Senior Adviser – Gulf Liaison

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of individuals each year. The organization is dedicated to upholding the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion, striving to create a welcoming environment for all employees regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability.

Job Overview:
The Senior Adviser – Gulf Liaison position is a pivotal role within NRC, focusing on enhancing the organization's strategic engagement with Gulf states and relevant multilateral platforms. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading humanitarian diplomacy efforts, high-level representation, and resource mobilization initiatives specifically targeting Arabic-speaking Gulf countries. This role will also encompass a significant portion of NRC’s EurAsia portfolio, with a particular emphasis on Afghanistan, Iran, and Ukraine. The adviser will play a crucial role in building strategic alliances, influencing policy, and diversifying funding sources to advance principled humanitarian action in complex contexts. The position requires a strong diplomatic acumen, regional insight, and the ability to transform relationships into impactful strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Adviser will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing and operationalizing a comprehensive humanitarian diplomacy strategy for Gulf engagement; creating stakeholder mapping and engagement plans for priority Gulf and multilateral actors; contributing to the production of strategic analysis and briefing materials for NRC leadership and country programs; providing evidence of enhanced engagement with targeted stakeholders and platforms; and contributing to advocacy, positioning, and external engagement strategies specifically related to Afghanistan, Iran, and Ukraine. The adviser will also be expected to engage with senior-level stakeholders, navigate complex political landscapes, and leverage their established networks to facilitate high-level engagement in support of humanitarian and policy objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as law, human rights, political science, or a related area of study. Additionally, a minimum of 8 to 10 years of experience in humanitarian diplomacy, advocacy, or high-level external engagement is required. A strong understanding of humanitarian principles, access negotiations, and protection frameworks is essential. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of identifying and pursuing funding opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and engaging effectively with donors. Excellent communication, influencing, and representation skills are critical, along with strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities. Experience working in complex and politically sensitive environments is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as law, human rights, political science, or another pertinent area of study. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the political landscapes in which NRC operates.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of 8 to 10 years in roles related to humanitarian diplomacy, advocacy, or high-level external engagement. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in engaging with senior stakeholders and navigating complex political environments, as well as a history of contributing to resource mobilization strategies.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in Arabic is also required. Knowledge of other languages relevant to the position is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication and engagement with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this role may be in Doha, Abu Dhabi/Dubai, or Riyadh, with a preference for Doha, or it may be based in Oslo with extensive travel to the Gulf, Europe, and relevant country/regional hubs. The contract is temporary for one year, with the possibility of renewal. The position requires significant international travel, approximately 50% of the time. The salary and benefits will be based on NRC’s Resident salary scale, corresponding to Grade 9, along with accompanying terms and conditions. NRC is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.