Senior Government Liaison Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The UNHCR operation in Chile is part of a larger framework that includes approximately 25 personnel, consisting of both national and international staff as well as affiliates. The National Office is situated in Santiago de Chile and operates under the Multi-Country Office based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which also oversees operations in Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The organization is dedicated to providing protection and assistance to forcibly displaced populations, ensuring their rights and well-being in a challenging environment. The UNHCR has been active in Chile, responding to the needs of a growing number of refugees and migrants, particularly from Venezuela, and working closely with various stakeholders to facilitate integration and support.

Job Overview:
The Senior Government Liaison Officer plays a crucial role within the Protection and Solutions Unit, reporting directly to the Protection Officer. This position is essential for fostering effective engagement between UNHCR and the Government of Chile, ensuring that interactions occur smoothly at both national and regional levels. The officer will serve as a key liaison with the legislative branch, facilitating dialogue on policies related to forced displacement and protection. The role also involves representing UNHCR in interagency coordination initiatives, co-leading the UN Human Mobility Working Group, and contributing to the drafting and implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2026-203

• This framework aims to integrate forced displacement and protection priorities into joint programming, highlighting the importance of collaboration across various UN mechanisms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Government Liaison Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including representing UNHCR in interagency coordination initiatives, ensuring alignment of strategies and operational priorities with other UN agencies and partners. The officer will lead the Human Mobility Working Group, fostering collaboration among agencies and stakeholders to address migration and protection challenges. Additionally, the officer will facilitate and lead participation in the Regional Inter-Agency Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela (R4V), contributing to joint planning, reporting, and advocacy efforts. The incumbent will monitor and track legislative developments related to forced displacement and human mobility, providing timely analysis and recommendations to inform UNHCR’s advocacy strategies. Other responsibilities include supporting joint programming and resource mobilization, advocating for common positions, and preparing briefing notes that reflect interagency consensus on key policy issues.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Senior Government Liaison Officer position should possess strong expertise in government relations, forced displacement, and international protection. A solid understanding of the United Nations system and interagency coordination mechanisms is essential. The candidate should have experience engaging with high-level government and legislative actors, as well as leading multi-stakeholder platforms such as the Human Mobility Working Group and the R4V coordination structure. Strong analytical and strategic skills are necessary, including the ability to monitor legislative developments and contribute to joint programming under frameworks like the UNSDCF. Excellent communication, negotiation, and representational abilities are also required, along with the capacity to operate effectively in complex political environments.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a minimum of a High School Diploma with 4 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 2 years of relevant work experience. Educational qualifications in Political/Social Science, Business Administration, or other relevant fields are preferred. Certificates and licenses in these areas are considered essential for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or 2 years of relevant work experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in UN or international organizations is highly desirable, particularly in roles that involve government relations and interagency coordination.

Languages:
Fluency in both Spanish and English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset, particularly in the context of engaging with diverse populations and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA7 category and is not remote. The target start date for the role is February 1, 202

• The position is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders, including government authorities and other UN agencies. The role is critical in navigating the complex landscape of human mobility in Chile, particularly in light of the increasing challenges faced by refugees and migrants.