Diplomatic Protocol and Etiquette Training Course for Officials of the State of Palestine

Background: The capacity-building programme for civil servants of the State of Palestine is a central component of the mandate of the Division for Palestinian Rights (DPR), most recently renewed by General Assembly resolution A/RES/77/23 of 30 November 2022. The objectives of the programme, administered by the Division on behalf of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, is intended to advance the peaceful achievement of the two-State solution and enhance the viability and sustainability of the future independent State of Palestine. Purpose: The course aims to introduce approximately 25-30 officials of the State of Palestine to the ceremonial aspects of protocols and procedures, the behavior of etiquette, rules of courteousness in society, and respect for diplomatic precedence. The course should provide a hands-on approach to learning about different aspects of diplomatic protocol and ceremony, focusing on enhancing practitioners’ skills in a globalized and interdependent world. Objectives: The primary objectives of the Diplomatic Protocol and Etiquette Training Course are as follows: • Enhance the knowledge and understanding of diplomatic protocol and etiquette among Palestinian officials. • Develop the necessary skills to represent the State of Palestine with professionalism and effectiveness in various diplomatic settings. • Promote sensitivity and awareness in interacting with different cultures. • Improve communication and negotiation skills for successful diplomatic engagements. • Foster confidence and competence in dealing with complex diplomatic situations. Methodology: The Diplomatic Protocol and Etiquette training course should utilize a collaborative learning approach involving a high level of interaction over a period of 2 or 3 days and a minimum of 6 hours of study per day. The vendor should provide reference material in Arabic and the necessary tools for interaction. The training should be delivered in Arabic without interpretation. The workshop will be completed during 2023. The training/provider shall adopt a practical approach to Etiquette and Protocol issues, emphasizing real-life case studies, scenarios, and situations by including all the basic concepts and best international practices necessary to achieve the stated objective of this training programme. The training curriculum should include, but not be limited to, the following: 1. Introduction to protocol and etiquette: historical evolution of the diplomatic protocol. 2. Establishment of diplomatic relations and presentation of credentials: an introduction to the procedures followed for the establishment of diplomatic relations, the appointment of an ambassador, and their arrival in the host country; Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) and Consular relations (1963); practical differences between multilateral and bilateral diplomacy. 3. Order of precedence: What is an order of precedence, and how is it applied at formal functions. 4. The importance of titles and forms of address: how dignitaries should be addressed in a manner appropriate to the office they occupy; how to address such dignitaries in writing; the difference between formal and informal invitations; the proper wording used on diplomatic invitations; forms of replies and declines. 5. Attending events and planning table seating: attending receptions; official luncheons and dinners, and various seating arrangements. Recognize the elements which make an event and its venue a success or a failure; basic principles and objectives of diplomatic entertainment. 6. Travel etiquette: precedence of riding in a car, traffic precedence, car etiquette. 7. State visits: preparation for state visits; the programme involved; dress codes, decorations, and flag etiquette; seating plans; speeches and statements – striking the right tone. The flags (when is it best to put a flag for the guests); signing agreements; Honor Guard (red carpet, National anthem). 8. Protocol of communications: Develop excellent networking and contact-making skills; formal vs. informal; techniques to be friendly; thank you and follow-up letters; when/how to copy people in letters/emails; getting the right ‘style/tone’; adding value by bringing people together. The trainers are expected to have practical experience in organizing and delivering training courses on Diplomatic Etiquette and Protocol, tools and best practices, and understanding international relations. The trainer(s) must have a track record of delivering similar courses for private and public sectors. They must have a minimum of 3-4 years related experience. The trainer(s) should be fluent in Arabic. Deliverables: The service provider is expected to provide on-site in-person training and training materials (if necessary) on Diplomatic Etiquette and Protocol for officials from the Government of the State of Palestine in Arabic. The following deliverables are required under this assignment: • Design and develop a training module; • Provide training materials and related documents in Arabic; • Recommendations and proposals for improved training in the future (if any); • Conduct and submit a post-training assessment report not later than two (2) weeks after completion of the training; • In collaboration with DPR, issue Certificates to participants at the end of the training course. Outputs: By the end of the training, it is expected that staff will be able to act in line with the internationally accepted practices of etiquette and protocol. In addition, they are expected to be able to confront challenging and new situations confidently, particularly when dealing with high-ranking officials. Travel: The training course delivery requires travel to the State of Palestine or a neighboring country. The trainer(s) will be responsible for obtaining necessary entry visas (wherever applicable). Supervision of work: The work of the vendor will be supervised by DPR. The vendor will e-meet with the DPR focal point regularly to discuss progress, obtain feedback, and agree on content. The DPR will evaluate and certify the delivery of work. Payment schedule: Payment will be made upon successful delivery of training and their acceptance by DPR. To respond to the RFI, interested vendors are welcome to submit information detailing: • Capabilities to deliver curriculum based on the aforementioned requirements and outline of the proposed curriculum if available; • Experiences and availabilities to delivery in-person trainings in the State of Palestine; • Estimated timeline of implementation of the workshop; • Estimated cost range of the workshop inclusive training fees, preparation, translation of training materials, travel and subsistence of the trainer(s); • Portfolio of previous works, examples of similar trainings provided in the past four (4) years, documents supporting qualifications; • A brief general description of your organization, its structure, years in business and the line of business dealing with similar services; • Information on existing LTA with an entity within the UN System, if any; • Standard training catalogue, if any, as well as discount that could be offered to the UN over the standard catalogue rates.