PLEASE NOTE: This post is advertised by GOAL SYRIA on behalf of our partner HAND IN HAND FOR SYRIA whom is the Hosting Agency for the NGO FORUM.

Liaison Officer 

Closing date: 5th November 2018

Job Title: Liaison Officer, NGO Forum for North West Syria.

Employment Category: Fixed Term, salaried position with HAND IN HAND FOR SYRIA

Duration: 7 months (December 2018 – June 2019) with possible extension subject to funding. 

Duty Station: Gaziantep, Turkey

Background

The NGO Forum was established in 2012 to facilitate information sharing and coordination activities for international and local NGOs operating in north west Syria. The Forum’s role is to positively increase the impact of humanitarian activities in response to the Syrian crisis, which is now in its seventh year. The NGO Forum membership provides cross-border operational support to the large populations of people in need in North West Syria.

The NGO Forum Secretariat supports this role, promoting coordination and collaboration of a diverse Forum membership, and is actively engaged with local and international actors to ensure the systematic and comprehensive development of local capacity. As of December 2017, the NGO Forum represents almost 70 Syrian and international NGOs as members or observers.

The NGO Forum also works with Turkish local authorities, donors and state representatives, United Nations agencies, departments and offices in particular OCHA, Syrian NGO platforms and networks and other humanitarian actors.

The NGO Forum recognises the continuing long-term nature of this crisis and is keen to see an integration of emergency and recovery activities where appropriate, as well as a greater role for local organisations and civil society groups.

In early 2018 it was agreed to join efforts with the “Partnership Platform”. Within the mandates of the NGO Forum the Partnership Working Group was set up in order to provide technical and operational guidance on partnership related issues between humanitarian stakeholders to promote coherence of an effective humanitarian response through common minimum standards and capacity. The Partnership Working Group also coordinates capacity building and organises related events with technical advice from the Partnership Platform Advisory Committee.

The purpose of the NGO Forum is to increase the coherence and effectiveness of humanitarian relief and recovery aid in Northern Syria. This will be achieved by being a strategic actor in influencing the policy and practice of key stakeholders involved in humanitarian response in order to support and strengthen an enabling environment for NGO activities.

Scope of Work: 

Under the direct supervision of the NGO Forum Coordinator, the Liaison Officer will perform the following duties, and undertake other responsibilities as may be agreed:

• Establish, nurture and manage cordial working relationships between the NGO Forum and Government at all levels;
• In conjunction with the NGO Forum Coordinator ensure appropriate representation of the NGO Forum in all relevant meetings workshops, conferences, seminars etc. held at national and provincial level government departments;
• In conjunction with the NGO Forum Coordinator and SC prepare and update strategic analysis of the government policies and procedures related to NGO’s work
• Contribute to development and implementation of government engagement strategy;
• Provide advice to the SC on strategies to further improve the working relationship with government departments at various levels;
• Make suggestions and recommendations regarding appropriate advocacy by the Forum and its membership concerning appropriate content and targeting,
• Work with other NGO Forum staff and Steering Committee members to develop a greater understanding of the legal framework applicable for NGOs and platforms operating in Turkey
• Keep abreast regarding the operating environment in Turkey and North West Syria and compile reports about particular developments, incidents, events, or updates about important issues for the membership of the NGO Forum, and duly report to the Coordinator and Steering Committee
• Collect, analyse, and utilize data and feedback to identify opportunities to improve the relationship between the NGO Forum and the Turkish authorities
• Facilitate humanitarian information exchange and the promotion of data and information sharing protocols according to the parameters of the NGO Forum.
• Ensure all queries from Government Officials are addressed timely and adequately;
• Participate in the NGO forum and Steering Committee meetings and report on events of interest
• Provide translation and interpretation on an ad-hoc basis as required.
• Provide administrative support to the Secretariat office, ensure equipment is maintained in working order, arrange servicing and repairs, order stationery and supplies as required;
• Any other duties as may be requested by the NGO Forum Coordinator or Steering Committee

Requirements:

Please note this a national position with a local contract, applicants must have Turkish citizenship.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in international relations or development studies, political science, international law or management or similar related studies. 

Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, preferably communications, public relations, international development or international relations;
• Previous experience in coordination positions in NGOs in Turkey.
• Minimum 2 years practical experience of close relationship with key stakeholders in the government departments at various levels;
• Extensive Understanding of Government of Turkey;
• Extensive Experience of political analysis and analytical reports;
• Excellent presentation, oral and writing skills in Turkish and English;
• Ability to communicate and work well with staff at all levels of the organisation;
• First class analytical, diplomatic and communication skills;
• Proven persuasion and negotiation skills;
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural and human skills;
• Computer literate.

Language: Native Turkish, fluent in English, and Arabic an asset

Other: Qualifications and/or certification in the following applications are desirable: MS Word, MS Excel, MS SharePoint, or similar applications.

Interested? Then apply for this position via clicking on the "apply now" button and fill out the application form. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Thank you.