Country: Ethiopia

Organization: Organisation of Southern Cooperation

Closing date: 15 Oct 2023

The OSC: The Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) is an international intergovernmental Organisation, founded in January 2020 by countries from across the Global South, to “contribute to the equitable, just, and prosperous social transformation of societies by promoting balanced and inclusive education, in order to attain the fundamental rights to liberty, justice, dignity, sustainability, social cohesion, and material and immaterial security for the peoples of the world”.

Employment category: T3

Reporting to: Chief of Section - Protocol and Bilateral Cooperation.

Unit/department: Office of External Relations and International Cooperation (ERIC); Section of Protocol and Bilateral Cooperation

Direct reports or Collaborate:

The position works within the Office ERIC, under the Executive Office of the Secretary-General, collaborates relevant OSC stakeholders, and other OSC departments to ensure alignment and coordination of OSC programs and projects.

Overall Purpose of the Role:

As the Liaison and Protocol Officer for East & South East Asia, the incumbent will operate under the authority of the Secretary-General and the guidance of the Director of External Relations and International Cooperation (ERIC). Reporting directly to the Chief of Protocol and Bilateral Cooperation, the incumbent’s primary responsibility is to strengthen the OSC's relations and cooperation with countries in East & Southeast Asia. This role involves managing protocol procedures, coordinating official visits, and promoting OSC's mission and objectives in the region.

This position provides the unique opportunity of joining the team of a new international organisation, contributing to its lasting construction and influencing its future trajectory.

Main Responsibilities:

• Liaison and Regional Coordination: Foster and maintain strong liaison with countries in East & South East Asia to facilitate OSC's engagement, programs, and cooperation in the region.

• Protocol Management: Ensure adherence to protocol procedures for all OSC-related activities in East & South East Asian countries, including meetings, events, and official visits.

• Official Visit Coordination: Coordinate and support official visits by OSC officials, including the Secretary-General, to East & Southeast Asian countries. This includes logistical arrangements and protocol considerations.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate engagement with key organizations, institutions, and member states in the region, contributing to the OSC's mission and objectives.

• Crisis and Conflict Resolution: Provide assistance in crisis and conflict resolution efforts in the region, as directed by the Chief of Protocol and Bilateral Cooperation.

• Event Management: Assist in the organization and management of regional meetings, events, and conferences involving OSC representatives.

• Information Sharing: Keep the OSC informed about political, social, and economic developments in East & South East Asia that may impact the organization's activities or objectives.

• Travel Support: Assist in visa applications, travel arrangements, and protocol-related matters for OSC officials traveling to or from East & South East Asian countries.

• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records and prepare reports on liaison and protocol activities in the region.

• Other Duties: Undertake any other relevant duties as assigned by the Chief of Protocol and Bilateral Cooperation or the Secretary-General.

Experience and Technical Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal, diplomatic, and cross-cultural communication skills.

• Strong oral and written communication abilities.

• Strategic thinking and the ability to develop and implement long-term strategies.

• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

• Capacity to operate under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

• Understanding of diplomatic protocol and international relations, particularly in the East & South East Asian context.

• Knowledge of regional political and social dynamics in East & South East Asia.

• Ability to travel within the region as needed.

Languages:

• Fluent in English.

• Proficiency in one or more of the languages spoken in East & South East Asia is preferred.

Key Stakeholders:

Internal Stakeholders:

• Secretary-General

• Chief of Staff / EOSG

• Director of Office of ERIC

• Chief of Bilateral Cooperation and Protocol

• All OSC employees

External Stakeholders:

• Government authorities in East & South East Asian countries

• Regional organizations and institutions

• Diplomatic missions

• Other relevant regional and international organizations

Education:

• Minimum of 7 years of working experience in diplomacy, international relations, or a related field.

• At least 4 years of work experience in a management role within an international and/or regional organization.

• Bachelor's or master's degree (or higher) in International Relations or related fields.

Languages:

• English Fluent in English.

• Proficiency in one or more of the languages spoken in East & South East Asia is preferred.

• And knowledge of one or more of the other official languages of the OSC (French, Arabic, Spanish).

How to apply

Qualified and interested candidates can apply for this position by sending their resume and cover letter to HRE@osc-ocs.org with the subject line "Liaison and Protocol Officer - East & South East Asia."

This is a full-time position with regional responsibilities.

The organization welcomes applicants from East & South East Asia and encourages diversity and inclusion.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled