Career Opportunity with International Rescue Committee

Manager - Government Liaison


Country
:
Bangladesh
Work Location
:
IRC-Bangladesh, Cox’s Bazar Office
Job Title
:
Manager - Government Liaison
Reporting to : Operations Coordinator
Department
:
Operations
Expected Start Date
:
At Earliest
Contract length
:
1 Year (with possibility of extension subject to funding, program needs and performance of incumbent)
Remuneration Package
:
Competitive Base Pay with Fringe Benefits (As per IRC National Pay Scale in Bangladesh)

 

Program Brief

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the world’s leading agencies working in post-conflict and development contexts, supporting communities in over 40 fragile, failed and developing states. In this capacity, we work to restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted, struggling to endure and wishing to advance on a path of development.

The IRC has been present in Bangladesh since 2017 and obtained registration with the NGOAB in March 2018. Since the IRC obtained registration in March 2018, it has moved quickly to expand its integrated emergency health and protection response through both direct and partner-based programming focused on primary healthcare, women’s protection and empowerment, sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence and child protection. Recently IRC has also introduced two new programs: Protection Rule of Law (PRoL) and Education. Through 2018, the IRC’s response strategy will primarily target Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, while meeting the significant needs in both refugee and host populations, as already existing vulnerabilities are compounded with cyclical monsoon and cyclone seasons that impose additional threats to the lives and protection of those refugees as well as vulnerable host populations. IRC will grow over time its geographic coverage within Cox’s bazar and to other parts of the country, thus expand its’ networks and partnerships around emergency preparedness and response work, reach beyond the Rohingya refugees, also targeting the vulnerable host groups in Cox’s Bazar and other parts of Bangladesh.

Purpose

Manager- Government Liaison is responsible for liaison and networking with government, donors, NGO/INGOs and international agencies and ensuring IRC’s work is following the regulations of the Government of Bangladesh, related to different ministries, RRRC Office, NGO Affairs Bureau, National Board of Revenue, VISA offices, immigration, etc. This includes, to regular communications with relevant ministries related to IRC’s work compiling information for project applications for approval from the NGO Affairs Bureau, Narrative and Financial reporting requirements to NGOAB are fulfilled by IRC, ensuring comprehensive support for International Staff and visitors, ensure compliance related to taxation and other legal issues of organization.

Under the direct supervision of Operations Coordinator and technical support from Advisor-Govt. Liaison the person expected to support IRC operations (Rohingya response and Host Community) in Cox Bazar in terms of managing government relationships (at different administrative level e.g. RRRC, DC Office, Civil Surgeon, UNO , CIC level) and ensuring legal compliances set by NGO Affairs Bureau. The incumbent is also expected to support on FD-6, FD-7, Visa / work permit, Security clearance and Camp pass for expatriate staff. 

Major Responsibilities

Government Liaison

  • Develop a sound knowledge of IRCs global presence as well as activities and strategy in Bangladesh in order to accurately represent the organization in liaisons with the Govt.
  • Ensure that IRC operates in Cox bazar following all legal compliances set by NGO Affairs Bureau, DC Office, RRRC, CIC, Civil Surgeon and other relevant Govt. Depts. e.g. SB, NSI, DGFI, DoFP, DDM and different Ministries (Home, Foreign, Disaster, Health and Women and child and so on) in timely and quality manner. This includes but not limited to processing of (i) FDs requirements at the start of projects; (ii) Various approvals from different level of authorities during the project lifespan; (iii) Project closure formalities etc.  
  • Timely prepare the Project Closing Report for FD-6/FD-7 and submit to DC Office and UNO Offices for collecting Project Closing Certificates.
  • With support of supervisor, maintain up-to-date tracking sheet of all legal requirements for every project, timely updating and dedicatedly communicate with program team and senior managers for pending approvals / issues. 
  • Act as the Cox’s Bazar-based focal point for managing all inquiries from various relevant Govt. Offices at all levels (district, UZ, Union, Camps etc.
  • Build excellent working relationships and maintain regular communication, coordination and provide updates to relevant government offices on the work of IRC, and on status of pending compliances / approvals
  • Work closely with Dhaka based staff (Advisor-Govt. Liaison) to ensure all paper works are completed and submitted in timely manner
  • Short term cover the position of Advisor-Govt. Liaison in absence in IRC Dhaka office
  • This position is to work other than Cox’s Bazar District if requires for IRC Bangladesh
  • Undertake other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor for the shake of IRC Bangladesh.
  • Assist in filing and following visa applications, camp permits, security clearance and renewals work permits for international staff and visitors.
  • With support of supervisor, manage up to date tracking sheet of visa, work permit, camp permit and revise on regular basis; dedicatedly communicate with concerned staff and senior managers on the visa, work permit, camp permit renewals.
  • Assist program and support staff with translation of documents.
  • Time to time update about the filing of all Official files of Govt. Liaison
  • Based on the advice from supervisor, attend various relevant external meetings in Cox’s Bazar (district, upazila, union and camp level) to represent IRC as well as support program and support staff to provide translation services.
  • Assist with basic logistics concerning IRC staff and visitors in Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar, including briefing on welcome and orientation materials, and confirming hotel and transportation arrangements.

Other

  • Assist in office and other government related tasks in Cox’s Bazar.
  • Other tasks as assigned by supervisor.
  • Ensure compliance with IRC policies and practice with respect to PSEA, safeguarding, code of conduct, safety and security, anti-harassment, and other relevant policies and procedures.
Requirements
  • Minimum 6 years of experience in Government Liaison/ Coordination.
  • Experience of working with UN Agencies or Non-Governmental organizations.
  • Very good skills in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Power point.
  • Excellent interpersonal and team building skills.
  • Experience of working in refugee context is an added advantage
  • Excellent skills and proven track record of external representation and coordination
  • Experience of managing oversight of govt. liaison and field base operations
  • Excellent inter-personal and problem solving skills and proven ability to negotiate with a wide range of people (internally and externally)
  • High energy, and able to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment
  • Ability to work independently and maintain flexibility in an environment where change or revision to projects and planning is regular
  • Cultural and gender sensitivity, adaptability, willingness to travel
  • Strong communication skills in both: Bengali & English.
  • Familiarity with Chittagonian language is preferable.
Specific Educational Qualification
  • Master’s degree in public administration, humanities, social sciences or social work, law
Certification
  • N/A

How to Apply:

How to Apply: https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/31290?c=rescue

Application Deadline: September 13, 2022

Standard of Professional Conduct:

IRC and IRC employees are required to abide by the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Code of Conduct which are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.

Gender Equality & Equal Opportunity General Statement:

We are committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer generous benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances. We welcome and strongly encourage qualified female professionals to apply.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Are you ready to join the most dynamic team?