Liaison Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. NRC has been operational since 1946 and has grown to become one of the leading organizations in the humanitarian sector, with a presence in over 30 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to providing high-quality aid and defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC employs thousands of staff globally, working tirelessly to address some of the world's most pressing humanitarian crises. The organization is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity, and that their contributions are valued. NRC's mission is to save lives and rebuild futures, and safeguarding is central to its work, with a strict zero-tolerance policy against exploitation and abuse.

Job Overview:
The Liaison Officer plays a crucial role in facilitating effective coordination and communication between the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and relevant authorities and stakeholders in Yemen. This position is responsible for managing sub-agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with local authorities, ensuring timely submission of mandatory and ad hoc reports, and addressing any issues related to agreements and reporting requirements. The Liaison Officer will support the development of constructive relationships with government entities while ensuring adherence to humanitarian principles and NRC policies. This role also involves representing NRC in coordination meetings and engagements with key stakeholders to support operational access, coordination, and effective program implementation. The Liaison Officer will be expected to actively promote gender awareness and protection, and to champion these values where necessary. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to navigate complex bureaucratic environments to ensure that NRC's operations can continue effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Liaison Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Upholding and promoting NRC values, code of conduct, and humanitarian principles.
• Supporting NRC staff in developing and maintaining good relationships with local authorities and officials.
• Attending coordination meetings with official stakeholders, recording meeting minutes, and reporting back to management.
• Overall coordination in representing NRC with government entities and other key stakeholders in targeted areas.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of NRC stakeholders’ engagement plans to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
• Collaborating with the line manager and Access Adviser to develop and implement NRC access and negotiation strategies.
• Leading the preparation, submission, and signing of NRC agreements with authorities, including Principle Agreements, Sub-Agreements, and MoUs.
• Compiling and submitting required reports to government authorities, ensuring adherence to NRC policies and donor requirements.
• Identifying key contacts in relevant government ministries and developing good working relationships with them. 1
• Maintaining an orderly archive for all sub-agreements, reports, and official communications with authorities. 1
• Conducting supportive field visits and producing back-to-office reports. 1
• Supporting HR/Admin with visa applications and permits for international staff. 1
• Coordinating timely responses to government orders and requests. 1
• Documenting lessons learned and best practices related to liaison and coordination processes.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Liaison Officer position should possess the following qualifications:

• A university degree in public or business administration or other relevant social sciences.
• A minimum of 2-3 years of experience working in government relations for a humanitarian organization.
• Experience in liaison and representation with senior-level authorities.
• Demonstrated diplomatic communication skills and the ability to build a strong network with various stakeholders.
• Flexibility to travel regularly within the designated Local Authority area and potentially outside the area.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage and influence government authorities effectively.
• Native Arabic speaker with advanced English language skills.
• Knowledge of humanitarian principles, standards, and related issues.
• High attention to detail and demonstrated competencies in drafting letters in Arabic.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a university degree in public or business administration or other relevant social sciences. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of government relations and the humanitarian context in which NRC operates.

Experience:
The position requires 2-3 years of relevant experience in government relations, particularly within a humanitarian organization. Candidates should have experience in liaison and representation with senior-level authorities, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex bureaucratic environments and build effective relationships with stakeholders.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is Arabic, as the Liaison Officer will need to communicate effectively with local authorities and stakeholders. Advanced English language skills are also required to facilitate communication with NRC's international staff and partners. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may require regular travel within Yemen. The Liaison Officer will be expected to work in potentially insecure environments and must be able to handle pressure and meet deadlines. The role involves a significant amount of documentation and reporting, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail. NRC is committed to safeguarding and expects all employees to contribute to building a safe environment for all, adhering to a zero-tolerance policy against exploitation and abuse.