Job Description

Liaison Officer

Job Code: TECH31017

Job Family: Technical

Compensation Band: JJ

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW:  

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender equality, youth, research, technology, communication and social marketing — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development and humanitarian challenge in more than 70 countries.

FHI 360 has been responding to the humanitarian crisis in southern Yemen and along the Western Coast since 2018. Through an integrated health, nutrition, and WASH program, FHI 360 works in Aden, Taiz, and Hudaydah governorates. FHI 360 supports static and mobile health facilities, including rehabilitation, technical support and staff training, and provision of supplies. FHI 360 also works at the community level through health and WASH components to reach additional populations. Furthermore, since January 2020, FHI 360 has served as the NGO co-lead for the Aden Sub-Health Cluster. With a country office in Aden and a field office in Mokha, FHI 360 has a team of 50 national and expatriate staff. 

POSITION OVERVIEW  

The Liaison Officer will facilitate a close and productive working relationship between FHI 360 and government ministries in Yemen. Principal duties will include official registration/renewal of FHI 360’s registration/Principal Agreement in Yemen, oversee the management and successful approval of sub-agreements with MoPIC and partner with relevant technical staff for the process with  MoPHP or other line ministries, and submission of documentation to ensure full compliance with Yemen law as well as donor rules and regulations. The Liaison Officer will also prepare and facilitate all visa application process for expatriate staff and visitors to the FHI 360 mission in Yemen.  Work permits and other required documentation for expatriate staff will be the responsibility of the Liaison Officer.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DELIVERABLES

• Represent FHI 360 with government entities and other key stakeholders maintaining an effective relationship with them.
• Ensure the FHI 360 Principal Agreement/renewals are submitted and approved on time and in compliance with FHI 360 Business Services requirements. 
• Coordinate with the Program Department and the Response Coordinator in the preparation and review of project sub-agreements; ensure submission to MoPIC and the applicable line ministries.
• Follow-up with progress on sub-agreement(s) and liaise with relevant internal departments to ensure they are processed in timely manner and that all documentation requirements are met.
• Prepare, finalize and submit necessary documents for visas, residency permits, and work permits for international staff.
• Maintain an up-to-date tracker on visa application, residency, work permit status for all international staff and ensure renewals are submitted on time. 
• Regularly meet local authorities’ focal points to maintain effective organizational communication.
• Maintain up to date contact lists of relevant stakeholders and communication. 
• Research and share with management information about new announcements coming from government ministries or offices that are relevant to INGOs.
• In consultation with management, prepare and issue correspondence to government offices as necessary. Respond to any official correspondence or requests for information in a timely manner. 
• Draft, submit, follow up and file in hard copy and electronically, all communication with government authorities, including but not limited to program (agreement signing) authorization requests, activity requests, meeting and workshops, permits (visas, work permits, residency visas)
• Submit program reports for government ministries and ensure that the required government reports (are submitted in timely manner to relevant government authorities.
• Ensure that updates are submitted regularly through OCHA humanitarian tracking mechanisms for sub-agreements, visas, movement permissions, etc. including on online platforms.
• Coordinate with other INGO's to analyze and document best practices for engaging with local authorities and obtaining program/ project approval. 
• Capture and share lessons learned for ensuring adequate collaboration with different level of local authorities and its official bodies in the target area. 
• Provide coordination and required support for meeting or events with relevant government offices.
• Support on day-to-day liaison activities with government offices at field level, as may be necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

APPLIED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Well versed in the structure and requirements of government ministries in Yemen.
• Established relationships with relevant ministries who work with NGOs
• Sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of the political context  
• Articulate, professional and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with staff 
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
• Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English. 
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills. 
• Ability to solve problems and implement planned action effectively 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor’s degree Business Administration, International Affairs or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a liaison position or similar with an INGO.
• Knowledge of local regulations, laws, and ministries
• Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English.

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time