Government Liaison Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization that assists people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. Established in 1946, NRC has grown to become a leading organization in the humanitarian sector, operating 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 emphasizes professional growth, innovation, and a supportive culture, fostering an environment where employees are encouraged to take responsibility and engage in open dialogue with management. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all employees adhere to a strict Code of Conduct that promotes respect, dignity, and safeguarding against exploitation and abuse. In Iran, NRC has been operational since 2012, delivering humanitarian assistance across nine provinces in various sectors, including education, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and legal assistance, while also advocating for the rights of displaced populations.

Job Overview:
The Government Liaison Coordinator plays a pivotal role within NRC Iran, focusing on establishing and maintaining relationships with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This includes engaging with various ministries, the Immigration Office, and other governmental authorities to ensure NRC's access to operate in the country in accordance with humanitarian principles and donor requirements. The coordinator is responsible for keeping the NRC Country Management informed about national regulations and administrative issues that may impact NRC's operations. The position requires a proactive approach to securing government approvals for project implementation, training, travel, and other necessary authorizations. The coordinator will also facilitate meetings with government officials to advocate for NRC's objectives and reduce barriers to implementation, while supervising the Government Liaison staff and ensuring effective communication and collaboration across NRC teams.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Government Liaison Coordinator will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: acting as the primary interface for national authorities; supporting the acquisition of government approvals for various NRC activities; planning and facilitating meetings with relevant government officials; supervising the Government Liaison staff and organizing their tasks; developing and implementing internal systems and procedures; preparing status reports for the Country Management Group (CMG) regarding humanitarian access; monitoring legal and policy developments relevant to NRC; collaborating with NRC Advocacy and Communications and Programme teams; ensuring capacity building of staff in government liaison skills; promoting the rights of displaced populations; maintaining an overview of government approvals and rejections; ensuring proper documentation and archiving of communications; liaising with the Humanitarian Access and Safety team; ensuring timely submission of government-required reports; and capturing lessons learned to improve collaboration with government entities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of relevant work experience, with documented results related to the responsibilities of the position. A minimum bachelor's degree is required, along with strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly in negotiating with government and non-government stakeholders. Previous experience in an NGO is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate excellent English and Farsi language skills, both written and verbal, and possess the ability to work independently with a detail-oriented and organized approach.

Educational Background:
The position requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. This educational background should provide the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively engage with government authorities and manage the complexities of humanitarian operations in Iran.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of work experience that is relevant to the position, particularly in roles that involve liaison and representation with government authorities. Experience in the humanitarian sector, especially within an NGO context, is highly desirable and will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Farsi is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with government officials and stakeholders is crucial. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves significant interaction with government authorities, requiring flexibility to work outside standard hours as needed. The role may involve travel within Iran to meet with various stakeholders. NRC is committed to safeguarding and expects all employees to adhere to its Code of Conduct, which includes a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation and abuse.