Application Deadline: June 19, 2022

Background:

Handicap International/Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is an independent and impartial international solidarity organization, which intervenes in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflicts and disasters. Working alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, it acts and speaks out to meet their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights. More info: www.hi.org

 HI is committed to an employment policy in favor of persons with disabilities.

 Summary:

·      The overall objective of this position is to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of the HI program in Ethiopia through an open and transparent process with the Government of Ethiopia and improved regulatory adherence;

·      The Government Liaison Adviser assists senior management with ensuring the Government is aware of HI’s operations, engaged in the Government’s processes, and HI assumes accountability for its operations vis-à-vis the national entities in charge;

·      The Government Liaison Adviser is located at the head office in Addis Ababa and is the organization’s main interface with selected outside stakeholders to improve the flow of information and enhancing working relationships;

·      S/he thus plays a crucial role in ensuring HI’s sound and improving rapport with the relevant authorities of the Federal Government of Ethiopia, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Agency for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO); the National Risk Disaster Mitigation Commission (NDRMC); Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS); and the various line ministries under which HI works, particularly the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Labor.

 Duties/tasks:

·       Be an open and courteous point of contact, fielding queries and offering advice to the HI country program on all aspects of liaison with Government entities;

·       Identify key areas for improvement of HI collaboration with Government entities. Detect issues in communications between HI and Government entities, facilitate meetings and other tailored action to remedy communication gaps;

·       Proactively responds to queries from Government entities in a timely manner with complete and appropriate information;

·       Ensure HI’s senior managers are fully briefed on all matters arising from Government communications that may impact upon HI’s operations;

·       Follow up with Government entities on new laws and directives relevant to HI’s operations;

• Maintain close contact with HQ on emerging issues;
• Maintain frequent formal and informal contacts with counterparts in other organizations to understand how HI’s peers are addressing issues with the Government;

·       Provide translations of short texts from English to Amharic and Amharic to English. Organize larger translation work to be performed by specialist outside companies;

• Perform other related duties as required. 

Job Requirements

• Professional Experience: 6 years of relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years with Graduate degree. Experience of working with INGO or Government position related to the aid/development sector. Thorough understanding of UNHCR’s protection mandate and core mission. Thorough understanding of humanitarian coordination processes and/or development coordination.
• Existing productive network and working relationship with stakeholders at the above mentioned key governmental offices;

·       Very good working knowledge of the mandates and modalities of the international humanitarian and development sector including the UN cluster system;

·       Field(s) of Education: Law/International Law; Political/Social Science; Economics; Business Administration; Social Anthropology; Finance or other relevant field;

·       Language Requirements: Very good Amharic (spoken and written), advanced knowledge of English (spoken and written), knowledge of additional Ethiopian languages/dialects an asset.

·       Excellent interpersonal and networking skills and the ability to liaise authoritatively with figures

from the humanitarian community, federal government and other relevant actors, when required.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with people from a

variety of backgrounds;

·       Excellent communication and reporting skills, both written and oral;

·       Psychological resilience and a sense of humor;

·       Computer skills, with a high level of proficiency in the use of standard desktop software applications (e. g. Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint);

·       A candidate with ability and willingness to frequently travel to Tigray regional stage to support field operations.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who meet the above criteria can apply using THIS LINK

We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting child protection and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This position involves working with beneficiaries and is subject to strict safer recruitment checks. The successful candidate will be required to complete a police check and sign self-declaration form to help us verify your suitability to work with children including checks with past employers.

Note: Humanity & Inclusion is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes women and persons with disabilities to apply.