JOB DESCRIPTION
Job title: Humanitarian Access and Liaison Officer.
Department: Programs
Reports to: Somalia Team Leader
Duty Station: Kismayo, Somalia
JOB SUMMARY
Under Liaison- This role, will act as a middle person between LWF and other entities to streamline operations, strengthen relations, resolve issues, improve communications, and generally ensure that the relationship is as beneficial and as smooth as possible. Supports general liaising work as well as represent the organization through participation in relevant meetings/forums as may be required. You will be expected to negotiate with others, develop and foster relationships, get people to understand others’ points of view, and understand LWF’s way of working and how it impacts its stakeholders.
Under Humanitarian Access, safety and security-The position holder is responsible for facilitating the safety and security of LWF personnel and assets and will be responsible for monitoring, planning, assessing, and keeping up to date the security situation of LWF operation area (Somalia). The position holder is expected to know local languages, excellent understanding of local context and ability to analyze it and advise the organization as required. The position holder will receive technical guidance from LWF global security advisor.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Humanitarian Access, safety and security
• Establish and maintain contact/network with various actors (local authorities, NGOs, UN agencies, security forces, etc.) operating within Somalia.
• Work with program teams at field level to build network and acceptance in local communities where LWF operates.
• Advise the leadership on the possibilities of access to the different Regions, districts and villages in Somalia.
• Strengthen ongoing relationships with community leaders and other power brokers within the LWF Somalia operational areas. Work to ensure that LWF, its mission, and work within the LWF operational areas are known and accepted. Work to encourage stakeholders to work with the LWF in ensuring that staff and programs are safe, secured and allowed to continue humanitarian activities. The office holder is required to be ethical and responsible in dealing with various actors for LWF operations.
• Organize and produce risk analyses in a participatory and regular manner as needed.
• Participate in the development of Security Plans including appropriate procedures and contingency plans.
• Ensure that all documents are up to date and operational.
• Evaluate and maintain contingency plans adapted to the local context, in operation area, for critical incident management, evacuation and hibernation.
• Closely monitor developing situations, Identify, and report all the security information, updates, and events, especially those could have an impact on LWF operations.
• Work closely with all staff to ensure that safety and security incidents are reported in accordance with LWF standards.
• Provide and share daily security report as maybe required to comply with standard format and preparation of LWF and provide weekly/monthly security updates.
• Monitor open sources to collect, compile and report information including incidents and trends pertinent to humanitarian access in area of responsibility.
• Work closely with LWF field management teams to ensure all incidents are followed up with an official written report.
• Assist to monitor the operating environment, identify new threats, assess LWF vulnerabilities, and recommend possible responses and way forward.
• Contribute to local-level conflict sensitivity analysis and macro- level analysis of trends
• Provide an on-arrival security briefing to all the visitors and new staff
• Identified staff training needs.
• Provide ongoing training for drivers and guards, as well as for other staff as necessary.
• Ensure the monitoring and replacement of safety equipment in LWF buildings (fire extinguishers, etc.).
• Ensure the renewal of emergency stocks in LWF offices and guest houses, assess the physical working environment of offices and guesthouses are not vulnerable.
• Ensure that each LWF office and guest house has an evacuation plan in case of fire
• Conduct regular security & safety assessments of offices, satellite offices, warehouses to identify any vulnerabilities and give appropriate recommendations.
• Ensure having security guards in all LWF facilities with supervision and planning.
• Properly manage compound safety and security.
• The position holder will provide support in the event of a safety or security incident affecting an LWF staff member.
• Submit contextual updates as needed.
• Maintain, a tracker of briefed Staff and visitors on Orientations, and Trainings.
Liaison
• To cover all project registration, Letter of Agreement, Memorandum of Understanding, NGO registration etc. with the Government of Somalia. Share those documents to concern sector for review before submitted to the government entity.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of the work, as well as an understanding how that affects other entities.
• Support LWF in resolving any potential challenges in LWF’s relationship with Government bodies from the national level, regional Level and district Level.
• Work with other staff members to develop a greater understanding of the work and any issues that may arise
• In close coordination with the HR department, ensure legal compliance towards national staff’s Federal/member states local labour laws.
• Keep abreast of new government policies/ regulations and communicate how this may affect LWF’s work.
• Monitor, coordinate, and communicate strategic objectives of LWF’s work in Somalia.
• Develop and foster relationships with the community, stakeholders, and other entities.
• Launch application and follow up on visas for international staff work in Somalia.
• Launch application process for work permits/ multiple journey visa and any other related documentation as pertains international staff work in Somalia. Computerize information of visas including (passport number, nationality, validity/expiry dates of visa, etc.) on visa follow up table.
• Update and inform his/her line manager on any change on rules, system of work and regulation of Embassies for visas.
• Collect, analyze, and utilize data and feedback to identify opportunities to improve the relationship between the organization and the other entities.
• When and if needed, prepare official letters to the concerned Government Offices/Ministries for letters of support or information sharing.
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES
• Bachelor’s degree in security/safety related field. Formal safety/security training or demonstrated experience in safety and security management is of added advantage.
• At least 5 years of practical relevant experience in a similar role with demonstrated capabilities in planning, organizing and executing humanitarian security operations, preferably in Somalia or in similar contexts.
• Extensive knowledge of the Somalia system of Government and administration
• Self-motivated with a willingness to take initiative and solve complex problems. Capability to negotiate with and influence others.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in and aware of the region’s customs and tradition
• Diplomatic nature and very strong negotiation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and organization skills with the ability to coordinate activities and projects; experience in supporting project development.
• Proficiency in English language, both written and spoken.
• Goal oriented with a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to the vision and goals of the organization.
• Ability to prepare and write official reports.
• High degree of responsibility and ownership of work.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel and Word).
• Be flexible and be able to give assistance with different activities not included in this primary job description
LWF/WS Kenya Somali Program core values:
• Dignity and justice
• Compassion and commitment
• Respect for diversity
• Inclusion and participation
• Transparency and accountability
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Internal & External
LWF Security advisor, Somalia Team Leader, Somalia Project Coordinator, project manager, General staff Somalia/Nairobi Government authorities and especially LWF Somalia’s line ministries, Partners NGO/INGO, Community networks/structures, Local leaders, religious leaders.
“LWF/DWS is an equal opportunity employer, irrespective of gender, race or religious affiliation. LWF/DWS is a signatory to the Code of Conduct for humanitarian agencies. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect the organization’s commitment to the prevention of abuse and exploitation of beneficiaries.”
NB: The position is open for Somalia Nationals only.
Closing Date:22nd November 2024
Early applications is encouraged as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the advertising period.
Throughout its recruitment processes for any job position, LWF does not ask for any fees, and applicants should not pay any money to anyone. We advise the public to exercise due diligence when applying for employment with LWF and when asked to pay any money to anyone to secure a job with us. Such instances are cases of fraud and should be reported to us immediately through email at complaints.kenyasomalia@lutheranworld.org or at our toll-free contact 0800721270.
