Protocol and Customs Clerk (Open to all applicants)
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Agency: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Grade: G4
Vacancy Type: Fixed Term
Posting Date: October 31, 2025
Closing Date: November 8, 2025
Job Schedule: Full-time
Contract Duration: 1 Year (with possibility of extension)
Practice Area: Management
Bureau: Regional Bureau for Africa
Mobility: No mobility required
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree with at least 1 year of relevant experience, or High School Certificate with at least 4 years of experience. Specialized training in administration is desired.
Languages:
Fluency in English and Amharic (spoken and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.
Background:
UNDP Ethiopia operates under the Standard Basic Assistance Agreement (SBAA) signed with the Government in 1981. It supports the Government and partners in promoting sustainable development, democratic governance, peacebuilding, and climate resilience. The Operations Unit ensures effective, efficient, and compliant program delivery. Within this framework, the Protocol and Customs Clerk plays a vital role in facilitating administrative processes related to protocol, customs clearance, and liaison with national authorities, supporting smooth operations for staff, projects, and international partners.
Position Purpose:
Under the direct supervision of the Protocol and Customs Analyst and the guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative (Operations), the incumbent provides comprehensive support in protocol and customs activities. This includes shipment handling, travel documentation, and maintaining strong working relationships with government counterparts. The role requires attention to detail, client orientation, and adherence to UNDP’s values of integrity, professionalism, and inclusivity.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Ensure Protocol and Customs Compliance: Ensure all protocol and customs activities comply with UNDP rules and Ethiopian laws; maintain current knowledge of customs and immigration regulations; prepare and process documentation for official shipments, duty-free imports, and staff entitlements.
2. Provide Administrative and Logistical Support: Coordinate customs clearance for shipments; liaise with forwarding agents and customs officials; manage correspondence (notes verbales, memoranda, reports); track pending cases with authorities; maintain cost-recovery records for protocol services.
3. Maintain Relationships with Customs Authorities: Support visa applications, residency permits, and travel documentation for international staff; liaise with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration; guide staff and partners on travel and protocol procedures.
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management: Build and maintain effective relationships with government bodies; serve as focal point for protocol inquiries; ensure courteous and transparent client service.
5. Knowledge Management and Capacity Building: Maintain accurate records of transactions; support development of guidance notes and FAQs; organize staff training sessions; contribute to internal communities of practice.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Competencies:
Achieve Results: Plans and monitors work, pays attention to details, delivers quality outcomes.
Think Innovatively: Open to new ideas, pragmatic in problem-solving, and promotes improvements.
Learn Continuously: Curious, open-minded, and shares knowledge.
Adapt with Agility: Adjusts to change with flexibility and composure.
Act with Determination: Shows drive and resilience under pressure.
Engage and Partner: Builds positive relationships and demonstrates empathy.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Respects differences and challenges discrimination.
Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:
- Customer Satisfaction/Client Management: Responds promptly to client needs and anticipates upcoming issues.
- Communication: Communicates clearly and tailors messages appropriately.
- Knowledge Facilitation: Encourages knowledge sharing and participation.
- Management of Shipments: Understands shipment regulations and logistics processes.
- Documents and Records Management: Ensures proper document retention, storage, and archiving.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Minimum 4 years of relevant experience with secondary education or 1 year with a bachelor’s degree.
- Hands-on experience in protocol, customs, and clearance processes.
- Experience working with government authorities such as MoFA, Immigration, and Customs.
- Familiarity with import/export regulations and documentation.
- Experience in UN or international organizations is an asset.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ERP systems is an advantage.
Equal Opportunity:
UNDP is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusivity. Qualified applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Employment decisions are made based on merit and suitability without discrimination.
Workplace Conduct:
UNDP has zero tolerance for harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse of authority, and discrimination. All selected candidates undergo relevant background checks and are expected to uphold UNDP’s core values.
Probation:
New fixed-term appointments require a 12-month probationary period, subject to successful completion for continuation.
Multiple Selection:
UNDP may select multiple candidates from this announcement and consider applicants for similar positions at the same grade and requirements.
Scam Alert:
UNDP does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. For more information, visit www.undp.org/scam-alert.
Application Deadline: November 8, 2025
Apply Here