Operations and Liaison Advisor

General Information

Humanity and Inclusion (formerly Handicap International) is an independent and impartial aid organization working in poverty, exclusion, conflict, and disaster. Working alongside persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, our actions and testimony are focused on responding to their essential needs and improving their living conditions. HI is a non-governmental, non-religious, non-political, and non-profit making organization.

The Operations and Liaison Advisor (OLA) supports the smooth functioning of the Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) program in Ethiopia by facilitating communication between key stakeholders and providing operational and context insights. Reporting to the Chief of Operations (CoO) and functionally to the Humanitarian Access and Liaison Advisor (HALA), the OLA ensures collaboration with authorities, community leaders, armed and law enforcement forces, NGOs, and CSOs. The role involves offering advice on operations, monitoring the operational environment, safety, and access, and securing necessary permissions, primarily focused on the Tigray region.

• Base: Mekele, Tigray

• Line Manager: Chief of Operations (CoO).

• Functional Line: Humanitarian Access and Liaison Advisor (HALA).

• Responsible for: N/A.

MISSIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES (but not limited to):

Mission 1: Stakeholder Liaison and Coordination

• Act as the primary contact between the CoO and stakeholders, including authorities, security forces, NGOs, and CSOs.

• Foster positive relationships with local and regional mine action authorities.

• Represent the organization in meetings to ensure alignment with operational goals and secure necessary activity permissions.

Mission 2: Operational and Security Context Analysis

• Provide the CoO with context-specific advice on safety and access in the region.

• Regularly assess the operational environment, reporting potential risks, and recommending mitigation strategies to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Mission 3: Access Negotiation and Permissions

• Engage with authorities to obtain necessary permissions and negotiate access for HMA teams.

• Act as the main contact for ad-hoc permission requests and ensure all required documentation is secured.

Mission 4: Operational Support

• Assist the CoO in operational planning and implementation by offering contextualised ground-level insights.

• Ensure logistical and safety arrangements are suitable for the operational areas.

Mission 5: Translation and Interpretation

• Provide interpretation services for the CoO during meetings with local stakeholders.

• Translate relevant documents and communications to ensure operational clarity.

Mission 6: Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare regular reports detailing liaison activities, contextual risks, and access challenges for the CoO and HALA.

• Ensure proper documentation and archiving of all permissions, agreements, and external communications.

Mission 7: Capacity Building & Local Engagement

• Support capacity-building efforts by helping train local authorities and community leaders in HMA and safety/access protocols.

• Promote community engagement by facilitating dialogue sessions with local populations to support operational activities.

      Education:

• A postgraduate degree in international/social development, humanitarian affairs, project management, or a related field; or substantial proven experience and relevant skills that fulfill the requirements, regardless of academic qualifications.

• Experience:

  • A minimum of 3 years in a liaison or operations role, preferably in the humanitarian or mine action sector.

  • Experience in complex environments, particularly in Ethiopia or similar contexts.

  • Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and negotiation.

  • Previous experience working with government or security forces in post-conflict or fragile states is highly desirable.

• Skills:

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

  • Excellent analytical skills in evaluating safety, access, and operational risks.

  • Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

  • Conflict sensitivity and mediation skills, with a proven ability to navigate complex political environments.

  • Strong negotiation skills for obtaining access and permissions from various government and non-governmental entities.

  • Fluency in English, Tigrinya, and Amharic) is a requirement.

• Personal Attributes:

  • Strong commitment to the principles of humanitarian action and mine action.

  • Ability to work in multicultural environments with diplomacy and tact.

  • High level of integrity and professionalism.

  • Flexibility to travel within the region and adapt to operational needs.

How To Apply

Interested candidates are required to fill in the application form through this link:  

https://forms.office.com/e/C74cDA5yAh 

on/before the application deadline. 

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an exam/interview. No phone calls, Please.

We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting child protection and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This position involves working with beneficiaries and is subject to strict safer recruitment checks. The successful candidate will be required to complete a police check and sign a self-declaration form to help us verify your suitability to work with children including checks with past employers.

Humanity & Inclusion is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes women and persons with disability.