JOB DESCRIPTION

D

Non Family with Residential Location

Non Family with Residential LocationDanger Pay

Bangkok, Thailand

NOA

National Professional Officer

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-09-01

August 6, 2025

Assistant Government Liaison Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Assistant Government Liaison Officer is usually located in country operations. S/he plays a crucial support role in ensuring UNHCR’s approach to the Government is consistent, strategic and coherent. UNHCR assists the Government on coordination, response delivery and protection issues. Typically, this involves joint coordination arrangements, partnership with various government departments in service delivery, and regular dialogue at all levels on refugee protection issues. The main aim is to assist senior management to ensure that UNHCR can fulfil its role to support the Government to lead the refugee response ensuring the protection of refugees and – in line with the GCR – promote the inclusion of refugees into national systems by coordinating with other actors – including development actors at the early stages of a refugee response and in mixed situations supporting the Government to prevent, respond to and resolve internal displacement while complementing and reinforcing national response efforts. This should be done in line with UNHCR’s Mandate, the Global Compact for Refugees, the IDP policy, and agreed inter-agency commitments. More specifically, s/he advises the senior management on issues and processes concerning the relationship with the Government and related positioning, coordination, advocacy, information, resource allocation, fundraising, reporting, and communication with other UN agencies, NGOs, civil society actors, private sector, media and other relevant actors through strong engagement in humanitarian inter-agency processes, but also with a focus on development processes as they impact on UNHCR. The overall goal of the position is to support the effectiveness of UNHCR’s leadership roles and responses to situations affecting people of concern to UNHCR (refugees, asylum-seekers, IDPs, stateless persons, returnees, host communities) through an open and transparent partnership approach with the Government.

The Assistant Government Liaison Officer ensures that support is provided for strategic planning, assessment, monitoring and analysis concerning the relationship with the Government. The Assistant Government Liaison Officer will support all planning and reporting activities. The incumbent will support the supervisor in maintaining a constant dialogue with the Government on the overall protection context. A key tool in this regard will be the facilitation and support of periodic meetings with the Government, as well as to support the broadening of mutual information through meeting reports, situation updates and newsletters.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
– Assist in the establishment of close working relations with Government Officials and/or other external parties.
– Provide suggestions for promoting UNHCR’s policies and liaising with Government authorities on issues related to latest humanitarian and development processes.
– Support coordination meetings as required, including by preparing meetings and background information, drafting minutes and follow-up documentation.
– Manage the flow of information to/from the supervisor and other senior staff; identifies priority matters that need to be urgently addressed by the supervisor.
– Draft correspondence, documents and reports, and prepares tables and ensures follow-up.
– Assist in ensuring appropriate links with the Government through establishment/maintenance of appropriate coordination and information exchange.
– Act on behalf of the supervisor to convey, clarify and explain UNHCR’s positions to Government or other external parties as applicable.
– Inform the supervisor on a continuing basis of relevant information on the outcome of discussions with external parties.
– Act as interpreter during meetings held by the supervisor with senior officials or other external parties.
– Accompany the supervisor and Headquarters visitors to camps, border missions and provincial cities.
– May be required to coordinate the work of lower level staff.

– Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
– Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P1/NOA – 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Law/International Law;
Political Science;
Social Science;
Business Administration;
or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.

Relevant Job Experience
Essential:
Not specified.
Desirable:
Not specified.

Functional Skills
CO-Drafting and Documentation
CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community
SO-Networking
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

The ideal candidate for the Assistant Liaison Officer (NOA) position in Sittwe is a proactive and diplomatic professional with demonstrated experience in government liaison, humanitarian coordination, and access facilitation in complex operational environments. The incumbent must possess strong interpersonal, negotiation, and analytical skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive political and security contexts while advancing UNHCR’s protection and solutions agenda across Rakhine State.
1. Strategic Liaison and Government Engagement
• Proven experience in engaging with government authorities at various levels, including civil administration, immigration, and security actors.
• Ability to provide strategic advice on stakeholder engagement and advocacy, including the development and maintenance of stakeholder mapping and advocacy strategies.
• Skilled in facilitating travel and transport authorizations, organizing coordination meetings, and representing the organization in official forums when delegated.
2. Humanitarian Access and Coordination
• Demonstrated capacity to support and improve humanitarian access in restricted or conflict-affected areas through effective liaison and negotiation.
• Experience in coordinating with inter-agency partners, including participation in cluster systems and sub-national coordination mechanisms.
• Familiarity with the operational challenges of working in access-constrained and politically sensitive environments.
3. Field Support and Operational Awareness
• Field-oriented mindset with the ability to support multi-functional teams and contribute to protection and assistance activities through field visits and operational monitoring.
• Understanding of protection principles, displacement dynamics, and community engagement approaches in humanitarian settings and experience in advocating for protection cases with authorities and relevant stakeholders.
• Ability to translate field observations into strategic inputs for advocacy and coordination.
• Supports the Yangon External Relations Unit by contributing to the collection of field information and the production of high-quality communication materials, including video content and visibility assets.
4. Security Awareness and Risk Mitigation
• Experience working in high-risk environments with a sound understanding of security protocols and coordination with UNDSS and local security actors, collecting security-related information and providing relevant analysis for contextual understanding, planning, and predictions.
• Ability to assess and communicate security-related developments that may impact operations or staff safety.
• Commitment to staff well-being and duty of care, particularly in non-family, hardship duty stations.
5. Professionalism and Team Collaboration
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to foster a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.
• Commitment to open communication, mutual respect, and constructive dialogue within the team and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively under pressure, with a high degree of integrity and discretion.

,

,

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The Assistant Liaison Officer (NOA) is based in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, and plays a critical role in supporting UNHCR’s protection and solutions mandate across the entire state, including both central and northern Rakhine. The operational context is marked by complex intercommunal dynamics, access constraints, and a sensitive political environment, requiring sustained and strategic engagement with a wide range of stakeholders.

The incumbent serves as a key liaison between UNHCR and state-level authorities, including the Rakhine State Government, Immigration Department, Disaster Management Department, and other relevant bodies. The role involves facilitating travel authorizations, organizing and following up on coordination meetings, and representing the Head of Field Office in official engagements when delegated. The incumbent also contributes to the development and implementation of a broader advocacy strategy, informed by regular updates to stakeholder mapping and field realities.

While based in Sittwe, the position supports operations throughout Rakhine, including the Maungdaw Field Unit, which currently operates remotely from Yangon due to security constraints. The incumbent ensures effective coordination and communication between field teams and government counterparts, and contributes to inter-agency coordination efforts.

The Assistant Liaison Officer also supports field activities by participating in cluster and multi-functional team meetings, conducting field visits to displacement sites and villages, and monitoring protection and access trends. In addition, the incumbent contributes to a positive and respectful workplace culture and supports staff well-being and dialogue between staff and management.

This position requires strong interpersonal, negotiation, and coordination skills, as well as the ability to operate with discretion and professionalism in a politically and ethnically sensitive environment.

Living and Working Conditions:

Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, is classified as a non-family duty station (D category) with a Substantial (Level 4) security rating as of July 2025. The region is characterized by a combination of natural hazards, limited infrastructure, and ongoing conflict dynamics, which significantly impact living and working conditions.

Rakhine State is geographically exposed to seasonal natural disasters, including cyclones, flooding, and storm surges, due to its extensive coastline along the Bay of Bengal. These hazards are compounded by protracted civil unrest and armed conflict, particularly since the resumption of hostilities between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and the Arakha Army (AA) in November 2023.

The escalation of conflict has led to severe movement restrictions, including transport blockades (road and waterway), 24/7 power outages, and a near-total telecommunications blackout since January 2024. These conditions have further isolated the area, making daily life and operational continuity increasingly challenging. Social isolation is a notable concern for staff stationed in Sittwe.

Commercial air services to and from Sittwe remain operational but are limited in frequency. The flight time to Yangon is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Banking services are non-functional, with no access to ATMs or credit card facilities; transactions are mainly conducted in cash.

The security situation has deteriorated significantly, with increased risks from landmines and indiscriminate shelling, including incidents in close proximity to UNHCR premises and civilian areas in downtown Sittwe. These threats necessitate heightened vigilance and strict adherence to security protocols.

Healthcare infrastructure is extremely limited, with minimal availability of medical supplies and services. Staff requiring specialized or emergency care must be medically evacuated. Field missions are conducted by road, subject to travel authorization from de facto authorities. Health risks include road traffic accidents, landmine injuries, food- and water-borne diseases, and vector-borne illnesses such as malaria and dengue. Seasonal flooding further exacerbates the risk of disease transmission.

Despite these challenges, UNHCR maintains a strong operational presence in Rakhine, and staff are supported through robust security measures, duty of care protocols, and coordination with humanitarian partners.​

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community, CO-Drafting and Documentation, SO-Networking

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Law, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Bachelor of Arts: Social Science

Certifications

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance