Government Liaison Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), an organization established in 1950 with the mission to protect and support refugees and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and it works to promote durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The Government Liaison Officer plays a pivotal role in UNHCR's operations within Algeria, focusing on establishing and maintaining a strategic and coherent relationship with the Government. This position is essential for ensuring that UNHCR can effectively support the Government in leading the refugee response, promoting the inclusion of refugees into national systems, and coordinating with various stakeholders, including development actors. The officer will advise senior management on government relations, ensuring that UNHCR's approach aligns with its mandate and the Global Compact for Refugees. The role requires a deep understanding of the national context and the ability to navigate complex political landscapes to enhance UNHCR's leadership in addressing the needs of forcibly displaced and stateless persons.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Government Liaison Officer will be responsible for advising senior managers on UNHCR's positions regarding government-related matters, promoting UNHCR's policies, and liaising with government authorities. The officer will establish and coordinate country-specific mechanisms for refugee response, contribute to the coherence of multi-sector group work, and ensure the protection of forcibly displaced persons. Additional responsibilities include promoting refugee law conventions, assisting in preparedness activities, organizing capacity-building seminars, maintaining relations with the press, and supporting risk management efforts. The officer will also engage with various stakeholders to foster cooperation and negotiate joint initiatives to enhance protection and assistance for refugees.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a thorough understanding of UNHCR's protection mandate and humanitarian coordination processes. Essential qualifications include experience working with partners at field or headquarters levels, liaising with governments, and a solid grasp of the national context in Algeria. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong political knowledge, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including government counterparts and donors.

Educational Background:
A minimum of an undergraduate degree in fields such as Political/Social Science, Economics, Law/International Law, Business Administration, or other relevant disciplines is required. Advanced degrees may substitute for years of experience, with a Doctorate degree requiring only four years of relevant experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of relevant experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree, five years with a graduate degree, or four years with a doctorate. Experience should include working in inter-agency coordination roles and familiarity with UNHCR's planning and programming tools.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and the UN working language of the duty station is mandatory. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also required. The expected overall ability in these languages should be at least at the B2 level.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role and is a regular assignment with a target start date of June 1, 202

• The position is based in Algiers, which is classified as a Category A duty station, indicating a low hardship level. The living conditions are acceptable, with access to accommodation and healthcare services. The security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security level in Algiers is moderate, and staff members are required to obtain security clearance before entering the country. The position is advertised internally only, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.