Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the Director-General of UNON is the representative of the Secretary-General in Kenya. UNON supports programme implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Resident Coordination System (RCS) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, security, conference and information services (www.unon.org). This position is located in the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), Central Support Services (CSS), Host Country Services Unit (HCSU). The Protocol Assistant will report to the Deputy Manager, HCSU. Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

1. Provide the Deputy Manager, HCSU with assistance in carrying out the work programme of the Unit, and deputize for the Manager in his/her absence, as follows: a) Apply the provisions of the UNEP Host Country Agreement to internationally recruited UN staff members posted to the Kenya duty station. b) Coordinate with relevant Kenya Government representatives (demonstrating tact, diplomacy, firmness and persistence when necessary) to negotiate and solve sensitive and complicated problems. Escalate issues to the Deputy Manager, HCSU, if necessary. c) Maintain regular contact with relevant Kenya Government offices to ensure that information available to staff on immigration, duty-free, and VAT exemptions is updated immediately changes occur. d) Conduct briefings for new staff members on immigration formalities, duty-free and tax exemption privileges, and vehicle registration, and ensure that the information is up-to-date; provide guidance to staff members in completing forms relating to the privileges and exemptions. e) Ensure the timely processing of the following for the organization and eligible internationally recruited staff members and their dependants; notification of arrival documentation and the issuance of diplomatic identity cards and PIN numbers; issuance of re-entry passes and renewal of the same; duty free imports and purchase of duty free liquor and tobacco (official /staff members); issuance and renewal of interim and new Kenyan driving licenses; registration of new/second hand vehicles and transfer/disposal of used vehicles (official /staff members); VAT exemptions (official /staff members), issuance of red number plates, and airport passes. 2. Provide assistance to the Deputy Manager, HCSU, in the maintenance and integrity of data and records, generation of reliable reports and statistics, and daily work distribution within the Unit, as follows: a) Maintain an up-to-date filing system and electronic database with client data and ensure the integrity of data stored therein. Track expiry dates of documents and visas and notify clients to initiate renewal action in good time. b) Ensure that the information on the HCSU website is accurate and updated regularly. c) Prepare workload statistics from data extracted from the HCSU databases and generate reports as required. d) Provide inputs, as appropriate, to the HCSU budget, statistical and performance reports for presentation to the Common Services Governance Framework. e) Prepare correspondence, note verbales, covering letters, and reports upon request. 3. Supervise other general service staff in the Unit as follows; a) Provide guidance, supervision and work distribution to other general service staff in the Unit. Guide focal points of subscribing agencies, as necessary. b) Foster teamwork and communication among staff in the Unit. Lead by example. 4. a) Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. b) Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. c) Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Thorough knowledge of and proven ability to work with office administration/management principles, preferably in the service provision business; Ability to communicate effectively with staff at all levels, and to negotiate with vendors and contractors; Ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making; 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; Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Completion of high school diploma or equivalent is required. Diploma from technical college in a field relevant to the post is desirable.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

At least ten (10) years of relevant experience, five (5) of which must have been working in the protocol function with diplomatic missions and/or international organizations is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to eight (8) years for candidates who possess a first-level University degree. Experience working with all the following e-government systems: Integrated Protocol Management Information Systems (IPMIS), Transport Integrated Management Systems (TIMS) /National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), The Republic of Kenya electronic Foreign National Services (eFNS) and iTax is required. Knowledge of immigration regulations and understanding of provisions of the UNEP Host Country Agreement is required. Experience in supervising a group of subordinates (5 or more) is required. Working knowledge of UN policies, procedures, and operations as they relate to daily operations in the administration of privileges is desirable. Experience in the execution of protocol functions for senior officials and other dignitaries is desirable. One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English and knowledge of Kiswahili/Swahili is required. NOTE: “Fluency equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and ” Knowledge of” equals a rating of ” confident” in two of the four areas.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this post is for an initial period of six months and may be subject to extension. A limited duration and does not carry any expectancy, legal or otherwise, of renewal. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. ” At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Need Help?” link.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.