Liaison Officer

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and the Recruitment and Assignments Administrative Instruction (RAAI), UNHCR/AI/2017/7 OF 15 August 2017.

Liaison Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Supervision is normally exercised by the (Deputy) Representative who provides regular guidance and defines operational objectives. The incumbent may supervise some support staff.  S/he is expected to give, obtain and exchange information requiring discussions at senior level and his/her feedback will also be sought on non-routine matters. Contacts predominantly with persons on subject matters of importance to Organization's programmes (e.g. counterparts in other organizations or at working level in national Governments).

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
- Maintain relations and coordinating activities with the Government, other UN agencies, embassies and NGOs in order to promote /implement UNHCR's objectives and activities;
- Organise and implement seminars or training programmes for target groups (government officials, etc.)
- Maintain close relations with the press and develop public information activities to ensure greater knowledge in public opinion of refugee and asylum issues and promote UNHCR objectives;
- Respond to queries from Government Officials, NGOs, individuals, etc. and provide the information required or appropriately refer the queries elsewhere;
- Provide protection for persons of concern to UNHCR by ensuring the observance by the local authorities of the recognized principles of refugee law.  Promote accession to refugee Law convention in a way that reinforce the asylum institution in the country;
- Assist the Representative in developing, reviewing and proposing new policies and practices, or adaptations to existing ones. Monitor development of these policies and practices;
- Assist the Representative in preparation of statements that represent UNHCR's overall policies and which highlight specific area of concern, ensuring that the Representative is prepared for meetings/missions by providing relevant information and establishing contacts;
- Perform other duties as required. 

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) in Political Science, Economics, Law, Business Administration or related field plus minimum 6 years or previous job experience relevant to the function. Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) plus 5 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 4 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
- Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.

***For National Officer positions, very good knowledge of local language and local institutions is essential.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES.  Describe any experience or knowledge that would be an asset, such as: UNHCR Learning Programmes, other training, additional languages, Field/HQs experience, etc.

- Completion of  UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.
- Knowledge of additional UN languages.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR Liaison Officer positions. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates. C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M001L3 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X006L3 - Policy Development & Research Level 3
X007L3 - Political Awareness Level 3 <p>The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.</p>
========================================================================================================
See below for this postion's Operational Context
========================================================================================================

For those people applying for High Risk Duty Stations, we strongly encourage colleagues to read the country specific security and welfare profiles which can be found on the Intranet under Support Services - Duty of Care (https://intranet.unhcr.org/en/support-services/duty-of-care.html). These profiles have been specifically designed to answer some of the key questions (on security conditions, medical provisions, staff welfare, living and working conditions) potential applicants might have before deciding to apply. Ensuring staff are better informed is part of the increased attention UNHCR is paying to Duty of Care. This project is still in the pilot phase, and as such some of the information leaflets are being produced as we speak and might not be available yet. They will be soon, so keep checking. 

The Liaison Officer will provide direct support to the Head of Operations and the Senior Protection Coordinator, engaging in typical liaison work with external stakeholders, but also providing strategic and protection-related analysis in the context of cross-border issues, maritime movements, external messaging and strategy development.  The position will also engage with law enforcement, security and intelligence officials in the context of UNHCR¿s protection and security-related work. 

Excellent drafting and analytical skills are required.  A background in law and/or protection is essential. Previous experience serving in, or working with, the military or law enforcement agencies would be an asset. Following militant attacks against security posts on 25 August 2017, Myanmar launched a brutal crackdown on Rohingya residents of Rakhine State, triggering the largest, swiftest refugee exodus in the region in decades, with over 720,000 fleeing across the border. A level 3 emergency remains in effect.

Prior to the current emergency, an estimated 300,000 Rohingya refugees were present in Cox¿s Bazar. Today, over 900,000 have sought safety in official and makeshift camps. Of those, 620,000 live in the congested Kutupalong mega camp, the largest in the world with high risks of flooding and landslides. In response, UNHCR is implementing large-scale disaster risk reduction projects and the relocation of at-risk persons, while transitioning to mid-term site planning and development. Concurrently, UNHCR is addressing strains on host communities through investments in livelihoods and infrastructure.

The Rohingya are diverse and resilient, but with acute protection needs. Restricted movement and scarcity of available land in Bangladesh results in overcrowded sites with a range of risks. Protection and gender mainstreaming are thus key, with focus on community-based empowerment and resilience. Targeted interventions are needed to address widespread trauma, legal and physical needs, GBV, and child protection.

The operation requires strong interagency coordination in a complex, politically charged environment. UNHCR is uniquely situated in Bangladesh, where the government has given IOM a lead role within a coordination structure distinct from a traditional Refugee Coordination Model. UNHCR works closely with local officials and the RRRC in Cox¿s Bazar, but Dhaka-level ministries and taskforces exert strong influence. Additionally, UNHCR manages engagement of nearly 100 international and national NGOs, a division of the Bangladesh military, and several battalions of border guards. The Office also spends considerable time on representational, external relations, and PI work. Cox¿s Bazar is a category ¿D,¿ family duty station with a 2-year of SAL.  Educational facilities are limited, and international schools from primary to secondary school are currently only available in Dhaka. Health services are limited, but better medical services are available in Dhaka/Bangkok. Malaria and dengue risks exist throughout the year.  Vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis and diphtheria are required.

Cox¿s Bazar is the principle tourist destination in Bangladesh, with the longest beach in the world stretching over 120km to the tip of the peninsula, with dramatic scenery and a number of high quality hotels and restaurants. Leisure and recreational facilities generally focus on beach activities (surfing, jet ski, etc.) and hotel-based activities (swimming pools, gyms, restaurant, and bars). Infrastructure and shopping options in Cox's Bazar -- a small city of just 250,000 persons -- are relatively limited, however.

Cox¿s Bazar is a comfortable duty station, but the workload in the L3 emergency setting is heavy, with staff regularly working long hours and often under stressful conditions.  The R&R cycle is every 8 weeks. There are domestic flights available from/to Dhaka on a daily basis during daylight hours. Banks/ATM machines are available in Cox's Bazar and credit/debit cards are accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged easily in banks and exchange houses. UNHCR staff members who upon assignment to Bangladesh opt not to install their family (i.e. recognized dependents) in Cox¿s Bazar may be compensated for maintaining two households through a `living allowance¿.  For more details, please refer to the Administrative Instruction on Exceptional Administrative Measures for the Bangladesh Emergency operation UNHCR/AI/2017/10.¿ The security level system in Bangladesh is level 3 moderate.  Although security is generally acceptable, given the current situation in the area, no movement on highways at night is allowed.  Walking and jogging on the streets as earmarked is permitted.  Staff members may avail rickshaws and taxis within Cox¿s Bazar city only.  Crowded local markets should be avoided.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the Add.4 to March 2018 Compendium is Wednesday 5 Septembe 2018 (midnight Geneva time).