National Government Liaison Officer

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal and internal-equivalent candidates as well as external women candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) of IOM Bangladesh, and in close coordination with relevant units, the National Government Liaison Officer will be responsible for supporting and facilitating IOM’s engagement and coordination with government institutions and provide analysis and advisory support to contribute to the effective and timely implementation of the Country Office’s (CO) programmes and activities.

Responsibilities

1. Identify and maintain relationship with relevant key national stakeholders, including government officials, civil society actors, academia, and the private sector, to facilitate and promote IOM’s activities in Bangladesh. 

2. Provide liaison support to relevant programme units in obtaining necessary government clearance and permissions.

3. Support engagement with government counterparts and strengthen their understanding of programme implementation issues, as required, to facilitate timely and informed decision-making on project activities.

4. Promote the participation of relevant national actors and other key stakeholders in events organized, led or coordinated by IOM, including strategic meetings, workshops and trainings as necessary.

5. Support the organization and facilitation of events, meetings, workshops and trainings, as needed. 

6. Facilitate and coordinate meetings with senior government  officials, as required.

7. Monitor and analyse changes in government policies and priorities and provide advice to IOM Management, Resources Management Officer and Programme Managers on relevant engagement and implementation strategies.

8. Advise IOM Management and programme units on protocol matters. Coordinate  official communications and correspondence with national authorities, as required.

9. Review and provide recommendations on official communications with government counterparts to ensure consistency with established protocols, government procedures and institutional engagement approaches.

10. Support programme units in liaising with implementing partners and relevant stakeholders to facilitate the effective delivery of activities in targeted areas, as necessary.

11. Prepare and disseminate relevant information packages and reports on IOM’s activities to relevant stakeholders, with a view to fostering understanding, acceptance and ownership of those activities.

12. Provide liaison support in facilitating the approval of permits, licenses, and registrations related to diplomatic and administrative matters. 

13. Liaise with relevant government ministries and/or departments to facilitate duty exemption, Value Added Tax (VAT) exemptions, and customs clearance for the official importation of equipment, vehicles and other materials.

14. Monitor and maintain an updated record of relevant government stakeholders and institutional counterparts.

15. Undertake field visits as required. 

16. Attend meetings and coordination forums with government counterparts and other stakeholders and provide updates and recommendations to management on issues relevant to CO operations and programme implementation.

17. Perform such other relevant duties as may be assigned. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Political Science, Social Sciences, Social Welfare, International Relations, Sociology, or a related field from an accredited academic institution; or

• Bachelor’s degree in above fields with two years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Experience in liaison and protocol matters with government entities; 

• Experience working with government institutions;

• Knowledge of structures and functions of national and international organizations; 

• Prior work experience with international organizations, non-government or government institutions/organizations in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage;

• Experience working with UN agencies is an advantage; and

• Experience in organizing and facilitating trainings and workshops at local and national levels is an advantage. 

Skills

• Excellent presentation, oral and written communication skills;

• Ability to adapt to changing requirements and demonstrated analytical and drafting skills;

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook;

• Attention to detail, and strong organizational skills;

• Ability to exercise discretion, maintain professionalism and establish effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders;

• Ability to work in accordance with IOM's standards of accountability and transparency; and

• Ability to deliver quality outputs within specified timelines.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in English and Bengali is required (oral and written).

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

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