Position: Partnership and Liaison Officer

Reports to: (Technical): Localization Advisor (Functional): Head of Mission

Status: Fulltime.

About INTERSOS:

INTERSOS, an independent non-profit humanitarian organization, is guided by core values. We believe in solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, and respect for diversity and coexistence. Our mission is to assist the victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts, focusing on the most vulnerable and unprotected people. As a Community-Based Protection Worker, you will play a crucial role in upholding these values and contributing to our mission.

Purpose/objective of the position: 

The purpose of the Partnership and Liaison Officer is to maintain strong links and communication with local actors and stakeholders The officer is responsible for ongoing liaison with national stakeholders and will provide support to the INTERSOS mission in the identification and development of quality partnerships with local actors. The officer must always act in accordance with INTERSOS’s Code of Ethics and ensures and confirms INTERSOS’ commitment to neutrality, impartiality, independence, and humanity

Main Responsibilities: 

Liaison and External Relations:

• Ensures excellent relations with different parties, actors, stakeholders, and communities, while refraining from any type of side-taking or political activism.
• Supports HoM to obtain timely and smooth authorizations, permits, and approvals for the implementation of projects, project activities,
• Translates, deposes, follows, and obtains legal administrative documents related to the implementation of operations in collaboration with different technical departments.
• Secures timely report submission to relevant authorities, including yearly, mid-yearly, and possibly ad hoc reports.
• Organizes and attends meetings with different stakeholders, collecting/preparing talking points and reports on outcomes of meetings
• Attends meetings and trainings related to access and ensures timely information and knowledge transfer
• Briefs new staff on authorities/local institutions and the local environment
• Supports HoM in the identification and resolution of humanitarian access constraints
• Communicates and exchanges information directly with partners and stakeholders.
• Ensures ongoing communication with identified partners. 

Partnership development and Management:

• Leads the mapping of local actors in given areas/sectors, establishing and maintaining a partnership database that maps out partner capacity, influence, and strategic alignment.
• Supports the pre-selection of local partners and the collection of relevant information, organization of meetings with relevant stakeholders, and participation in humanitarian coordination forums.
• Leads the assessment of pre-selected actors in collaboration with the designated finance person, supporting the analysis of procedures and strategic documents, organizing and conducting assessment meetings, and consolidating assessment results.
• Analyzes assessment results and proposes strategic orientation for partnership identification and development.
• Leads the vetting process, organizing community meetings, reference checks, and counter-terrorism checks.
• Facilitates the development and signing of partnership agreements and MoUs, at strategic and grant-based levels
• Leads the development of bilateral capacity strengthening plans
• Supports the planning and implementation of capacity strengthening activities for local partners.
• Coordinates INTERSOS capacity strengthening activities at the local level, involving department heads or assisting in the identification of external providers.
• Helps ensure partners’ involvement in strategic planning, program design, and proposal/concept paper development
• Takes part in and/or organizes regular meetings with partner organizations.
• Supports the development of a Country Partnership Management Matrix.
• Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of partnership programs and provides recommendations for improvement.

Coordination, Reporting and Operational Support:

• Supports Program Coordinator/Head of mission with liaising activities with local authorities and partners
• Participates in any Partnership-related Working Groups that will support the development and operationalization of the partnership strategy
• Collaborates with stakeholders to develop joint initiatives, leverage resources, and share best practices.
• Attends regular meetings at local/national office level.
• As part of the project development process, facilitates the coordination with the partner(s) involved and provides relevant inputs related to localization/partnership in the proposals.
• Acts as the focal point for internal reporting on localization/partnership activities.
• Engages in work outside of the core job description as needed

​Minimum requirements:

Education

• University degree in Social Sciences, Administration, or a related field. A university degree in any field will also be considered given the scope of liaison activities.

Professional experience

• At least 3 years of work experience in the humanitarian sector and/or in public institutions.
• Proven experience liaising with government authorities.
• Previous experience with international NGOs and/or local NGOs.

Professional requirements

• Essential computer literacy (word, excel, and Internet).
• Demonstrated practical experience in liaison, communication with authorities and communities, and risk management.
• Basic knowledge of the structure and procedures of international NGOs.
• Good understanding of the humanitarian cluster system and working groups/sectors.
• Technical knowledge of project management and grants.
• Preferred: experience conducting trainings.

Personal requirements

• Excellent analytical skills, observation, and analysis capacity.
• Attention to detail and structured way of approaching tasks.
• Ability to plan ahead and output-oriented.
• Able to ensure quick quality delivery in stressful environments.
• Very strong interpersonal skills, including strong communication and diplomatic skills.
• Practical and problem-solver.
• Ability to deal with heavy work pressure
• Readiness and ability to move around in the area covered.
• Humanitarian motivation and commitment.
• Flexibility.

Languages

• Excellent written and spoken English.