National Government Liaison Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM's mission includes saving lives and protecting people on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating pathways for regular migration. The organization is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. IOM operates in numerous countries worldwide, providing services and advice to governments and migrants alike, and aims to better harness the full potential of migration to strengthen its support to people on the move.

Job Overview:
The National Government Liaison Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) of IOM Bangladesh. This position is crucial for supporting and facilitating IOM’s engagement and coordination with government institutions. The officer will provide analysis and advisory support to ensure the effective and timely implementation of the Country Office’s programmes and activities. The role involves identifying and maintaining relationships with key national stakeholders, including government officials, civil society actors, academia, and the private sector, to promote IOM’s activities in Bangladesh. The officer will also support engagement with government counterparts to enhance their understanding of programme implementation issues, thereby facilitating informed decision-making on project activities. Additionally, the officer will promote the participation of relevant national actors in events organized by IOM, including strategic meetings, workshops, and trainings, and will be responsible for organizing and facilitating these events as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Government Liaison Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting the organization and facilitation of events, meetings, workshops, and trainings; facilitating and coordinating meetings with senior government officials; monitoring and analyzing changes in government policies and priorities; advising IOM Management and programme units on protocol matters; coordinating official communications with national authorities; reviewing and providing recommendations on official communications with government counterparts; supporting programme units in liaising with implementing partners; preparing and disseminating relevant information packages and reports on IOM’s activities; providing liaison support in facilitating the approval of permits, licenses, and registrations; liaising with relevant government ministries for duty exemption and customs clearance; maintaining an updated record of relevant government stakeholders; undertaking field visits as required; attending meetings and coordination forums with government counterparts; and performing other relevant duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Political Science, Social Sciences, Social Welfare, International Relations, Sociology, or a related field from an accredited academic institution. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in the aforementioned fields is acceptable if accompanied by two years of relevant professional experience. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Candidates should have experience in liaison and protocol matters with government entities, experience working with government institutions, and knowledge of the structures and functions of national and international organizations. Prior work experience with international organizations, non-governmental or governmental institutions in a multicultural setting is advantageous, as is experience working with UN agencies and in organizing and facilitating trainings and workshops at local and national levels.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Political Science, Social Sciences, Social Welfare, International Relations, Sociology, or a related field from an accredited institution. A Bachelor’s degree in these fields is acceptable if the candidate has two years of relevant professional experience. The educational institutions must be recognized and accredited, as listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a solid level of experience, specifically in liaison and protocol matters with government entities. Candidates should have experience working with government institutions and a good understanding of the structures and functions of both national and international organizations. Experience in a multicultural setting, particularly with international organizations, non-governmental organizations, or government institutions is highly valued. Additionally, prior experience working with UN agencies and in organizing and facilitating trainings and workshops at local and national levels is considered an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Bengali is required for this position, both oral and written. All IOM staff members are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages, which include English, French, and Spanish. The proficiency in the required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position may have specific notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, and whether it is full-time or part-time. It is important to note that IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process and only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system. The selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in a similar position for a period of 24 months.