Liaison Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General (OASG) of the International Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since 2011 (IIIM). The organization is focused on ensuring accountability for serious crimes committed in Syria, and it operates under the auspices of the United Nations. The IIIM was established to collect, consolidate, preserve, and analyze evidence of violations of international law in Syria, and to prepare files for prosecution. The organization aims to support the efforts of national and international courts and tribunals in holding perpetrators accountable. The IIIM is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and the position in Damascus is subject to approval by the host country, indicating the organization's commitment to working closely with local authorities and stakeholders in Syria.

Job Overview:
The Liaison Officer will serve as the in-country focal point for communication and coordination between the Mechanism and relevant Syrian authorities, institutions, and stakeholders. This role is critical in fostering effective working relations with various partners, including the UN Country Team, civil society actors, and other national and international partners. The incumbent will provide operational and logistical support to the Mechanism, ensuring that missions and in-country staff are well-supported. The Liaison Officer will also play a key role in preparing for official meetings, events, and visits to Syria, which includes drafting talking points and speeches for the Head of Entity. Additionally, the position involves providing information and analysis to the Political Affairs Officer to advise the leadership on issues related to the Mission's mandate, particularly concerning transitional justice and criminal accountability processes in Syria. The Liaison Officer will assess implications and make recommendations on policies and strategies to advance the Mechanism's objectives, monitor and report on program/project development, and supervise the work of officers under their responsibility.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Liaison Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Foster effective working relations with Syrian authorities, UN Country Team colleagues, civil society actors, and other partners.
• Provide in-country operational and logistical support to the Mechanism, including support to missions and in-country staff.
• Contribute to a shared understanding of the Mechanism’s mandate and operations among relevant stakeholders.
• Support preparations for official meetings, events, and visits to Syria, including providing secretariat services and drafting necessary documents.
• Provide information and analysis to the Political Affairs Officer to advise the Head of Entity and Leadership Team on issues related to the Mission's mandate.
• Assess implications and make recommendations on policies and strategies to advance mandated objectives.
• Monitor and report on program/project development and implementation in Syria in coordination with the Programme Management Officer.
• Supervise and monitor the work of officers under their responsibility.
• Carry out other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in social sciences, political science, international relations, public administration, anthropology, law, economics, or a related area. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in programme management, political affairs, diplomacy, or a related field. Additionally, candidates must have at least two years of experience in field operations, political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advising, or reporting. Experience in multilateral engagement or diplomacy is essential, as well as experience working in the MENA region. Experience in Syria and in conflict or post-conflict contexts is desirable, along with experience in justice and accountability areas and in opening a field office. Leadership experience in multi-cultural settings is also preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as social sciences, political science, international relations, public administration, anthropology, law, or economics. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of qualifying experience, indicating that the organization values both formal education and practical experience in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in areas such as programme management, political affairs, or diplomacy. Candidates should have at least two years of experience specifically in field operations, political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advising, or reporting. Experience in multilateral engagement or diplomacy is essential, and familiarity with the MENA region is required. Experience working in Syria and in conflict or post-conflict contexts is desirable, as is experience in justice and accountability. Additionally, candidates should have experience in leading teams in multi-cultural settings and managing multi-disciplinary teams.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages, as per the UN Language Framework. Knowledge of French is an asset but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a temporary position intended to fill functions for a short-term duration of six months, with the possibility of extension. The appointment is subject to the availability of funds, and the start date will be confirmed. The role may involve engagement with distressing material or information, and candidates must have a record of integrity and professional ethical standards. There is no expectation of a fixed-term appointment after the temporary assignment. The position is contingent upon the receipt of required authorization from the host country, and the filling of this post may be subject to delay or cancellation. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.