Overview
The Liaison and Access Specialist will serve as DRC’s primary focal point for engagement with Syrian government entities and relevant authorities, ensuring compliance with national regulations and facilitating operational and programmatic access.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as DRC’s main focal point with relevant ministries and authorities.
- Support coordination and organization of high-level meetings with governmental counterparts.
- Facilitate and track the submission of project approval requests.
- Maintain updated records of all official communications, approvals, and meeting notes.
- Represent DRC professionally and diplomatically.
- Cultivate and maintain positive, trust-based relationships with officials.
- Liaise with local authorities to facilitate staff movement, field missions, and project implementation.
- Process and follow up on requests for flight bookings, travel permits, border access and any other access letters.
- Coordinate and handle administrative matters for international staff, consultants and visitors.
- Coordinate visa and residency procedures for international staff/consultants.
- Support DRC’s efforts to expand program access and geographic coverage.
- Monitor and interpret any new laws, decrees, or administrative directives.
- Maintain up-to-date records of DRC’s registration, licenses, and agreements.
- Advise management on emerging legal or bureaucratic risks.
- Coordinate with HR, Supply Chain, Security, and Programme teams.
- Provide regular updates and situation analyses on access, liaison, and compliance developments.
- Develop and maintain a tracking system for all submissions, renewals, and approvals.
- Support the preparation of briefing notes, summaries, and reports.
- Support communication with relevant authorities during emergencies.
- Assist in coordinating with field teams and government entities during emergency or high-priority interventions.
Required Experience
- Minimum 4 years of relevant experience in liaison, access, or government relations with INGOs, UN agencies, or diplomatic missions.
- Proven experience engaging with Syrian ministries and local authorities at central and sub-national levels.
- Proven experience of managing travel desk (flight bookings, visa, accommodation booking, any other admin tasks etc.).
- Strong understanding of Syrian legal and administrative frameworks governing INGO operations.
- Experience facilitating visas, project approvals, and movement permits.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
Qualifications
• Minimum bachelor’s degree in public administration, Law, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field.
