Senior Protocol Specialist to the honourable Ministers   Secretary   Officer- Food System

ETHIOPIAN AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION INSTITUTE

Position:     Senior Protocol Specialist to the honourable Ministers   Secretary   Officer- Food System

Term of Employment:         One year with possibility of extension

Duty Station(s):                     Addis Ababa, Secondment to MoA 

Required Number:                One

Application Deadline:          May 1,2026

Background

The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), formerly known as the Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA), is a strategy and delivery-oriented government institute created to help accelerate the growth and transformation of Ethiopia’s agriculture sector, which is a key contributor to the country’s GDP, exports, and workforce. The ATI’s work is cantered on improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers (SHFs) across the country for improved income, inclusiveness, resilience, and sustainability. 

The ATI works to transform the agriculture sector in Ethiopia by conducting policy and analytical studies, providing technical implementation support and capacity building, coordinating.

platforms to better integrate partners and projects and designing and directly leading several innovative/pilot interventions. The Institute joins forces with various stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, farmers, and development partners, to support the implementation of agricultural development programs and initiatives. In addition, the ATI collaborates with national and international partners to facilitate knowledge exchange and learning opportunities. The Institute plays a crucial role in generating and disseminating information to support evidence-based decision-making in Ethiopia’s agricultural sector.

Our Culture

We have an exceptional team of highly competent employees with a proven track record of success in managing complex activities and achieving transformational results.  Our culture is one where talented, dedicated, and adaptable individuals are committed to doing their best and exhibit great teamwork to achieve excellent results. 

At ATI, we provide an exceptional platform for people who want to achieve their highest potential and make a meaningful contribution in changing the country’s agricultural sector.  We offer rewarding work in a young, fast-paced growing organization with passionate, committed, motivated colleagues and excellent career development and training.  We recognize our most valuable assets are our staff and are committed to providing our employees with the tools, training, and mentorships necessary to achieve their career goals.

Position Summary 

The Senior Protocol Specialist to the honourable Ministers   Secretary   Officer- Food System is responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing all protocol-related matters for the Minister. The role ensures that official engagements, high-level meetings, diplomatic interactions, ceremonies, and visits are conducted in accordance with national protocol standards, government regulations, and international diplomatic practices.

Outcome 1:   Protocol and Ceremonial Management 20%                                                                                                                                                                   

• Organize and coordinate official ceremonies, meetings, conferences, and high-level events involving the Minister.

• Ensure adherence to Ethiopian Government protocol standards and diplomatic norms.

• Prepare seating arrangements, order of precedence, flags, and ceremonial procedures.

• Coordinate reception and farewell arrangements for VIP guests.

Outcome 2 : Diplomatic and Stakeholder Coordination  30%

• Liaise with ministries, government institutions, embassies, development partners, and international organizations.

• Facilitate official visits (incoming and outgoing), including logistics and briefing materials.

• Coordinate communication with foreign missions and international delegations.

• Facilitate media interviews with appropriate body.

   Outcome 3 : Ensure Ministerial Engagement Support  20%                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

• Prepare protocol briefs, background notes, and talking points in collaboration with relevant directorates.

• Ensure proper handling of official correspondence related to protocol matters.

• Advise the Minister and senior management on protocol etiquette and diplomatic practices.

• Handle any other related tasks as requested, shifting roles with other team members as the need arises.  

• Provide a wide variety of administrative support including complex calendar management, event planning, and other logistics such as assisting in procurement processes and acquiring office equipment and supplies for the Minister

Outcome 4: Ensuring Event Logistics and Administrative Coordination 20% 

• Coordinate venue arrangements, transportation, security clearance, and hospitality services.  

• Work closely with security and administrative teams for smooth execution of official events.

• Maintain updated protocol contact lists and databases.

Outcome 4:  Ensure Documentation and Reporting 10%

• Maintain records of official visits, agreements signed, and high-level engagements.

• Prepare event reports and recommendations for improvement.

• Ensure confidentiality of sensitive diplomatic information 

Required Qualification, Competencies and Experience:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, international relations, business/marketing management, media relations or other relevant field

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience for master’s degree holders, or 6 years for Bachelor’s degree holders.

Working Conditions Requirements:

• The job holder spends several hours in office where his or her tasks are largely carried out in an office setting working with computer and moving within the office to meet with other operational teams for the coordination of activities. As necessary she/he may travel for the off-site meetings, workshop and conferences arrangements and coordination’s.  

Behavioral competencies

• Effective communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills, with highly collaborative working style

• Problem-solving skill    Excellent analytical, problem solving and reporting skills.

• Inter-Personal/Human relations Skills: Working creatively with others, communicating clearly, collaborating, adapting to change, flexibility, interacting 

• Decision making: Ability to identify better courses of actions to take timely and effective decision, Excellent analytical skill, taking calculated risk, Consultation and negotiation skills  And Ability and willingness to shoulder responsibilities under hectic conditions (in terms of overlapping assignments that may happen occasionally).

• Stakeholder Management: Building and Maintaining High-Level Networks, Acting as a Key Liaison, Enhancing Brand and Reputation, Providing Authoritative Protocol Advice, Coordinating High-Level Visits and Events, Managing Stakeholder Correspondence and Data, Effective Cross-Cultural Communication:, Diplomacy, Discretion, and Sound Judgement

Technical competencies:       

• Digital Literacy and Social Media Management: Managing online content, understanding the nuances of different social media channels, and leveraging digital tools to amplify messages.

• Media relations and storytelling: Building and maintaining relationships with journalists, understanding the media cycle, and crafting compelling narratives that capture the essence of the organization's message.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative suits: Developing high-quality and professional looking promotional materials using Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrators and other Adobe products

• Excellent individual skills: Capture and document various events leveraging using different gadgets and equipment’s. 

• Familiarity with online System: Efficiently facilitate and manage operational and strategic activities by leveraging cutting-edge software systems that streamline task processes.

• Protocol: Strong knowledge of diplomatic protocol and government procedures ,Excellent event coordination and organizational skills, Understanding of international relations and intergovernmental communication  and High level of written and verbal communication skills.

Other requirements (Languages, Licensing or Certifications)

• Language - Proficiency in English and Amharic 

• certification in short term training relevant to the job is a plus

How To Apply

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

We invite all candidates meeting the required qualifications to submit (i) a cover letter and (ii) a CV (maximum 5 pages) to https://apply.ati.gov.et. It is mandatory to mention the position title in both the subject line of your cover letter and the Outlook email subject line. Please DO NOT submit scans of certificates with your application.

Women are highly encouraged to apply 

NB. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.