Liaison and Protocol Manager at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

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 and Diaspora 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 it goals and objectives.
• Represent the institute as required, including participating in meetings and negotiations of arbitration cases at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, immigration 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 Kenyan 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
• Perform any other related duties as may be required

Requirements

• 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 relationsand government structures.
• Proven experience in building relationships with an ability to network effectively with high-level stakeholders.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, cross- cultural communication, negotiation skills.
• Ability to lead and coach the team
• Commitment to providing exceptional, courteous service to support ILRI staff