Liaison Officer

February 27, 2024
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Job Description

About Women for Afghan Women (WAW):

Women for Afghan Women (WAW) is a grassroots civil society organization committed to protecting and promoting the rights of disenfranchised Afghan women and girls in Afghanistan and New York. WAW relentlessly advocates for women’s rights and challenges gender-based violence, aiming to influence attitudes and bring about positive change.

Job Description:

Job Overview:

The Liaison Officer (LO) is a vital role in the Western region, representing UNHCR’s key tool for remote management in Afghanistan. Assigned to one of the three provinces—Farah, Ghor, or Badghis—the LO serves as the direct link between UNHCR and the province, facilitating communication, information exchange, and monitoring of protection and program interventions.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Establish close working relations with provincial authorities, humanitarian organizations, local communities, and returning refugees.
  • Build a reliable network of contacts with local organizations and authorities for information gathering, supporting protection and assistance response mechanisms.
  • Convey, clarify, and explain UNHCR’s positions to local Government and stakeholders.
  • Provide continuous updates to UNHCR on relevant developments in the province, including discussions with local authorities concerning UNHCR’s activities.
  • Monitor the humanitarian situation, collect information on population movements, and participate in joint assessments.
  • Monitor UNHCR projects and activities, ensuring compliance and recommending improvements.
  • Support protection monitoring partners in early warning and participate in protection monitoring activities.
  • Conduct inter-agency needs assessments for conflict-induced IDPs, monitor displacement and return trends, and collect information on IDPs and returning IDPs.
  • Refer Persons with Specific Needs (PSN) to specialized actors for additional assistance.
  • Ensure compliance with standard operating procedures in project delivery.
  • Provide regular reports on relevant activities, including data and qualitative information.
  • Act as an interpreter during meetings and field visits with international staff.
  • Undertake other duties as required.

Accountabilities:

The LO represents UNHCR in the assigned province, adhering to the highest standards of conduct and humanitarian principles.

Competencies:

Managerial competencies: empowering and building trust; judgment and decision-making; strategic planning and vision; managing resources.

Cross-functional competencies: analytical thinking; negotiation and conflict resolution; planning and organizing; political awareness.

Supervision and Management:

Administrative supervision and support will be provided by the selected UNHCR partner, with operational supervision and guidance from the Protection Section and Head of Office of UNHCR.

Communication/Coordination:

Reports daily to the UNHCR Field and Protection focal points.

Coordinates daily with UNHCR Provincial Focal Points on mission planning and monitoring schedules.

Submits monthly reports on activities, achievements, and challenges to UNHCR.

Job Requirements:

  • University degree in a relevant field.
  • Minimum 4 years of progressive professional experience in program management.
  • Previous experience in humanitarian programs requiring coordination with provincial authorities and partners.
  • Familiarity with humanitarian coordination mechanisms related to IDP protection and response.
  • Excellent knowledge of the social, political, and security context.
  • Good drafting and communication skills in English and Dari/Pashtu.

Personal Skills:

  • Uphold the highest humanitarian standards and principles.
  • Good negotiation skills.
  • Capacity to work autonomously with limited supervision.
  • Strong planning and organizational skills.
  • Willingness to travel and spend long hours in field locations.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Excellent interpersonal relationships, networking, and communication skills.
  • Strong analytical skills and capacity to coordinate with various humanitarian actors and local institutions.
Submission Guideline:

Interested Afghan applicants should submit a cover letter along with their CVs in one PDF file to hr@womenforafghanwomen.org. Please indicate the vacancy number (VA#1402 Liaison Officer/Farah, Ghowr & Badghis) clearly in the cover letter and the subject line of your email.

Note: Avoid sending educational and work certificates at this stage. Applications received without mentioning the location in the subject line will not be considered.

Submission Email:

hr@womenforafghanwomen.org