National Liaison Officer (Durable Solutions), Baghdad

Context:

Under the general guidance of COM, under overall supervision of the Head, Transition & Recovery Division, the direct supervision of of the Durable Solutions Coordinators (RWG/DSTWG) and the Liaison and the Policy Officer Core Functions / Responsibilities, the successful candidate will be the principal interlocutor for the RWG/DSTWG with national, local authorities in Baghdad, Diyala, Anbar and Salah Al-Din and other relevant line ministries of the GOI the successful candidate will:



Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. The successful candidate will be the designated focal point for returns in general in center south Iraq, focusing on coordination around returns, while also performing the liaison functions with the Government of Iraq’s (GOI) Joint Coordination and Monitoring Centre (JCMC) and the Ministry for Migration and Displacement (MOMD), as well as other relevant line ministries of the GOI.

2. Develop plans and guidelines related to voluntary return and durable solutions for the center south region.

3. Coordinate the implementation of the IOM return and durable solutions project, and activities for the durable solutions network in the center south region.

4. Supervise staff seconded to JCMC and MOMD, as well as all staff in the area of responsibility.

5. Perform liaison functions for the RWG and durable solutions network, including establishing and maintaining contacts with key government and international actors in the governorates of focus to enhance partnership, as well as other government agencies at national level and provide potential areas of collaboration.

6. Promote RWG objectives and priorities through formal and informal contacts with relevant government and international actors, and increase RWG’s profile across the governorate of focus.

7. Coordinate between IOM field teams, JCMC, MOMD and RWG chairs to help identify entry points for RWG support and inform regular issues on returns.

8. Provide support to advocacy efforts and messaging, and alert on issues related to returns, camp closure and returns, new return instructions, assistance from government etc.

9. Represent RWG at governorate level Inter- Cluster Coordination group (ICCG), Governorate Coordination mechanisms (GCMs) and Governorate Return Committees (GRCs) to advocate on key return issues and promote inclusion of returns and durable solutions issues.

10. Liaise with thematic field return officers to obtain up to date information on return related issues, and inform national RWG, based on information from the field staff and partners, and the secondments at JCMC and MOMD.

11. Keep abreast of return related activities and needs across the governorates of focus and relevant line ministries, matters pertaining to IDPs and returnees, and regularly inform the RWG staff on key return issues.

12. Prepare briefing and background information as well as official correspondence to the government as requested by RWG, as well as weekly, monthly and ad hoc reports.

13. Conduct mapping at field level of humanitarian, recovery and development needs, response and gaps in key return areas based on data from the field, international partners and the government, and advise on priorities and areas to intervene.

14. Facilitate and organize joint field visits to areas of return, and provide operational guidance and coordination to return assessments, pilot projects to support return, return processes etc.,

15. Promote lesson learning by identifying and sharing best practices.

16. Perform other duties required by the Program Coordinator, and other senior managers in the reporting line for this position.

Qualifications.

Education

• Master’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, International Law, Public Relations or a related field from an accredited academic institution with 2 years of relevant professional experience; or

• University degree in the above fields with 4 years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in developing strategies, policies and guidelines on internal displacement.

• Demonstratable work experience in Iraq on displacement and forced migration issues.

• Proven knowledge and technical skills in return and reintegration programming.

• Excellent written skills and proven experience in drafting official correspondence is a must.

• Previous experience in coordination forums and working with government is an advantage.

• Sound presentation and communication skills/ ability to present in inter- agency and governmental forums is required.

• Work experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions and NGOs, as well as experience in the region is an asset

• Good interpersonal and communication skills and ability to present clear and concise information.

• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds, ability to handle confidential matters, flexibility, tolerance and capacity to work in team.

Languages

• English and Arabic are required.

• Any other language is an advantage.