established procedures.

ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centres dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org

The main purpose of the job is to manage the liaison and protocol activities, supervise the outsourced travel agent and reception services in Ethiopia.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and supervise the Liaison and Protocol unit’s activities and their implementation to ensure activities are completed as per workplans and to resolve any conflicts that may arise.

• Maintain a thorough knowledge of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the  Immigration department, regulations and requirements, industry trends and practices, including participating in relevant communities of practice to maintain an understanding of the impact on compliance.

• Guide on all matters of the Liaison and Protocol unit’s services, all consular and immigration matters, government regulation policies, guidelines, and where applicable provide the necessary information and documentation.

• Maintain the unit’s infrastructure, actively identify any gaps and update guidelines, policies, processes, procedures to ensure updated information, and records.

• Manage the unit’s communication; technical and general correspondence during inductions, oversee the preparation and issuance of Note Verbales, invitation letters, etc.

• Develop and foster relationships with internal and external stakeholders such as collaborating units, agencies, local communities and government offices for ease of conducting ILRI business.

• Supervise, mentor, coach staff, and manage their performance to ensure the team achieves its goals and objectives.

• Represent the institute as required, including participating in meetings and negotiations of arbitration cases at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or other institutions to support and report deliberations to management as applicable.

• Manage airport arrival and departure formalities for senior staff of ILRI and all other persons invited by the Ethiopia Office.

• Manage the unit’s budget.

• Oversee the maintenance of the relevant information and databases, track expiry dates of documents and remind staff members to initiate timely action for processing renewals.

• Produce reports on Liaison and Protocol unit activities portfolio inclusive of incidents, events, or updates about important issues that may likely impact the Liaison and Protocol business process.

• Manage the outsourced travel agent based in Ethiopia office.

• Perform any other related duties as may be required

Job Requirements

Academic and professional qualifications:

• Master’s degree with five years relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree with eight years relevant experience in International Relations, Political Science, Communications, or a related field.

• Expertise in managing diplomatic protocols and familiarity with protocol regulations, including diplomatic norms and international relations.

• Knowledge of international relations and government structures.

• Demonstrable experience in building relationships with an ability to network effectively with high-level stakeholders.

• Demonstrable experience in excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent planning and organizational skills to manage multiple and high volumes of administrative activities

• Excellent interpersonal, crosscultural communication, negotiation skills.

• Ability to lead and coach the team

• Commitment to providing exceptional, courteous service to support ILRI staff

Duty Station:  Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Grade:  HG 16

Minimum Base Salary:  

• Birr 130,890 per month

Terms of appointment:  This is a National Staff (NS) position, initial appointment is for three years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and the availability of funding. The ILRI remuneration package for nationally recruited staff in Ethiopia includes a very competitive salary and benefits such as life and medical insurance, offshore pension plan, etc. The ILRI campus is set in a secure, attractive campus in Addis Ababa. Dining and sports facilities are located on site.

How To Apply

Applications: Applicants should provide a cover letter and curriculum vitae; names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to be included in the curriculum vitae

Apply using THIS LINK

The position and reference number: REF: AA/LM/26/24 should be clearly indicated in the subject line of the cover letter. All applications to be submitted online on our recruitment portal: http://ilri.simplicant.com/ on or before 22 October 2024.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training).

To find out more about ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org