COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT (Two positions)

Org. Setting and Reporting

ECA's mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 SDGs and Agenda 2063. The mission is guided by ECA's five new strategic directions which are: advancing ECA's position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent's problems and take local solutions to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa's position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues. These positions are in the Publications & Conference Management Section (PCMS) within the Administration and Conference Management Division (ACMD) in the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the Head of the Conference Planning & Coordination Services Unit (CPCSU), and the direct supervision of the Associate Public Information Officer , he/she will be responsible for the following duties:

• Direct the end-to-end flow of guided-tour operations by creating daily and weekly schedules, managing daily logistics, and making real-time adjustments to ensure a fair workload and seamless visitor transitions.
• Provide operational guidelines, address interpersonal issues, and deliver daily briefings to ensure consistency in information and professional standards.
• Act as the central point of contact for all types of visitors including VIPs, diplomats, and group leaders, managing complex inquiries and resolving grievances tactfully to protect the institution's brand image.
• Ensure all visitors receive a high-standard experience by monitoring guide performance and enforcing strict adherence to organizational rules, practices, and professional ethics.
• Oversee the execution of high-priority assignments, including VIP visits, "UN Kids" programs, and special request tours that may occur outside of standard operating hours, by coordinating schedules, preparing materials, assigning staff, and monitoring operations to ensure smooth, safe, and standards-compliant execution.
• Support the collection of visitor feedback to collaborate with the Marketing team on product improvements, sales strategies, and institutional outreach.
• Manages the digital and manual systems interfacing with visitors, including the distribution, collection, and maintenance of specialized tour equipment like headphones.
• Acts as a critical cross-functional lia...