Government Liaison Officer (GLO)

Hello Hello! Alight is recruiting a Government Liaison Officer (GLO) to be based in Addis Ababa office. You’re interested in joining us? Welcome, we’re happy you’re here!

If you join us, you will find…

A team with deep experience in co-designing solutions that create new value around the world. We know we need to always be better, and we believe in the power and abundance of everyday people, everywhere, to change the world with us.

A culture of radical accountability to our customers –as we help build a meaningful life for and with the displaced, we ask them what they want and then deliver on it.

Alight (formerly American Refugee Committee) is an international non-profit organization with its headquarters located in the United States. Alight has provided humanitarian assistance to millions of beneficiaries in 29 countries over the past 40 years, currently reaching over 10 million refugees, IDPs, and disaster-affected communities in 17 countries around the world, helping people regain control of their lives after conflict and natural disasters. Alight maintains full-fledged humanitarian programs in Somalia, Uganda, Rwanda, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, Thailand, and Myanmar. Alight is currently in the process of responding to humanitarian situation in Ethiopia.

Alight focuses on lifesaving humanitarian interventions as well as recovery and resilience building programs designed to create lasting positive change in the lives of vulnerable people. Alight works closely with displaced persons, returnees, refugees and communities affected by natural and man-made disasters, providing a range of integrated assistance including primary and curative health care, water and sanitation, protection services, restoration of strategic health and water infrastructure, dignified housing for returning refugees, and sustainable job creation. Alight has also built strong relationships with development partners, agencies, as well as federal and local governments in order to approach challenges in an inclusive and holistic manner and come up with innovative solutions that best fits the local context.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

Reporting to the Deputy Director line management, the role of the Government Liaison Officer (GLO) Officer is responsible for supporting all visa/permits processes within Alight.  S/he will ensure that all visas/permits for international staff including entry visa, residency, work permit, multiple visas are done on a timely basis. She/ will track and manage all visas/work permits information and expiry dates, ensure that all are extended before expiry dates.  The GLO will also support staff’s travel permits for approval prior to travelling to the field. S/he will also update any changes regarding visa and work permit application processes.

MAJOR/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• On behalf of ALIGHT in Ethiopia, liaise with the FDRE Authority for Civil Society Organization (ACSO), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NDRM, Labor Office, Taxation chamber and other Government-related offices.
• Support the process of approval for Technical Agreements for the Country Office and State Offices. Ensure the expatriates are listed in the technical agreement as per the approved organogram.
• Ensure timely submission of Alight Technical Agreement, Sub-Agreements, MOUs and any other relevant agreements between Alight and the government.
• Build and maintain relationships with key technical managers and decision-makers in the government, different ministries and among local authorities.
• Keep track list of Stay Permit/Visas for international staff updated and ensure timely extension is processed a month prior to extension.
• Develop visa/stay permit guidelines including all requirements, procedures, and processes for visa, stay permit and technical agreement.
• Keep updated with the changes in laws of the government and informed the line manager as soon as required.
• Provide weekly reports and updates to the Line Manager on the status of visa progress of international staff, and other related activities being worked on.
• Promote ALIGHT’s work and present in the right image when meeting high officials.
• Accompany the Country Director and any other senior staff to meetings with government officials and facilitate conversations for smooth representation of Alight in those meetings, as requested.
• Respond and follow up the requirements from the Government and address to Senior managers in a timely manner.
• Ensure active follow-up on outstanding applications filed with various ministries, responding to queries from authorities in a timely manner.
• Work with authorities to secure all required authorizations and permissions to facilitate smooth implementation of Alight’s programming in Ethiopia.
• Ensure active follow-up on outstanding applications filed with various ministries, responding to queries from authorities in a timely manner.
• Familiarize and keep up with all government requirements applicable to Alight’s work in Ethiopia to support programs.
• Ensure all correspondence with the government is in line with Alight policies and kept in organized manner.
• Develop and maintain a filing system that is organized and safe enough for the related documents as handled by this position Other appropriate duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Carry out similar tasks assigned by the Director and Deputy Directors.

• At least 4 years (MA) or 5 years (BA) proven experience.
• MA/BA in public administration, humanities, social sciences or social works.
• Proven experience of developing and implementing security plans and analysis tools.
• Proven experience of working in conflict-affected area.
• Incident Management experience.
• Proven experience in producing of quality reports and documents, including maps.
• Diplomatic nature, excellent negotiation skills plus negotiation experience.

Key Behaviors and Abilities:

•  Context analysis, risk analysis, knowledge of humanitarian security approaches & humanitarian principles.
• Self-driven, independent and motivated.
• Good written and spoken English and other local languages are essential.
• Humanitarian negotiation skills.
• Previous knowledge of the region and the context is preferred.
• Excellent coordination and communication skills.
• High level of confidentiality and integrity.