Job Description

Reports to: General Counsel
Location: Cairo, Egypt

Purpose of the position

The Protocol and Liaison Officer supports ICARDA’s operations in Egypt by managing protocol, governmental liaison, and official procedures with Egyptian authorities and relevant institutions. The position ensures that ICARDA’s activities, staff movements, official visits, and institutional engagements are conducted in compliance with host country regulations, diplomatic practice, and ICARDA policies, while maintaining a professional image of the organization.

About ICARDA

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is a treaty-based international non-profit research organization supported by CGIAR.
ICARDA’s mission is to reduce poverty, enhance food, water, and nutritional security, as well as environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change. We do this through innovative science, strategic partnerships, linking research to development and capacity development that take into account gender equality and the role of youth in transforming the dry areas. ICARDA works in partnership with governments, universities, civil society, national agricultural research organization, other CGIAR Research Centers, and the private sector. With its temporary Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, ICARDA operates in regional and country offices across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. For more information: www.icarda.org

Main responsibilities

Protocol and Official Visits

• Facilitate protocol arrangements at airports and ports of entry for the Director General, senior management, and official visitors, including arrivals and departures.

• Support the organization of official visits, missions, and meetings involving Egyptian government officials, diplomatic missions, and institutional partners.
• Coordinate protocol formalities for official events, ceremonies, and meetings, as requested by management.
  

Government Liaison and Official Correspondence

• Act as a focal point for liaison with relevant Egyptian government authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, security entities, customs, and other public institutions.
• Prepare, submit, and follow up on official correspondence in Arabic to governmental entities, ensuring accuracy and compliance with institutional requirements (all correspondence to be cleared and signed by the supervisor).
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of host country regulations, instructions, and procedures affecting ICARDA operations and proactively inform management of relevant changes.
  

Visas, Residencies, and Staff Formalities

• Submit and proactively follow up on visa requests for ICARDA staff, scientists, trainees, and visitors of various nationalities, in coordination with the supervisor and the Travel and Administrative Officer.
• Submit and follow up on residency permits, renewals, and related formalities for international staff and eligible dependents, ensuring timely processing.
• Assist incoming staff with clearance of personal effects through airports or seaports, ensuring smooth and timely delivery.
  

Customs, Import/Export, and Logistics Support

• Obtain required governmental approvals for the import and export of equipment, biological material, and seeds between ICARDA offices, in coordination with the relevant technical units (PSD and others).
• Liaise with customs authorities and checkpoint ports to facilitate ICARDA shipments in compliance with national regulations.
  

Administrative and Institutional Support

• Renew licenses and registrations for ICARDA vehicles in Egypt.
• Support, under the guidance of HR and Finance, matters related to Egyptian social security and tax authorities as applicable to ICARDA staff.
• Maintain accurate records and archives of official correspondence, residencies, visas, and approvals, ensuring proper filing of hard copies and records.
  

Working Relationships

• Reports to the Egypt Country Coordinator.
• Works in close coordination with Legal Counsel, Human Resources, Finance, Travel, Administration, and relevant technical programs.
• Liaises externally with government authorities, public institutions, and service providers.

Requirements

Education, qualifications, and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, International Relations, Political Science, Law, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in protocol, governmental liaison, administration, or a similar role, preferably within an international organization, embassy, governmental entity, or international NGO.
• Demonstrated familiarity with Egyptian governmental procedures, immigration, customs, and protocol practices.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally with senior officials.
• High level of organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle time-sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Fluency in Arabic and English (written and spoken) is required.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and institutional loyalty.

Benefits

Terms of appointment, salary, and benefits

This is a nationally recruited position open for Egyptian nationals for which ICARDA offers an attractive compensation package including a competitive salary, medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, five months’ maternity leave, 15 days’ paternity leave. The successful candidate will be offered an initial contract of 3 years, renewable subject to continued need for the position and satisfactory performance. The first 3 months will be a probationary period.

Please be advised that ICARDA accepts applications only in English, as per the organization's standard communication language. Applications in other languages will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.