DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

WHY JOIN WFP? 

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.

• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.

• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.

• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Syria continues to experience a complex operational environment, requiring sustained support to communities working toward stabilization and recovery. As part of its long-standing presence in the country, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) provides critical assistance aimed at enhancing food security, supporting resilience, and facilitating early recovery efforts.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the largest humanitarian agency operating in Syria since 1964 and is uniquely positioned to support Syrian communities in their recovery through its expansive reach and scale. WFP’s interventions prioritize emergency relief and resilience-building efforts focused on the most severely food insecure populations. Additionally, WFP is a key actor in the country’s social protection sector and plays a vital role in strengthening Syria’s social safety-net systems. Operating under its 2022-2026 Interim Country Strategic Plan (iCSP), WFP addresses the growing food and nutrition needs, livelihood, resilience and early recovery, and reviving food systems, in close collaboration with the Syrian government, humanitarian and development stakeholders.

To enable effective programme delivery and ensure strong collaboration with national counterparts, efficient protocol and liaison functions are essential. This position supports WFP’s operational and strategic engagement by ensuring high-quality official communication, compliance with administrative procedures, and smooth coordination for missions and high‑level delegations. The role strengthens WFP’s ability to operate effectively within the national context while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, accuracy, and operational efficiency.

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Country Director for Enabling Services, the Management Services Officer (Protocol) plays a central role in managing official communications, liaison activities, and protocol functions to support WFP’s operations in Syria. The incumbent is responsible for drafting and quality‑assuring official correspondence, coordinating administrative formalities with national authorities, managing protocol arrangements for delegations and missions, and ensuring timely follow‑up on all related processes.

The position ensures strong coordination across internal units, maintains accurate protocol records and reporting, and upholds compliance with established standards and procedures. The role contributes directly to operational effectiveness by facilitating smooth interactions with external stakeholders and ensuring the timely processing of all protocol‑related requirements.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Within delegated authority, the Protocol Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Managing and responding to protocol- and administration‑related queries, ensuring timely and effective support to daily operational needs.
• Coordinating the work of the protocol team to ensure delivery aligned with organizational policies, procedures, and performance expectations.
• Overseeing reception, accompaniment, and departure arrangements for official delegations and guests, ensuring high-quality protocol support.
• Managing hospitality, logistics, and administrative arrangements for visiting delegations in coordination with relevant internal units.
• Serving as the focal point for coordinating visits of international officials, ensuring all technical and logistical aspects are prepared effectively.
• Preparing and coordinating meetings with national authorities and other stakeholders, ensuring proper documentation and professional engagement.
• Facilitating mission‑related arrangements—including travel, transportation, and related coordination—with internal units to ensure smooth operations.
• Liaising with relevant national authorities to facilitate visa processes for official visitors, ensuring accurate documentation and timely follow‑up.
• Organizing and coordinating official meetings between WFP representatives and national counterparts, ensuring efficient communication and arrangement.
• Supporting the planning and implementation of protocol‑related ceremonies, events, and official engagements in line with established standards.
• Managing the protocol database, preparing reports, ensuring data accuracy, and providing training and guidance to staff on system use.
• Providing staff with guidance on applicable national procedures and supporting the facilitation of required clearances and authorizations for mission activities.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

• Master's degree in English Literature, Law, International relations, Political Science or another related field, or bachelor's degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses.

Experience:

• With Master's: At least (1) year of relevant experience to the position, including experience in planning, monitoring, and processing administrative actions related to protocol functions. (within the Humanitarian field will be an added advantage)
• With Bachelor's: At least (3) years of relevant experience to the position, including experience in planning, monitoring, and processing administrative actions related to protocol functions.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong writing skills in both English and Arabic languages
  Master using computers, including correspondence by email.
• Strong communication skills in order to provide specialized protocol services to a wide range of individuals.
• Ability to proactively identify and recommend areas for improvement to the design and delivery of protocol/administrative services.
• Obtain strong ability in building positive relationships with a variety of individuals across functions.
• Experience in coordinating the work of others and providing training and support to others.
• Experience in simultaneous translation from Arabic to English or vice versa.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Languages:

• Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Arabic languages.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact:  global.inclusion@wfp.org

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs or spontaneous applications by email.

• If you experience challenges while submitting your online application, please contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org for technical support only.

• Please note that applications sent to this email address cannot be considered.

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).

• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter

• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time

• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.