Liaison Officer

Position Overview:

The Liaison Officer is responsible for facilitating effective engagement with local and Israeli governmental and semi-governmental authorities to ensure the seamless implementation of Anera's programs in Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. The Liaison Officer will play a critical role in securing timely approvals, managing logistics, and overseeing project coordination activities, particularly concerning aid deliveries and emergency response efforts in Gaza and the West Bank.

The Liaison Officer, based in Jerusalem, is in charge of engagement with various governmental/semi-government authorities in Israel and the West Bank, as necessary, including but not limited to the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Coordination and Liaison Administration (CLA) for Gaza, DCO (Beit El), all ministries, and customs authorities.

The Liaison Officer will work with program/project managers, product donation team, logistic team, and other support managers (HR / Procurement / Finance / Admin) to ensure the logistics team and Gaza field team are well supported in all areas. Core duty to this will be securing timely approvals and other governmental permissions and tracking commitments of Anera in collaboration with relevant departments. He/she will manage and oversee overall project coordination activities in Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, for aid deliveries into Gaza. This includes follow-up with the Israeli authorities in COGAT, CLA, and relevant line ministries of the Israeli and Palestinian Authority on all relevant issues related to the Gaza Emergency Response, including approvals, custom clearances, permits, signatures/authorizations, communications, etc. In addition to similar responsibilities for material aid and commodities to support interventions throughout the West Bank.

The Liaison Officer is also responsible for the preparation and timely submissions of new proposals for approvals, coordination, supervision, and monitoring of all logistical components of Anera’s projects in the West Bank and Gaza requiring governmental/semi-government permissions. The Liaison Officer provides key support to the entire country program for successful program implementation.

جميع الحقوق محفوظة لموقع جوبس.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Engagement with Governmental Authorities:

• Liaise with Israeli governmental and semi-governmental authorities, including COGAT, CLA, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Customs, and Port Authorities, to resolve operational issues affecting Anera's programs.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with relevant authorities and technical managers in Israel and Palestine to secure all required authorization/permissions to ensure smooth program implementation, and facilitate aid delivery.

2. Securing Approvals & Permissions:

• Coordinate the preparation and timely submission of material aid and associated shipments as part of any proposals, programs and/or emergency interventions ensuring all logistical components are compliant with government regulations.
• Work closely with program, procurement, and logistics teams to secure all necessary governmental permissions, including customs clearances, importation approvals, and permits for all aid and dual-use items – and as/when necessary, oversee equipment registration, licensing, and insurance for material aid and associated shipments.
• Track and report on all the protocol processes, and status of approvals, keeping stakeholders fully informed of the status of their aid shipments and to escalate obstacles as needed to prevent delays.

3. Logistics Coordination:

• Collaborate with Gaza field teams and the logistics department to ensure the smooth importation and customs clearance of aid shipments, including handling equipment registration, licensing, and insurance requirements.
• Oversee project coordination activities in Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, including communication with COGAT, CLA, and relevant ministries regarding aid deliveries.

4. Advocacy & Collaboration:

• Support Anera’s advocacy efforts by engaging with other INGOs, donors, and local partners to overcome challenges in obtaining necessary approvals.
• Represent Anera in external meetings with authorities, NGOs, and international organizations, and maintain frequent formal and informal contact with counterparts in these bodies.

5. Reporting & Communication:

• Ensure Anera staff are informed about procedures, processing timelines, and the status of their requests, while also following up with the relevant government authorities to secure necessary approvals.
• Draft relevant correspondence and reports related to project approvals, imports, dual-use items, and other governmental permissions.
• Collect and submit progress reports and applications to ministries, ensuring all documentation is up to date and accurate.

6. Security & Risk Management:

• Assist the Safety & Security Officer in reporting and documenting security incidents affecting Anera personnel, premises, and assets using a Security Incident Report (SSIR).
• Contribute to incident reports and provide ongoing support to ensure staff safety and security in all operational areas.

7. Strategic Support:

• Advise Anera management on challenges posed by the political context, changes in government regulations, and other factors impacting humanitarian and development operations.
• Partner with Anera managers to understand Anera’s goals and recommend policies and procedures that enhance program delivery.

8. Additional Duties:

• Coordinate, arrange, and attend meetings with external authorities and relevant approved contacts in Gaza, including NGOs, UN, and international organizations.
• Maintain frequent formal and informal contacts with counterparts in other organizations.
• Perform other related duties as required to ensure the success of Anera’s programs in the region.

Qualifications:

• A university degree in combination with relevant experience at the national and international level. Knowledge in Protocol and Diplomacy, or other relevant fields relating to office management and administration.
• Advanced university degree in social or political science, economics, law, public administration, business management, or security management with experience in liaison and security management is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience and exposure in cross-border and/or international Liaison and security-related issues is an asset.
• Good organizational skills, initiative, client orientation, and solution orientation.
• Tact, courtesy, and good communication skills to give and receive information and work with a variety of individuals with different national and cultural backgrounds in a team environment.
• Consistently demonstrate flexibility, resilience, and ability to maintain positive relationships and composure, even under difficult circumstances.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, solve complex problems, and drive results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and experience in maintaining a flexible approach to managing and prioritizing a high workload and multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Must exhibit a high degree of professionalism and integrity; the ability to function as a catalyst and doer.
• Passion for humanitarian work and a commitment to social justice and equity. Experience working in complex and volatile contexts.
• Demonstrated competencies in drafting official letters.
• Excellent communication and diplomacy skills.
• Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality, and work independently.
• Professional fluency in Hebrew, English, and Arabic both spoken and written.
• Proficiency in the Office pack (Word, Excel, Powerpoint), and networking (G-Suite/Google Workspace).
• Valid driving license.
• Knowledge of logistics management in Palestine is necessary, and surrounding countries in particular Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. Broader knowledge of logistics management in the Middle East is an advantage.

How to Apply:

Send a resume to: [email protected] with “Liaison Officer Consultancy” in the subject line. We will only consider applicants who respond in this way. Interested candidates should apply by September 27, 2024.