Reporting to Head of Operations , the Liaison Officer provides vital support to ensure efficient WHH operations in Sudan by facilitating official authorizations from government entities and contributing to ensuring effective communication between the organization and authorities in Port Sudan and other levels when needed. Manages the process of visas for WHH expatriate staff working in Sudan; obtains travel permits for WHH staff movements; support programme staff in communications with government officials.

International Staff process:

• Responsible for applying, submitting & tracking (for renewal purposes) visa applications, work permits, residency permits, exit re -entry visas, in-country travel permits and other related official documentation for all WHH international staff and visitors.
• Provide advice on any legislation affecting/restricting NGO and foreign nationals working in Sudan such as VAT or income tax exemption.
• Maintaining both electronic and hard copies filling systems for international staff documentation & correspondence.

Government Relations:

• Identify key NGO stakeholders in relevant government ministries through the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC).
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with HAC.
• Ensure compliance of WHH with all general requirements of the Federal and State authorities including submission of requested reports and responding to ad hoc requests and follow up with any pending authorizations/permissions to conduct programme activities.
• Assist proactively to obtain the national registration and other similar necessary sub-agreements and MOU’s for WHH in Sudan with relevant government ministries.
• Act as the focal point for all government and representational correspondence – in coordination with the Country Director and/or Systems Director. 
• Accompany senior staff to meetings with government official and facilitate the conversation for a smooth representation of WHH in those meetings.
• Ensure all correspondence to the government is in line with WHH      policies.
• Ensure the Senior Management  Team kept updated on the structures of government at both Federal and State levels. 
• Facilitate and follow up on all meetings with relevant government stakeholders as and when required. 

Programmes Support:     

• Responsible for guiding and facilitating the progress of technical or sub agreements through the government approval procedures.
• Assist the program team to build a network with relevant authorities at field level to ensure continuous access to project sites. Advice program teams on specific regulations, which may affect or delay our ability to implement program activities.
•  Support program teams in their communications with local authorities and advice on the communication strategy under the supervision with the Systems Director;
• Assist program staff with the preparation of information and reports for government bodies and/or other agencies as necessary;
• Ensure that all WHH program staff (Field Managers, Program Managers) are aware of the procedures and the steps to follow to sign the project Technical-Agreements, drafting SOPs and providing briefings and training to staff where necessary.
• Maintain a work schedule and plan ahead ensuring where possible, that Technical Agreements are prepared before the implementation start so that WHH  does not face difficulties or complications in the field with the authorities.
•  Streamline the process, timeframes and coordination in the programmatic compilation and feedback required for the Technical-Agreement approval process.
•  Coordinate and be focal point for the translation of all the documents English to Arabic and vice versa of all MOUs related documents are finalized on time.
•  Support the Area Coordinators and Area Managers to develop and maintain good working relationships with government officials tasked with coordinating and monitoring NGOs activities at state level.
• Coordinate with staff with similar duties in other INGOs 
•  In consultation with administrator facilitate the timely processing and signature of WHH Principle Agreement, Technical -Agreements, MOUs, annual registration and any other relevant agreements between WHH and the government.
• Actively follow-up all outstanding application filed with HAC or other government bodies.

• BSc Administration or communication related studies.
• At least 2 year’s relevant experience in liaison position ; INGO experience preferred.
• Arabic and English language skills (written and spoken)
• Demonstrated communication, negotiation and diplomacy skills
• Computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel & Outlook software)
• Honest, with impeccable integrity
• Commitment to humanitarian principles, and a service-delivery attitude toward beneficiaries and colleagues
• Rigorous and hard-working, with good organizational skills