Assistant Protocol Officer

The African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re) is the leading African reinsurance company with headquarters in Lagos (Nigeria). Africa Re has six regional offices: Casablanca (Morocco), Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), Nairobi (Kenya), Lagos (Nigeria), Cairo (Egypt) and Ebene (Mauritius). The Corporation equally has two subsidiaries: African Reinsurance Corporation South Africa Ltd in Johannesburg (South Africa), Africa Retakaful in Cairo (Egypt) and one Local Office in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia).

Africa Re has a broad-based shareholding comprising 41 African member States, the African Development Bank (AfDB), 114 African insurance and reinsurance companies and three non-regional shareholders, including leading global insurers and reinsurers. The Financial Strength and Credit Rating of Africa Re is A by A.M. Best and A – by Standard & Poor’s.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Assistant Protocol Officer - Head Office

Location: Abuja
Job type: Full-time
Job Grade & Duties: Support Staff category

Duties / Job Details

• The main duties of the Assistant Protocol Officer shall comprise, amongst others, the following:
  • Travel Logistics: Assist with the issuance of travel documents, including Diplomatic and Service Laissez-Passer documents, ID cards, and renewals as required.
  • Travel Documents: Assist with the issuance and renewal of Africa Re travel documents, including Diplomatic and Service Laissez-Passer documents, as required.
  • In-House Events and Meetings: Assist in handling protocol activities during the Corporation’s statutory meetings.
  • Travel Arrangements: Assist in coordinating travel for Management and staff, including flight reservations, ticket purchases, visa applications, reception of visitors, accommodation, and departure logistics. Support logistics arrangements to ensure smooth Board, General Assembly, MCC, and other statutory meetings.
  • Customs Clearance: Assist with the clearance of imported goods and vehicles for the Corporation and/or staff, as well as matters relating to expatriates’ legal residence in the host country.
  • Refund Follow-Up: Assist in following up on hotel deposits, unused tickets, seat downgrades, and similar matters to ensure due refunds are collected at the appropriate time.
  • Third-Party Service Providers: Support the engagement of professional conference organizers and other service providers, where required, to ensure the smooth delivery of corporate events in accordance with the Corporation’s procurement policies.
  • Other Duties: Perform administrative duties such as drafting reports, memos, letters, Notes Verbales, correspondence, Travel Order Forms, and related documents. Carry out other duties as may be directed from time to time by Management, the Director of Communication and Public Affairs, and Line Managers.
  • Protocol Services: Assist in coordinating protocol services for official meetings, events, and visits by facilitating the reception and movement of VIPs, dignitaries, delegates, and guests; ensuring adherence to protocol procedures and etiquette; preparing protocol arrangements; and providing protocol support during statutory meetings and other official functions of the Corporation.
  • Travel Team Coordination: Work closely with the travel team, hotels, and other service providers to negotiate attractive and cost-effective terms for the Corporation within approved budgets, guidelines, and policies.
  • External Events and Meetings: Assist in planning and coordinating logistics for events and meetings, including transportation, accommodation, meals, schedules, and agendas.
  • Consular and Visa Matters: Support the processing of multiple re-entry visas and residence permits for Management and staff, as required by the host country.
• The successful candidate will provide support to the Protocol Unit and Communications and Public Affairs Function of the Head Office, within the Group’s overall policy & guidelines and consistent with the highest standards of client service.

Academic Qualifications
Applicants shall be holders of:

• Previous experience in a similar role, evidenced by career progression and relevant exposure.
• Relevant professional experience in protocol will be an added advantage.
• Proficiency in data analytics, project management, collaboration tools, and relevant technology.
• Certifications in protocol, travel logistics, public relations, or event management will be an added advantage.
• Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent, in a relevant field such as Arts, International Studies/Relations, Public Relations, Political Science, Communication, Business Management, Tourism and Travel Management, or Event Management, plus three years of work experience, of which two years should be relevant experience.

Additional Requirements:
Applicants must also be:

• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
• Nationals of one of the 42 member States of Africa Re.
• A good working knowledge of the second language (French) shall be an added advantage

Main Competencies:

• Ability to work under pressure.
• Strong work ethic.
• Strong communication skills.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
• Good command of English; French is an added advantage.
• Good interpersonal, public relations, organizational, time management, and IT skills.
• Good geographical and social knowledge of the host city.
• Good planning skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work without close supervision and within established timeframes.

Other Competencies:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling official information.
• Good customer service and relationship management skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in handling documentation.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new procedures.
• Basic knowledge of visa, immigration, and customs processes.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Basic problem-solving skills and initiative.
• Flexibility to travel and work outside normal office hours when required.

Salary & Benefits
The successful candidate shall have the following benefits:

• Transport Allowance
• Inflation Adjustment (Cost of Living Allowance), which may increase or decrease depending on the economic situation.
• Joint contribution to the Provident Fund (7% of the basic salary paid by staff and 14% by the Employer).
• Competitive Basic Salary on the Corporation’s Support Staff Grade Level.
• Medical Cover for staff and family.
• Dependency Allowance.
• Variable Pay (Annual Performance Bonus).
• Housing Allowance.
• Children's Education Subsidy for each child up to 26 years (maximum 4 children).

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should
Click here to apply online

Note

• Africa-Re is an equal opportunity employer and offers a good working environment commensurate with international organizations.
• The Corporation reserves the right to appoint at the advertised grade level or at any other level that best suits the successful candidate's profile, qualifications, and experience.