Government Liaison And Communications Officer

Who are we  Concern Worldwide is a non-governmental international humanitarian organisation, and was founded in 1968. Concern Worldwide currently operates in a number of countries across the globe, with its Head Office in Dublin. We work with the poor and vulnerable in the world’s poorest countries to help them bring about long-lasting change in their lives and realise their fundamental human rights; to food, to health, to education, and ultimately to a life of dignity. Together with local and international partners, and with the beneficiaries themselves, we respond to emergencies and undertake long term development work.  We work across the world to promote a better understanding of extreme poverty, and we campaign for local and global action that will help reduce this. Job Summary The role of the Government, Liaison and Communications Officer will be to promote and represent Concern’s programme with all relevant governmental bodies in Lebanon at various levels (municipal, governmental, ministerial). He/She will collate and produce information for external stakeholders illustrating Concern’s work in Lebanon.  Duties and Responsibilities  1.       Representation and Coordination a)      Liaise with local government entities (municipalities, North Lebanon Water Establishment, Lebanon Agriculture Resource Institute, etc.) in the Akkar region around Concern’s work with refugees and host communities b)      Provision of guidance to secure relevant governmental approvals and licenses (i.e. borehole drilling, etc.) in compliance with Lebanese laws c)       Establish contact with prioritised local authorities to introduce Concern Worldwide, its country programme and define potential points of cooperation d)      Identify the relevant municipalities and local authorities in Akkar region e)      Support in initiating and signing agreements (MoU) with local authorities   f)       Negotiate and prepare contracts with landlords g)      Provide general support to the programme managers based on requests  2.       Information Management a)      Ensure database reconciliation for each municipality between all the Concern programs b)      Maintain database of contacts with local authorities c)       Record minutes of meetings with local authorities d)      Ensure that collected project data and documents are properly stored and analysed e)      Provide monthly reports summarizing meetings held, agreements signed and activities carried out 3.       Work Ethic a)      Adhere to the standards of conduct outlined in the Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern Code of Conduct b)      Support the promotion of the standards outlined in the Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern Code of Conduct to the beneficiaries, and be committed to providing a safe working environment (referrals, complaints response mechanism) c)       Contribute to the establishment of preventive measures to reduce the potential for abuse in Concern programme  d)      Support Concern’s work in Lebanon by undertaking other tasks as appropriate and required   Skills, Qualifications, Experience and Attitude Required a)      Degree or equivalent qualifications in communication, administration or any related discipline b)      At least three years’ experience in related field c)       Previous experience liaising with local government authorities and working with humanitarian organizations in North Lebanon is desirable d)      Proven experience in oral and written translation between English and Arabic e)      Leadership and supervisory skills and ability to foster team spirit f)       Strong organizational skills and able to coordinate and manage a diverse array of activities and stakeholders g)      Report writing skills and computer skills in word processing and spreadsheets. h)      Ability to work calmly and efficiently under pressure to meet tight deadlines i)        Demonstrated ability to interact with other people effectively and diplomatically j)        Experience in conducting surveys, managing and analysing data and statistics k)      Ability to negotiate and assist in the resolution of disputes/conflict l)        Commitment to maintain confidentiality m)    Commitment to humanitarian principles and values n)      Commitment to Concern equal opportunity and gender practices