About ZOA

ZOA works with committed and motivated staff in serving millions of people affected by poverty, disaster, injustice and conflicts. Through the efforts of our dedicated staff, we are able to bring Signs of Hope and to support people who suffer due to armed conflict or natural disasters by helping them to rebuild their livelihoods.

We value our employees and offer a wide range of benefits to meet the specific needs of our staff and their families.

Purpose:

The Government Liaison Officer is responsible for liaising on ZOA’s behalf with various governmental authorities, including but not limited to Regional Finances & Administration Bureaus, ACSO, Mo SA, Social Security, Tax and Customs Authorities at central and regional levels where required to facilitate smooth implementation of ZOA’s programming, including timely approvals of Principle Agreements, sub-Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding, Work & Resident permits for international staff and other permissions. The GLO also supports the Director of Operations in Security Management by attending relevant meetings, providing updates and supporting Area Managers and Program Coordinators when needed in security planning and reporting. The GLO is also available to support all administrative processes in ZOA Ethiopia as directed by the Logistics Coordinator.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Build and maintain relationships with key technical managers and decision-makers in the government, different offices and among local authorities. Act as a key administrative focal point for ZOA in relations with external stakeholders.
• Promote ZOA’s work and raise its image externally.
• Proactively coordinate and advocate on ZOA’s behalf with local and regional officials to ensure timely signing of all required agreements.
• Accompany the Senior Management staff to meetings with government officials and facilitate conversations for smooth representation of ZOA in those meetings.
• Participate in any relevant meetings and conferences organized by the government authorities representing ZOA that are deemed necessary.
• Support the Area Managers and Senior Program teams in managing government relationships and addressing any issues at that level.
• Lead on development and submission of progress reports and applications to relevant government office on regular and timely manner, including Principal Agreement, Sub-Agreements, MOUs, and submission of other periodic reports.
• To follow and insure timely signature of ZOA Principal Agreement, Sub-Agreements, MOUs and any other relevant agreements between ZOA and the relevant government Offices.
• Ensure active follow-up on outstanding applications filed with various government 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 ZOA’s programming.
• Develop methodologies to improve the liaison process including best practices and new developments affecting the ZOA as humanitarian actor.
• Familiarize and keep up with all government requirements applicable to ZOA’s work
• Develop necessary guidelines including all requirements, procedures and processes.
• Identify and share new government policies and procedures to create awareness of requirements among senior staff and other support team.
• Ensure senior ZOA team are aware of and understand any concerns of government officials regarding ZOA’s operations, and that such concerns are factored into ZOA’s communication strategy and programming.
• Ensure all correspondence with the government is in line with ZOA’s policies and records are retained in organized manner.
• Provide support to the Director of Operations as directed in security management for the country program.
• Participate in each program grants opening meetings to understand the concept of the respective program
• Prepare and share regular progress reports with internal stakeholders.
• Support administrative processes as directed by the Logistics Coordinator.
• Carry out similar tasks assigned by the line supervisor or other support/program staff.

Job Requirements

• At least 3 years of professional experience working both Government and INGOs will be considered as an advantage.
• BA degree in public administration, humanities, social sciences or social works.
• Extensive knowledge of the country's system of government and administration.
• Self-driven, independent and motivated.
• Diplomatic nature, excellent negotiation skills plus negotiation experience.
• Strong communication, organization and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel to field program offices as required.
• Excellent written and spoken English and different local languages.
• Good computer skills, including confident use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong commitment to ZOA’s mission, purpose and values;

VALUES:

Accountability:

•  Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving results in line with ZOA core values;
• Good knowledge of CHS and capacitate partners to work in adherence to CHS;
• Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities – giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved;
• Creates a managerial environment in-country to lead, enable and maintain our culture of child safeguarding.

Ambition:

• Sets ambitious and challenging goals for self;
• Widely shares personal vision for ZOA, engages and motivates others;
• Future oriented, thinks strategically and on a global scale.

Collaboration:

•  Builds and maintains effective relationships, with own team, colleagues, members, government officials and partners;
• Values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength;
• Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.

Creativity:

• Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions;
• Willing to take calculated risks.

Integrity:

•  Honest, encourages openness and transparency;
• Always acts in the best interests of children.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this position, please apply via ethiojobs.net by sending your CV and a motivation letter indicating your suitability for this position to before the due date

Please provide at least 3 references related to your previous employment listed in your CV or motivation letter. 

Applicants should submit their up to date CV, and a cover letter of no more than one page in which they outline why they are applying and why they believe that they are the best candidate for the position of Government Liaison Officer in Country Office, with reference to the job description. Applicants who send a generic cover letter will not be considered for short listing.

Only selected candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in the process of recruitment. It is our aim to inform candidates of their status in the recruitment process within 4 weeks after the vacancy has closed. A written test will be part of the recruitment procedure. Documents that do not match the profile above will not be considered. Internal candidates will have priority, in case of similar results.