Senior Protocol and Liaison Associate

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 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, focusing on the needs of migrants and the communities they live in. IOM's mission includes providing humanitarian assistance, facilitating migration processes, and supporting the development of migration policies that respect human rights and dignity.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protocol and Liaison Associate plays a crucial role in supporting IOM Syria's official engagement with national authorities and relevant counterparts. This position involves day-to-day liaison and coordination with government ministries and technical departments, ensuring effective communication regarding IOM activities, staff movements, and missions. The incumbent will assist in protocol arrangements for official meetings and engagements, draft official correspondence in both Arabic and English, and manage requests related to travel permits and mission clearances. The role requires systematic follow-up with authorities to ensure timely processing of requests and maintaining organized records of approvals and correspondence. The Senior Protocol and Liaison Associate will also contribute to access-related reports and handle sensitive information in accordance with confidentiality requirements, making this position integral to the operational success of IOM in Syria.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support day-to-day liaison and coordination with relevant government ministries, technical departments, and designated liaison officers.
• Maintain regular communication with national counterparts regarding IOM activities, staff movements, and missions.
• Assist in protocol arrangements for official meetings, visits, and engagements involving senior IOM staff and external counterparts.
• Draft and process routine official correspondence, including notes verbales, letters, and follow-up communications in Arabic and English.
• Support the preparation and submission of requests related to travel permits, mission clearances, visas, and other administrative authorizations required for IOM operations.
• Conduct systematic follow-up with relevant authorities to facilitate timely processing and approval of requests.
• Maintain organized and up-to-date records of approvals, correspondence, and access-related documentation.
• Regularly update liaison contact lists, protocol records, and access tracking tools.
• Assist in preparing briefing notes, summaries, and internal updates related to access, protocol, and liaison matters. 1
• Collect and consolidate access-related information from internal teams and field locations. 1
• Contribute to periodic access and liaison reports, highlighting trends, challenges, and follow-up actions. 1
• Handle, archive, and protect sensitive information and official communications in accordance with confidentiality requirements. 1
• Flag emerging access or protocol issues to the supervisor in a timely manner. 1
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma with six years of relevant experience; or a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, Law, or a related field from an accredited institution with four years of relevant professional experience.
• Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
• Experience in protocol, liaison, administration, or coordination roles, preferably with international organizations, UN agencies, or governmental institutions.
• Demonstrated experience interfacing with government authorities in Syria, including line ministries or technical departments.
• Familiarity with national administrative procedures, official correspondence, and protocol practices.
• Prior experience supporting humanitarian access, staff movements, or mission coordination is an advantage.
• Experience handling confidential information and official documentation.
• Previous experience with the UN system or international NGOs is desirable.
• Good understanding of the Syrian institutional and administrative environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess either a high school diploma with six years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, Law, or a related field from an accredited institution. The educational qualifications must be from universities recognized in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that the candidates have a solid academic foundation relevant to the responsibilities of the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of relevant experience for candidates with a high school diploma or four years for those with a Bachelor’s degree. Experience should be in protocol, liaison, administration, or coordination roles, ideally within international organizations, UN agencies, or governmental institutions. Candidates should have demonstrated experience interfacing with government authorities in Syria, familiarity with national administrative procedures, and prior experience supporting humanitarian access or mission coordination. Experience in handling confidential information and documentation is essential, and familiarity with the UN system or international NGOs is considered a valuable asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for all applicants, both oral and written. The position may also benefit from proficiency in additional languages, particularly French and Spanish, which are IOM's official languages. The proficiency in required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure candidates meet the communication demands of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Syria will be considered. Any offer made to the candidate is contingent upon funding confirmation. The selection process may also be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar roles for a period of 24 months. Appointment is subject to certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, and necessary government authorizations. IOM adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and harassment. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.