Assistant Manager, Protocol & External Liaison  Ibadan

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. We are  recruiting to fill the position below:

 Job Title: Assistant Manager, Protocol & External Liaison

Location: Ibadan, Oyo

Contract: 3-years renewable contract  Duties

Support the day-to-day coordination of protocol, immigration, diplomatic and travel service requests in line with approved procedures and service standards.  Track and support the processing of visas, residence permits, diplomatic identity cards, ECOWAS travel documentation, customs exemptions, and related official documentation across Headquarters, Abuja, and Lagos. Support operational follow-up for diplomatic CT number plate registration, vehicle disposal exercises and return of assigned diplomatic registration numbers. Monitor service requests against established service level agreements (SLAs) and escalate delayed or high-risk cases to the Manager for guidance and for timely resolution. Monitor documentation completeness, departure protocol compliance and return of privileged documents. 

Support engagement and liaison with ministries, government agencies, embassies, immigration and customs authorities, and other external stakeholders. Track changes in immigration, customs, diplomatic, protocol, and consular regulations and flag potential operational implications to the Manager. Support operational information flow between Headquarters, Abuja and Lagos teams to reduce duplication and keep requests aligned with the approved workflow.

Support coordination of event logistics, official visits, protocol arrangements, and hosting requirements in accordance with IITA standards under the direction of the Manager. Support the preparation of official agendas, itineraries, visit programmes, stakeholder engagement activities and other official documentation required for high-level visits and institutional engagements. Liaise with relevant internal service providers and field offices to follow-up on protocol support, airport protocol services, dignitary reception, transportation, accommodation and security arrangements.

Maintain workflow tracking, dashboard reporting, KPI monitoring, case management updates, and chargeback reporting for Manager review. Support document management, correspondence standardization, records management, and archiving system. Support the monitoring of SOP implementation, internal controls, audit readiness and compliance requirements, escalating gaps to the Manager. Identify operational risks and propose mitigation measures for review and direction. 

Support day-to-day coordination of PEL staff across HQ, Abuja and Lagos, by tracking service quality, following up on assigned tasks, and escalating workload or resource issues to the Manager. Support execution of approved work plans, follow up on assigned operational tasks, and monitor workflow progress to support timely completion of unit deliverables. Support the use of SharePoint, digital case management systems, document templates, workflow automation tools, and dashboard reporting mechanisms to enhance operational efficiency and data visibility. Support procurement processes, imprest management, chargeback administration, and other operational activities in accordance with established institutional policies and procedures. Review service delivery trends, operational data, and stakeholder feedback to identify improvement opportunities and recommend process enhancements for Manager consideration.

Master’s Degree in International Relations, Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field. 5 -7 years of progressively responsible experience in protocol services, office administration, government relations, corporate services, travel and immigration management, international cooperation, or related functions.

Sound knowledge of diplomatic protocol, government procedures, immigration processes, and stakeholder engagement Demonstrated ability to support coordination of administrative and business support services in alignment with approved institutional objectives. Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, interpersonal skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and develop practical solutions to operational challenges. High level of professionalism, integrity, discretion, confidentiality, emotional intelligence and customer service orientation. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, SharePoint, and digital workflow systems. Proven ability to work collaboratively across functions, support coordination of diverse teams, and engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Strong planning, coordination, organizational, and task follow-up skills.

20th August, 2026. How to Apply

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