External Relations & Liaison Officer – Surge Roster/Interim

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Position Title: External Relations & Liaison Officer – Surge Roster/Interim
Location: Turkey
Country: Turkey
Deadline Date: Please apply immediately as we will be reviewing applicants on a rolling basis.

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to alleviating poverty, ensuring well-being, and promoting dignity across 16 countries worldwide. Established with a mission to respond to natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and chronic poverty, RI employs a dual approach that combines humanitarian aid with long-term development strategies. The organization focuses on critical areas such as health and nutrition, education, economic opportunities, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programming. RI operates in some of the most fragile settings globally, including countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, and employs approximately 5,000 staff members, with 97% being local nationals. The organization has a significant budget of around $125 million for its programs in 2021 and receives funding from various institutional donors, including the US, UK, Europe, and the UN. RI is committed to empowering communities to design and implement solutions tailored to their needs, thereby reinforcing existing systems or laying the groundwork for sustainable change where necessary.

Job Overview:
The External Relations and Liaison Officer plays a crucial role in building and maintaining relationships between Relief International and external agencies, facilitating effective communication, and coordinating activities. This position is vital for representing RI in various forums and ensuring smooth operations, public communications, and incident response. The officer will also serve as a technical expert for RI Turkey, contributing to the organization's strategic engagement with stakeholders and enhancing its visibility and impact in the region. The role requires a proactive approach to managing relationships and ensuring that RI's objectives align with the needs and feedback of the communities and partners it serves. Given the emergency nature of this role, candidates must already be based in Turkey and possess strong Turkish language skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The External Relations and Liaison Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: preparing internal and external communication products such as briefing notes, speeches, and talking points to support RI's engagement in various events; developing strategies for stakeholder engagement and ensuring their feedback is incorporated; liaising with stakeholders for planning and coordination of RI activities and events; drafting concept notes, background papers, and minutes for external communications; providing support for meetings and conferences, including proposing agenda topics and preparing necessary documents; managing communications with member governments and ensuring follow-up on correspondence; organizing briefing sessions and maintaining up-to-date briefing documents; assisting in the coordination of bilateral meetings; supporting procurement activities related to publications and translations; and upholding RI's commitment to safeguarding vulnerable communities by promoting a safe working environment and implementing safeguarding policies. The officer will also be expected to demonstrate knowledge of donor requirements regarding safeguarding standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in international relations, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, political science, or a closely related field. Substantial experience in international relations, communications, or partnership building is required, along with experience in preparing and coordinating intergovernmental sessions. A working knowledge of the humanitarian aid sector is essential, as well as demonstrated ability in planning and coordinating conferences and outreach events. Candidates should exhibit excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage multiple workloads with minimal supervision. A strong commitment to fostering diversity and team spirit in a multicultural environment is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as international relations, international law, or political science. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of international relations and the humanitarian landscape in which Relief International operates.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in international relations, communications, or partnership building. This includes experience in preparing and coordinating intergovernmental sessions and managing stakeholder relationships. Familiarity with the humanitarian aid sector is also important, as is the ability to plan and coordinate events and meetings effectively.

Languages:
Strong spoken and written Turkish is essential for this role, as the officer will be required to communicate effectively with local stakeholders and partners. Proficiency in Arabic is considered a bonus, enhancing the officer's ability to engage with a broader range of communities and organizations in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as requiring standard pre-employment checks, including criminal records self-declaration and references. Due to the nature of the role, only candidates already based in Turkey will be considered. The role is part of RI's Surge Roster for short-term assignments, which may vary from weeks to months, depending on the organization's needs during periods of emergency and transition. The recruitment process is ongoing, and candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, as the position may be withdrawn from the job board at any time. Relief International maintains a zero-tolerance policy for unlawful harassment and is committed to protecting its staff and the communities it serves from abuse and harm.