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 to employ over 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers, operating in numerous countries, including conflict-affected areas and regions where refugees settle. DRC's vision is to ensure a dignified life for all displaced individuals, guided by core values such as humanity, respect, independence, neutrality, participation, honesty, and transparency. In Syria, DRC has been active since 2008, initially responding to the Iraqi refugee crisis and later expanding its efforts to address the ongoing Syria crisis. DRC Syria employs an area-based approach to support internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities across various sectors, including Economic Recovery and Resilience, Protection, WASH, Shelter and Infrastructure, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. The organization is committed to rapid response mechanisms to address emerging crises and ensure effective support for communities in need, fostering resilience and sustainable solutions for those affected by protracted displacement and post-conflict recovery.

Job Overview:
The Liaison and Access Specialist will act as 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 humanitarian activities. The incumbent will collaborate closely with DRC's leadership, HR, operations, and program teams to maintain effective communication with ministries, secure timely 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 be responsible for monitoring legal and regulatory changes that may impact DRC's work in Syria, providing strategic advice to management, and supporting emergency response efforts as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Government Liaison & Institutional Coordination: Serve as DRC’s main liaison with relevant ministries and authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, and others. Organize 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:
Candidates must possess a 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 is essential, along with a strong understanding of the legal and administrative frameworks governing INGO operations in Syria. Excellent communication and negotiation skills are required, as well as the ability to manage sensitive relationships with confidentiality.

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:
The position requires at least 4 years of relevant experience in liaison, access, or government relations, particularly with INGOs, UN agencies, or diplomatic missions. Candidates should have proven experience working with Syrian ministries and local authorities at both central and sub-national levels, as well as experience managing travel logistics and understanding Syrian legal frameworks.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic (native) is mandatory, along with proficiency in English (spoken and written).

Additional Notes:
The contract length is until 30 June 2026, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. This is a non-management position at level G2, located in Damascus. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Interested applicants 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 October 2025.