About this opportunity
Opportunity Overview
The Protocol Manager role is based in Brazil, within the Tournament and Venue Operations department. This full-time, fixed-term position involves defining the overall Protocol strategy, including guest group segmentation and corresponding levels of Protocol services. The role requires leading the planning and delivery of Protocol services for VVIP/VIP guests and dignitaries across all official FIFA event sites. The Protocol Manager will act as the key liaison with government authorities, embassies, and official delegations before and during the tournament. The Protocol Manager will oversee interactions with high-ranking guests, ensuring compliance with Protocol standards and expectations. This includes defining and coordinating Protocol requirements across venues, such as VVIP/VIP seating, lounges, drop-off zones, and guest flows. The role also involves providing guidance and supervision to the Protocol team and coordinating with external partners and guest Protocol representatives. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in International Relations, Political Science, Business Management, Hospitality Management, or a related field. Specialization in protocol, diplomacy, or international organizations is an advantage. The role requires extensive experience in protocol management, government relations, or diplomatic environments, including interaction with high-level stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Define the overall Protocol strategy, including guest group segmentation and corresponding levels of Protocol services
- Develop and implement Protocol guidelines, policies, and decision-making frameworks
- Lead the planning and delivery of Protocol services for VVIP/VIP guests and dignitaries across all official FIFA event sites
- Act as the key liaison with government authorities, embassies, and official delegations before and during the tournament
- Oversee interactions with high-ranking guests, ensuring compliance with Protocol standards and expectations
- Define and coordinate Protocol requirements across venues, including VVIP/VIP seating, lounges, drop-off zones, and guest flows
- Provide guidance and supervision to the Protocol team and coordinate with external partners and guest Protocol representatives
- Oversee Protocol-related services, including seating planning, forms of address, ceremonial arrangements, and official welcoming procedures
- Collaborate with FIFA Zurich and relevant functional areas to ensure alignment of Protocol services with overall Guest Operations delivery
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Attend site visits and inspections
Benefits
- No benefits are specified in the source.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in International Relations, Political Science, Business Management, Hospitality Management, or a related field
- Specialization in protocol, diplomacy, or international organizations is an advantage
- Extensive experience in protocol management, government relations, or diplomatic environments, including interaction with high-level stakeholders
- Relevant professional experience in protocol, guest management, or international relations, preferably within large-scale events or complex organizational environments
- Proven experience working with government authorities, embassies, and official delegations
- Experience in defining and implementing protocol frameworks, guidelines, and service delivery standards
- Experience in planning and delivering protocol services in event environments, including on-site operations is an advantage
- Ideally experience within a sport/event organisation or large-scale international project, preferably in a world-class event environment
- Fluent Portuguese and English (spoken and written) with excellent communication skills
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with high-level dignitaries and officials
- High level of diplomacy and cultural awareness in handling sensitive Protocol interactions
- Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage complex requirements across multiple venues
- Proven problem-solving skills and ability to operate in dynamic, high-pressure environments
- Strong project management skills and ability to oversee multiple workstreams
- Ability to develop and implement structured guidelines and processes
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across cross-functional teams
- Advanced MS Office skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Project Management certification or equivalent experience is an advantage
- Relevant certifications in protocol, diplomacy, or event management are a plus
- Right to work in Brazil
- Ability to re-locate to Rio de Janeiro
How to Apply
- Review the job description and requirements to ensure you meet the necessary qualifications.
- Prepare your application, including your resume and any required supporting documents.
- Click the Apply button below to submit your application.
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