Liaison Officer

EMERGENCY NGO is an international non-governmental organization established in 1994 to provide free, high-quality medical and surgical care to victims of war, landmines, and poverty, while promoting a culture of peace, solidarity, and respect for human rights. Since its foundation, EMERGENCY has treated more than 11 million patients worldwide. The organization currently operates also in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Gaza, Iraq, Italy (incl. Search and Rescue in Mediterranean Sea), Sierra Leone, Sudan, Ukraine, Uganda.

EMERGENCY is founded on the principle that access to high-quality healthcare is a fundamental human right.

The Al Rastan Hospital, Syria, will be a healthcare facility dedicated to providing free, high-quality medical services to vulnerable populations. The hospital will aim to ensure equitable access to healthcare while contributing to the strengthening of local health services and fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and human rights.

Position: Liaison Officer

Reporting Line: Operations Manager/Programme Coordinator

Scope of the Position

The Liaison Officer is based at EMERGENCY’s facilities in Syria and acts as the primary focal point for all institutional relations and governmental engagement, administrative coordination, and contextual analysis.

The role operates under the direct supervision and strategic guidance of the Operations Manager/Programme Coordinator, ensuring that all external engagement and relationship-building efforts are fully aligned with organizational priorities and programmatic objectives.

The position plays a critical role in enabling the effective and compliant implementation of EMERGENCY’s activities in Syria through the development and maintenance of constructive relationships with governmental authorities, local institutions, and relevant stakeholders. The Liaison Officer also provides continuous support in matters related to access, security, regulatory compliance, and external representation, ensuring that all operations are conducted in accordance with national regulations and organizational policies.

Key Responsibilities

The Liaison Officer's responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Context Monitoring and Analysis

• Continuously monitor and analyse political, security, administrative, and socio-economic developments relevant to EMERGENCY’s activities in Syria.

• Provide timely and accurate updates, assessments, and recommendations to the Operations Manager/Programme Coordinator regarding developments that may affect operational continuity, access, or project implementation.

• Support the development of risk mitigation strategies by contributing contextual analysis and stakeholder mapping.

Institutional and Government Relations

• Establish, maintain, and strengthen professional relationships with relevant Syrian authorities at national, regional, and local levels, including but not limited to ministries, health authorities, local administrations, and regulatory bodies.

• Represent EMERGENCY in meetings with governmental institutions and external stakeholders, as delegated by the Operations Manager/Programme Coordinator.

• Facilitate constructive dialogue and cooperation between EMERGENCY and relevant authorities to support the successful implementation of program activities.

Regulatory Compliance and Legal Documentation

• Ensure the timely preparation, submission, renewal, and follow-up of all documentation required for the legal and administrative operation of EMERGENCY projects in Syria.

• Coordinate and monitor processes related to Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), operational agreements, registrations, authorizations, exemptions, licenses, and any other official documentation required by Syrian authorities.

• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with all applicable national regulations and organizational procedures.

Visa, Residency, and Travel Authorization Management

• Oversee and coordinate all procedures related to entry visas, residency permits, work permits, travel authorizations, and other immigration-related requirements for international staff.

• Liaise proactively with the relevant authorities to ensure that documentation is processed efficiently and within required timelines.

• Anticipate potential administrative challenges and develop appropriate solutions to minimize operational disruptions.

Professional Registration and Accreditation

• Facilitate and monitor procedures related to professional registrations, medical licenses, accreditation requirements, and other regulatory obligations applicable to international and national health personnel.

• Ensure compliance with the requirements of relevant professional councils, ministries, and regulatory institutions.

Translation and Administrative Support

• Provide high-quality interpretation and translation services during official meetings, negotiations, and interactions with external stakeholders.

• Translate official correspondence, agreements, legal documents, reports, and other relevant materials between Arabic and English, ensuring accuracy and consistency of terminology.

• Support the Operations Manager/Programme Coordinator in the preparation and review of official communications and institutional documentation.

Stakeholder Engagement and Operational Support

• Support the Operations Manager/Programme Coordinator in maintaining effective relationships with suppliers, service providers, community representatives, and other strategic stakeholders.

• Conduct market assessments and stakeholder mapping when requested, providing relevant information to support operational and administrative decision-making.

• Contribute to ensuring a positive representation of EMERGENCY NGO among institutional counterparts and external partners.

Official Correspondence

• Draft, review, and manage official letters, notes verbales, administrative documents, and formal communications in both Arabic and English.

• Ensure that all correspondence reflects EMERGENCY’s standards of professionalism, neutrality, and institutional integrity.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Education in Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, Law, Business Administration, or a related field is considered an asset

• Demonstrated experience in liaison, government relations, public administration, humanitarian operations, or a similar role within international organizations, NGOs, or public institutions.

• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong understanding of the Syrian institutional, political, and administrative environment.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a complex and rapidly evolving humanitarian context.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Arabic and English.

• Strong organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail.

• Ability to handle sensitive, confidential, and politically delicate information with discretion and professionalism.

• Demonstrated commitment to humanitarian principles, neutrality, and respect for cultural diversity.

Core Competencies

• Professional integrity and ethical conduct.

• Diplomacy and relationship-building.

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving.

• Accountability, reliability and adaptability.

• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong coordination with multidisciplinary teams.

How to apply

We are particularly seeking applications from Syrian nationals for this position.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application, including a CV and a cover letter, to recruitment.syria@emergency.it no later than 6 August, with the subject line: “Application for Liaison Officer – Syria”. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.