Liaison Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Established with a mission to address interrelated development challenges, FHI 360 employs a diverse team of experts in various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, and technology. The organization operates in over 70 countries, including all 50 U.S. states and U.S. territories. FHI 360's Crisis Response team is actively engaged in humanitarian efforts in Northern Ethiopia, focusing on integrated health, nutrition, WASH, and Protection projects to assist conflict-affected populations. The organization is expanding its initiatives to the Somali Region in Eastern Ethiopia to address the needs of drought-affected communities, collaborating with local partners such as Pastoralist Concern (PC).

Job Overview:
The Liaison Assistant position at FHI 360 is crucial for fostering relationships with Somali regional and zonal government stakeholders. This role involves direct coordination with local partners, particularly Pastoralist Concern (PC), and is integral to the Integrated Services for Humanitarian Implementation – Ethiopia III (ISHI-E III) project. The Liaison Assistant will be responsible for managing all interactions with government entities, including the Ethiopia Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC) and various Regional Technical Bureaus. This position requires the development and approval of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and other project agreements, ensuring that project activities align with government and donor priorities. The Liaison Assistant will also lead report submissions to government partners and donors, and may require travel to various project implementation regions. The role is based in Jijiga, which is designated as a high-risk area, necessitating thorough research on associated risks before application.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Liaison Assistant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: identifying, assessing, and mapping government counterparts for the ISHI-E III project; creating a comprehensive database of government partners and outstanding issues; conducting capacity and risk assessments for government partners; maintaining positive relations through regular communication; coordinating with internal departments to meet donor and government needs; collaborating with finance and program staff to manage financial reports; supporting global teams and donors during visits; creating monitoring tools to track project progress; conducting regular monitoring visits with government offices; maintaining electronic files for ISHI-E III; reviewing government MOUs and proposals; representing ISHI-E III at relevant meetings and Technical Working Groups; and providing feedback to senior management teams.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an Associate’s Degree, diploma, or its international equivalent in fields such as Knowledge/Information Services, Communications, Education, Health, Behavioral, Life/Social Sciences, or International Development. A minimum of 1 year of work experience is required, particularly in roles involving national and subnational government and non-government humanitarian programs. Candidates should demonstrate fluency in English, Somali, and Amharic, and possess a strong understanding of government and humanitarian response structures. Knowledge of humanitarian cluster structures and experience coordinating with UN and OCHA actors is essential, along with practical experience in project management, reporting, MOU development, and organizational capacity building.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an Associate’s Degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Knowledge/Information Services, Communications, Education, Health, Behavioral, Life/Social Sciences, or International Development. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and government relations.

Experience:
The position requires at least 1 year of relevant work experience, particularly in roles that involve collaboration with national and subnational government entities and non-governmental organizations in humanitarian contexts. Candidates should have experience in managing relationships with government partners and understanding the operational frameworks of humanitarian programs.

Languages:
Fluency in English, Somali, and Amharic is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with government stakeholders and local partners, ensuring that all interactions are clear and productive. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Jijiga, Ethiopia, which is classified as a high-risk duty station. Applicants are advised to conduct thorough research on the location and associated risks before applying. The role may involve travel to various project implementation regions, including Amhara, Tigray, and outer zones of Somali. FHI 360 is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring that all employment practices are free from discrimination. The organization emphasizes safeguarding against abuse and exploitation in its work environments and requires all personnel to adhere to a strict code of conduct. Employment offers will be contingent upon successful completion of screening checks, including reference and criminal record checks.