ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the largest humanitarian agencies in the world, providing relief, rehabilitation, and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of oppression and violent conflict. IRC works to address both the immediate, lifesaving needs of conflict affected people in an emergency and the reconstruction needs in post conflict societies. IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships, and thorough accountability to those we serve.  

Scope of the position

The Emergency Program and Liaison Manager will work under the direct supervision of the Field Coordinator at Shire and will report/coordinate to Senior program manager on programmatic issues. S/he will play a liaison and representation role for the IRC’s Programs in Tigray. S/he will coordinate with all IRC Shire program managers, Safety Security Manager, Field Coordinator, country based SMT and represent the IRC on regular cluster and coordination meetings to be held in Mekelle with regional UN offices, IPs, government offices and other relevant stakeholders to ensure IRC’s extensive humanitarian interventions responding in Tigray are going smooth.

The position holder will also be responsible for liaising on IRC’s behalf with various governmental authorities, including but not limited to all regional bureaus as appropriate, UN offices, IPs and where required to communicate and facilitate IRC’s interest at regional level which includes timely approvals of all kinds of local Agreements, sub-Agreements, LOU/MOUs, sharing of safety security related information, follow up of fuel and medical supplies purchase or donation agreements, facilitation of UNHAS booking with WFP and convey ground transportation with relevant UN agencies and others.

Detailed duties and responsibilities

• Support the Field Coordinator in representing IRC at regional level and share key program related updates and challenges for relevant stakeholders as per the interest of IRC.
• Together with IRC technical program managers, contribute to ensure IRC projects are implemented as planned and within budget duration, and in accordance with the IRC local and global humanitarian policies and guidelines.
• Maintain a regular communication with Shire based program managers, Field Coordinator and Addis based SMT, Technical units, Grants and Safety Security coordinator and others.
• Share to the Field Coordinator and Safety security manager in a timely and thorough way on all safety security developments to protect IRC staff & property in Tigray.
• Maintain a good partnership with regional government agencies and other partners in Mekelle.
• Host and accompany high profile IRC guests and IRC donors who come for official visit and internal monitoring or assessments.
• Participate in working groups, seminars, meetings, etc that have a relevance to IRC projects.
• Represent IRC Tigray at Regional Cluster meetings and other relevant coordination forums, including with technical counterparts at other NGOs and U.N. agencies; ensure Field management, Program Managers and relevant field staff are briefed on meeting outcomes.
• Serve as the principal liaison with various regional authorities.
• Contribute to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the IRC at regional level.
• Build and maintain relationships with key partners and decision-makers in the government, and among local authorities. Act as a key focal point.
• Proactively coordinate and advocate on IRC’s behalf with regional, and local authorities/officials to ensure the desired outcomes for IRC’s activities in Tigray are achieved.
• As appropriate accompany the field coordinator and or program managers to meetings with government officials and facilitate conversations for smooth representation of IRC Tigray in those meetings.
• Participate in any relevant meetings and conferences as directed by the field coordinator at regional/zonal levels.
• 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 at regional level.
• Ensure active follow-up on outstanding applications with various regional offices, 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 programs in Tigray.
• 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 work in Tigray to support programs, field management and grants teams to ensure compliance. Develop guidelines including all requirements, procedures, and processes.
• Ensure IRC Shire staff are aware of and understand any concerns of government officials regarding IRC Tigray’s operations.
• Participate in grants opening meetings to understand the concept of the respective program.
• Prepare and share regular progress reports with internal stakeholders.
• Carry out other tasks assigned by the Field Coordinator and Addis based SMT.

Job Requirements

• Education: Second or First degree in law, public administration, humanities, development studies and related social sciences fields.
• 4 years of relevant experience with the first degree or 3 years of relevant experience plus post graduate degree.
• Significant experience in overall program/project management, preferably in WASH, Health and nutrition, Protection, ERR, and related sectors.
• Experience of working with the government at a senior level will be considered as an advantage.
• Extensive knowledge of the regional 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.
• Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
• Strong sense of personal integrity
• Attention to detail and ability to multi-task.

How to Apply

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

External Link

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.