Senior Government Liaison Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members dedicated to protecting and assisting refugees and displaced persons. The organization works closely with governments, NGOs, and other partners to provide humanitarian assistance and support to those in need, advocating for their rights and helping them rebuild their lives.

Job Overview:
The Senior Government Liaison Assistant plays a crucial role within the Government Liaison Unit of UNHCR. This position involves reporting directly to the (Senior) Government Liaison Officer and requires active participation in meetings and working groups that involve government relations. The incumbent is expected to facilitate communication and coordination between UNHCR staff and government authorities, ensuring that information is exchanged effectively. The role demands a proactive approach to managing relationships with local authorities and other stakeholders, as well as the ability to draft correspondence, reports, and prepare background materials for discussions. The Senior Government Liaison Assistant is also responsible for maintaining up-to-date information on political and operational developments that may impact UNHCR's relationship with the government, particularly regarding the implementation of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and UN reforms. This position requires a commitment to UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity, and the ability to work under pressure while fostering a collaborative team environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Government Liaison Assistant include drafting routine correspondence and reports, preparing tables and corresponding texts, and creating background materials for discussions and briefing sessions. The incumbent will collect, register, and maintain information on governmental and local developments that could affect the office's relationship with the government. This includes monitoring the implementation of the GCR and other relevant UN reforms. The role requires maintaining close working relationships with local authorities, governmental and non-governmental partners, and other external parties, providing guidance and cooperation as necessary. The Senior Government Liaison Assistant will also assist in preparing and facilitating workshops, trainings, seminars, and meetings, liaising directly with government partners to provide requested information and follow up on pending issues. Additionally, the incumbent will manage external queries and information flows, prepare reports related to office contacts and activities, and manage budgets when requested. Acting as an interpreter and translator when needed is also part of the role, along with supporting risk management and decision-making processes in the functional area of work.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or one year of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Essential qualifications include a good understanding of UNHCR operations and political awareness. Functional skills such as cross-cultural communication, drafting and documentation, and networking are essential for this role. The incumbent should be self-motivated, able to work independently with minimal supervision, and possess strong interpersonal skills to engage effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including government officials.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher being advantageous. There are no specific fields of education mandated for this role, but relevant experience in protocol and government liaison is highly desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant experience for the G5 level, with a preference for those who have experience in protocol-related issues and government liaison. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of UNHCR's roles and responsibilities in refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) responses, along with demonstrated experience in working collaboratively within teams and fostering a cooperative work environment. Previous experience in the UN system and with government liaison is considered an asset.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, along with the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language of the duty station is required. Proficiency in local languages is also beneficial and may enhance communication with local authorities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the General Service category and is a regular assignment with a hardship level of E, indicating a challenging living and working environment. The role is based in Khartoum, Sudan, with a residential location in Nairobi, Kenya, which may involve danger pay. The target start date for this position is August 7, 202

• The organization encourages female candidates to apply, and the position does not require a functional clearance. The incumbent will be expected to contribute to a safe and respectful working environment, free from harassment and discrimination.