Protocol Officer

Overview

The Protocol Officer plays a key role in organizing, coordinating, and managing official visits, meetings, ceremonies, and prestigious events. This position ensures all protocol-related activities are executed with professionalism, accuracy, and in line with approved guidelines, cultural norms, and official standards.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and orchestrating official visits, ceremonies, meetings, and protocol events.
• Coordinate arrangements for VIPs and dignitaries concerning arrival, reception, movement, seating, departure, and hospitality.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive event schedules, guest lists, seating charts, movement plans, run sheets, and briefing materials.
• Collaborate with internal teams, government bodies, security personnel, venues, transportation services, and other stakeholders.
• Confirm all logistical aspects, including transport, accommodation, permits, meeting facilities, gifts, catering, and hospitality.
• Conduct venue inspections and readiness assessments ahead of events.
• Support protocol execution at airports, hotels, venues, and meeting locations as needed.
• Ensure the correct application of official titles, flags, seating protocols, precedence, greetings, and cultural etiquette.
• Brief staff and service providers on their specific duties and responsibilities.
• Oversee event proceedings, addressing operational concerns swiftly and professionally.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive VIP, delegation, schedule, and event information.
• Compile post-event evaluations, observations, and suggestions for improvements.
• Keep accurate records of protocol documents, contact databases, event files, and operational materials.
• Contribute to enhancing protocol procedures, templates, checklists, and best practices.
• Perform additional protocol tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, Event Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Professional training in protocol, diplomacy, event management, or VIP service is beneficial.

Skills Required

• Understanding of official protocol procedures, precedence, etiquette, and ceremonial formalities.
• Experience managing official visits, VIP logistics, meetings, and high-profile events.
• Capability to prepare operational plans, briefing documents, run sheets, and seating arrangements.
• Strong grasp of event logistics, including hospitality, transportation, and venue coordination.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
• Fluent in both Arabic and English (written and verbal).

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail and professionalism in appearance and behavior.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to remain composed under pressure.
• Good judgment with problem-solving aptitude.
• Discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Willingness to work beyond standard hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Skill in collaborating effectively with diverse cultural groups and multiple stakeholders.