Liaison Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include over 173 member states and operates in more than 100 countries worldwide. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, ensuring that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified. IOM's mission includes addressing the challenges of migration, providing humanitarian assistance, and supporting the development of migration policies that respect human rights.

Job Overview:
The Liaison Officer position is crucial for fostering relationships with key local stakeholders in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. This role involves identifying and maintaining connections with various entities such as the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), police, army, civil society actors, academia, and the private sector. The officer will assist program teams in obtaining necessary government clearances and permissions, ensuring that all official correspondences are well-documented. The position also requires promoting the participation of national actors in IOM-led events, organizing strategic meetings, workshops, and training sessions. The Liaison Officer will be responsible for arranging high-level meetings with senior government and military officials, conducting continuous research on government policies, and advising program managers on project implementation strategies. Furthermore, the officer will manage communications with local authorities and maintain an updated record of local stakeholders, preparing information packages and reports to enhance understanding and ownership of IOM's activities among local stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify and maintain relationships with key local stakeholders including RRRC, police, army, civil society actors, academia, and private sector representatives to facilitate IOM’s activities in Bangladesh.
• Assist program teams in obtaining necessary government clearances and permissions, maintaining a repository of official correspondences.
• Promote participation of relevant national actors in IOM-organized events such as strategic meetings, workshops, or trainings.
• Organize and facilitate events as needed.
• Arrange high-level meetings with senior government and military officials as well as corporate representatives.
• Conduct continuous research and analysis on changing government policies and advise IOM Program Managers on project implementation strategies.
• Advise on protocol matters regarding communications and correspondences between IOM and local authorities, drafting and managing those correspondences as necessary.
• Maintain an updated record of local stakeholders' contact details via IOM corporate systems.
• Prepare and disseminate information packages and reports about IOM’s activities to local stakeholders to foster understanding and ownership. 1
• Facilitate visits of government and embassy officials in Cox’s Bazar related to training, workshops, and other events supported by IOM. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in Disaster Management, Social Science, Sociology, Psychology, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or • University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience. • Practical experience in liaison and protocols with government entities is essential. • Experience as a Government Civil Servant, ideally at the Senior Assistant Secretary level, is highly desirable. • Knowledge of the structures and functions of national and international organizations is required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess either a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Disaster Management, Social Science, Sociology, Psychology, or a related discipline from an accredited institution, along with two years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a University degree in the same fields with four years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. This educational background is critical to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively engage with various stakeholders and manage the responsibilities of the position.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience if they hold a Master’s degree, or four years if they possess a University degree. Practical experience in liaison and protocols with government entities is essential, as is experience working as a Government Civil Servant, ideally at the Senior Assistant Secretary level. This level of experience is necessary to navigate the complexities of government interactions and to effectively represent IOM's interests in various settings.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within IOM and with international stakeholders. Knowledge of Bengali is also highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the Liaison Officer's role in the community.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. The contract duration is not specified in the job description. The role is critical for ensuring effective communication and collaboration between IOM and local authorities, and it may involve occasional travel within the region to facilitate meetings and events. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description.