BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee, one of the world’s largest humanitarian international NGOs, provides relief, rehabilitation and development support to vulnerable people and communities over 30 countries. We began work in Ethiopia in 2000 in response to severe drought in Ethiopia’s Somali region and are currently providing assistance to Ethiopians and refuguees in six regions in Ethiopia, implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response.

Job overview

The Liaison Manager is responsible for liaising on IRC’s behalf with various governmental authorities, including but not limited to all ministries as appropriate, Immigration CSO agency/CHSA, Visas/Immigration/MOLSA, Ministry of Transport & its various sub-offices, ARRA, MOFA and where required to facilitate smooth implementation of IRC’s programming at regional & federal levels including timely approvals of all kinds of Agreements, sub-Agreements, LOU/MOUs and other permissions.

Key responsibilities:

• Build and maintain relationships with key technical managers and decision-makers in the government, different ministries and among local authorities. Act as a key focal point.
• Promote IRC’s work and raise IRC image internally & externally at all levels.
• Proactively coordinate and advocate on IRC’s behalf with federal, regional, and local authorities/officials to ensure that the desired outcomes for IRC’s activities in Ethiopia are achieved.
• As appropriate accompany the Country Director and other senior staff to meetings with government officials and facilitate conversations for smooth representation of IRC in those meetings.
• Participate in any relevant meetings and conferences as directed by the Country Director at federal or regional levels.
• Support the field coordinators in managing regional/zonal or woreda level relationships and addressing any issues at that level.
• Ensure timely signature of IRC project Agreements, Sub-Agreements, MOUs, LOUs and any other relevant agreements between IRC, UN agencies, partnerships organizations and government agencies.
• Ensure active follow-up on outstanding applications with various ministries, responding to queries from authorities in a timely manner.
• Work with authorities to secure all required authorizations and permissions to facilitate smooth implementation of IRC’s programming.
• Develop methodologies to improve the liaison process including best practices and new developments affecting the IRC as humanitarian actor.
• Familiarize and keep up with all government requirements applicable to IRC’s work in Ethiopia to support programs, field management and grants team to ensure compliance. Develop guidelines including all requirements, procedures, and processes.
• In close cooperation with legal counsel, identify and share new policies and procedures to create awareness of requirements among senior staff and support compliance.
• Ensure senior IRC staff are aware of and understand any concerns of government officials regarding IRC’s operations, and that such concerns are factored into IRC’s Ethiopia communication strategy and programming.
• Ensure all correspondence with the government is in line with IRC Ethiopia policies and records are retained in organized manner.
• Participate in grants opening meetings to understand the concept of the respective program.
• Prepare and share regular progress reports with internal stakeholders.
• Carry out similar tasks assigned by the Country Director.

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

• Internal: Regular relationships with Country HR/Admin department, DDO and CD
• External: various governmental authorities

Job Requirements

• Education: MA degree/BA degree in law, public administration, humanities, social sciences, or social works
• 5 years of relevant experience with the first degree or 3 years of relevant experience plus post graduate degree. 
• At least 5 years of experience in relevant area. Experience of working with the government at a senior level will be considered as an advantage.
• Extensive knowledge of the Ethiopian system of government and administration.
• NGO experience is a plus.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Fluent English written and spoken.
• Competent with using computers, especially Microsoft Office Word and Excel spreadsheets and Outlook.
• Self-driven, independent, and motivated.
• Diplomatic nature, excellent negotiation skills plus negotiation experience.
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
• Strong sense of personal integrity
• Attention to detail and ability to multi-task.
• Team spirit and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Remains productive when under pressure
• Demonstrates a systematic and efficient approach to work
• Relates and works well with people of different cultures, gender and backgrounds

How to apply:

Candidates who meet the above qualifications; please send your CV and application letter through IRC career site.

External 

Internal

Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information.

• Name of the position you have applied for
• Date of application
• Summary of your qualifications and experience
• Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job
• Please include at least 2 references from current and former supervisors.

 IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.