Senior Government Liaison Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members dedicated to providing assistance and protection to those in need. The organization works to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to promote durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The Senior Government Liaison Assistant plays a crucial role within the Government Liaison Unit, primarily reporting to the (Senior) Government Liaison Officer. This position is integral to facilitating communication and coordination between UNHCR and government authorities, as well as other external parties. The incumbent is expected to engage in discussions and provide information that is vital to the organization's operations. The role involves drafting correspondence, preparing reports, and maintaining relationships with local authorities and partners. The Senior Government Liaison Assistant must stay informed about political developments that could impact UNHCR's work and ensure that the organization's interests are represented effectively. This position requires a proactive approach to managing information flows and external queries, as well as the ability to work under pressure and adapt to a fast-paced environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Government Liaison Assistant include drafting routine correspondence and reports, preparing background materials for discussions, and maintaining information on government and local developments that may affect UNHCR's operations. The incumbent will also be responsible for managing relationships with local authorities and partners, assisting in the preparation of workshops and meetings, and acting as an interpreter and translator when necessary. Additionally, the role involves managing budgets, tracking expenditures, and supporting the identification and management of risks. The Senior Government Liaison Assistant must ensure that the legal status of staff members is maintained and provide backup support during colleagues' absences to ensure continuity of service.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Government Liaison Assistant position must possess a minimum of two years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or one year of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential qualifications include strong cross-cultural communication skills, drafting and documentation abilities, and networking capabilities. A good understanding of UNHCR operations and political awareness is also desirable. The incumbent should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively within a team and manage relationships with various stakeholders effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent being preferred. While specific fields of education are not mandated, candidates with backgrounds in international relations, political science, or related fields may find their education particularly relevant to the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or one year of experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in protocol-related areas, particularly within the UN system or with government liaison, is highly desirable. The incumbent should have a proven track record of working effectively in high-pressure environments and managing complex situations.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language is required. Familiarity with local languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication with local authorities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS5 grade level. It is a regular assignment with a target start date of January 1, 202

• The position is based in Port Sudan, which is classified as a non-family residential location with a hardship level of E, indicating significant challenges in living conditions. The role may involve danger pay due to the operational context. Female candidates are encouraged to apply, and the organization emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and empowering work environment for all staff members.