Job Description

About TOFI.

Together for Inclusion (TOFI) is a International non-profit Organization, with largest programmes in East Africa region. TOFI implements a large range of projects together with donors and key national stakeholders to assist countries and communities to successfully emerge from conflict Using a human rights framework, TOFI will be among the INGOs with the largest presence in Somalia, with country-wide programmes implemented through field offices in Somalia /Somaliland, Puntland, Hiran Region, Gedo Region, Bay Region and Banadir Region TOFI Somalia operations focus mainly on people who are affected by displacement, including refugees, internally displaced, and migrant.

Overall purpose

The Government Liaison Officer is a member of the Government Liaison Unit. S/he normally reports to the Head of Operations (HoOP). The incumbent receives regular guidance and advice from the supervisor. S/he participates in all meetings/working groups related to the Government and to provide support on coordination work on common processes. Under the supervision of the Country Director, the responsibilities of the Government Liaison Officer is to give, obtain and exchange information requiring discussions and explanations both to TOFI staff members, Government authorities and other external parties on subject matters which may be of importance to the organization.

Key duties and responsibilities of the Government Liason Officer:

• Assist in the establishment of close working relations with officials in various ministries especially Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Keep track of evolving issues concerning IDPs stateless persons and refugees within the Area of Responsibility (AoR).
• Ensure that the office is kept informed of local and international developments which may have a political or operational impact on the office's relation with the Government, including latest developments with regard to the implementation of the TOFI reform etc.
• Inform the supervisor and/or other senior managers on a continuing basis of relevant information on the outcome of discussions with government authorities on various issues.
• Assist senior management in dealing with the challenges posed by the political context, developments with the Government and issues related to humanitarian and development processes.
• Accompany the Country Director /Head of Office and Headquarters visitors on missions and meetings.
• Assist in preparation for different visits and missions to the Operation.
• Liaise with Government partners and local authorities on behalf of TOFI , as required.
• Draft correspondence and reports as required and assist in the drafting of briefing notes, background material, talking points, fact sheets, as required.
• Manage budget, when requested, including tracking expenditures.
• Initiate upon request of the supervisor the contact with the relevant external parties on various issues.
• Coordinate with different units in the office that information presented to government authorities is duly verified and endorsed by the supervisor.
• Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility.
• Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
• Perform other related duties as required

Experiences and Qualifications

• Educated to degree level, ideally in a relevant field such as international development, international relations, or social sciences.
• The Government Liaison Officer position requires a candidate with a strong mix of skills related to communication, coordination, teamwork, empowerment, building trust, political awareness and diplomacy, stakeholder management, negotiations, planning and reporting. S/he should be able to work on their own initiative and be an excellent communicator.
• Work experience in different regions of Somalia /Somaliland in the capacity of liaison/external relations or related and up-to-date knowledge of the context of regions including local culture dynamics especially when interacting with local authorities and communities is required. Ability to analyse and develop a strategy for TOFI relationship with the regional authorities as well as their link to national policies are required.
• (Negotiation) -Knowledge of protocol, conflict sensitivity within the unique context of Lebanon and proven negotiation skills would be required. Professional demeanour, diplomatic skills, and continuous constructive dialogue to convey TOFI priorities and messages effectively is required.
• (Stakeholder Management)- Proven experience in facilitating government relations at different levels: mayors, municipalities, Governors, representatives of line ministries such as, representatives of security agencies and other stakeholders is required. Experience in communicating with various community groups, community leaders, and other social and religious entities at the field level is required.
• (Political & Situational Awareness)-Political awareness, firm grasp of evolving situation and political events in Lebanon, and Knowledge of conventions and international instruments relating to refugees and core protection principles, protection space, and protection context. Ability and experience of working and advocating on behalf of PoCs with local authorities and communities would be required.
• (Organizational Awareness)-Strong knowledge of TOFI project cycle, funding and programmes to facilitate negotiation with i/NGOs is highly desirable.
• Experience of international development and an understanding of how the international aid sector operates
• At least three years’ experience working in an international development context
• Knowledge and experience applied to the Core Humanitarian Standard of Quality and Accountability

Languages:

• English

Key stakeholders:

• Internal
• Programme Management Unit, M&E Country Coordinator, implementing field teams, senior management team and support service team.

External

• Mayors, municipalities, Governors,, Local and National Government Authorities, relevant NGOs/CBOs and humanitarian agencies including TOFI partners and donors as appropriate.

Conditions

• Contract: 12 months contract with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with TOFI ’s Terms of Employment.
• Availability: 1st July 2025
• Duty station: Mogadishu

Skills Required

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