Liaison and Access Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an international humanitarian organization founded in Denmark in 195

• With a mission to assist refugees and internally displaced persons globally, DRC provides emergency aid, advocates for their rights, and works towards sustainable solutions for a brighter future. The organization has grown significantly over the years, employing over 7,000 staff and engaging around 8,000 volunteers. DRC operates in multiple countries, focusing on conflict-affected areas and displacement routes, and aims to facilitate successful integration and voluntary return for displaced individuals. DRC Syria has been active since 2008, initially addressing the Iraqi refugee crisis and later expanding its efforts to respond to the ongoing Syria crisis. The organization employs an area-based approach to support internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities across various sectors, including Economic Recovery, Protection, WASH, Shelter, and Humanitarian Disarmament. DRC is committed to fostering resilience in fragile communities and ensuring dignified, sustainable solutions for those affected by protracted displacement and post-conflict recovery.

Job Overview:
The Liaison and Access Specialist will be the primary point of contact for the Danish Refugee Council's engagement with Syrian government entities and relevant authorities. This role is crucial for ensuring compliance with national regulations, facilitating project approvals, and enabling operational access for DRC's activities. The incumbent will collaborate closely with DRC's leadership, HR, operations, and program teams to maintain effective communication with ministries, secure necessary authorizations, and support the smooth implementation of activities while upholding DRC's humanitarian principles and neutrality. The position requires a proactive approach to managing relationships with government officials and ensuring that DRC's operations align with local laws and regulations. The Liaison and Access Specialist will also play a key role in monitoring the legal landscape in Syria and advising management on potential risks and compliance issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Government Liaison & Institutional Coordination: Act as the main point of contact with relevant ministries and authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, and others. Support high-level meetings with governmental counterparts and track project approval requests. Maintain records of communications and approvals, and represent DRC professionally in interactions with officials.
• Access Facilitation & Movement Permissions: Liaise with local authorities to facilitate staff movement and project implementation. Process requests for travel permits and coordinate administrative matters for international staff.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Monitor new laws and directives affecting DRC's operations, maintain records of registration and licenses, and advise management on legal risks.
• Internal Coordination and Reporting: Coordinate with various teams to ensure compliance with regulations, provide updates on access developments, and maintain a tracking system for submissions and approvals.
• Emergency Response and Context Monitoring: Support communication with authorities during emergencies and assist in coordinating rapid response activities.

Required Qualifications:
Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in liaison, access, or government relations with INGOs, UN agencies, or diplomatic missions. Proven experience engaging with Syrian ministries and local authorities. Strong understanding of Syrian legal frameworks governing INGO operations. Excellent communication and negotiation skills.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in public administration, Law, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field is required for this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 4 years of relevant experience in liaison, access, or government relations, particularly with INGOs, UN agencies, or diplomatic missions. Experience engaging with Syrian ministries and local authorities at both central and sub-national levels is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic (native) and proficiency in English (spoken and written) are required for this position.

Additional Notes:
The contract length is 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. This position is classified as non-management (G2 level) and is based in Damascus. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and an updated CV, both in the same language as the vacancy note, as CV-only applications will not be considered. The application deadline is 29 June 2026.