Organization: ECOWAS Commission
Duty Station: Abuja, Nigeria
Grade: Assistant Level
Age Limit: Below 35 years (Internal candidates exempt)
Assessment: Written exercise and competency-based interview
ROLE OVERVIEW
Under the supervision of the Principal Programme Officer, Protocol, the Protocol Assistant will support the daily coordination, administration, and delivery of protocol services for high-level meetings and events. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring the smooth delivery of diplomatic services, implementing the order of precedence, and assisting with privileges and immunities in accordance with the Headquarters Agreement.
KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Event Coverage: Ensure protocol coverage for official activities, including meetings, luncheons, dinners, and high-level visits.
- Travel & Logistics: Arrange airport receipt and dispatch for staff and visitors; handle lost luggage, cargo, and port authority engagement.
- Diplomatic Standards: Deploy the ECOWAS Commission flag code and manage the order of precedence for official group photographs and statutory meetings.
- Correspondence: Prepare drafts of Note Verbales and other diplomatic correspondence; screen incoming protocol documents for accuracy.
- Security & Access: Coordinate visitor entry passes and security arrangements for high-level visitors in collaboration with the Security Unit.
- Virtual Meetings: Serve as co-host for virtual statutory meetings, managing naming conventions and gatekeeping functions.
- Administrative Support: Process meeting-related entitlements, collect travel supporting documents (boarding passes), and assist visitors with claims.
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Education: Brevet de Technicien (BT), Ordinary National Diploma (OND), or equivalent. Specialized training in conferences, protocol, or travel is highly desirable.
- Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in protocol, event organization, or conference support within a multilateral or international setting.
- Diplomatic Knowledge: Deep understanding of international diplomatic norms, ECOWAS conference policies, and Host Country Agreements.
- Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite; basic budgeting skills; and the ability to interpret complex dress codes and cultural greetings.
- Certifications: First Aid and CPR certification is required.
- Physical/Manual Skills: Ability to correctly hoist and lower official flags.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Language: Fluency in one official ECOWAS language (English, French, or Portuguese). Ability to function in a second official language is imperative.
- Assertiveness: Ability to assume a credible presence when explaining rules and standards to ensure compliance.
- Cultural Intelligence: Excellent diversity management skills; ability to apply culturally appropriate approaches across the West African region.
- Accountability: Demonstrated interest in ECOWAS values, with a strong ability to spot mistakes and act promptly to correct them.
- Organization: Excellent multitasking and time-management skills, particularly the ability to break down complex tasks during high-pressure events.
ECOWAS WORK ENVIRONMENT
ECOWAS provides a work environment reflecting the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and work-life balance. We are committed to gender parity and highly encourage applications from women, minority ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To apply, candidates must submit the following documents:
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
- Completed Application Form DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM HERE
Note: Failure to comply with the submission requirements or the age limit (for external candidates) will result in the disqualification of the application.
Join ECOWAS to support the diplomatic excellence and regional integration of West Africa.