SOS Children’s Villages is a global humanitarian and development organization working in over 130 countries to meet the needs and protect the rights of orphaned, abandoned, and vulnerable children. In Sudan, we have been delivering vital programs in child protection, education, WASH, and emergency response for decades.
As humanitarian needs escalate in Sudan due to protracted conflict and displacement, SOS CV Sudan is scaling up its emergency interventions. 
 

The External/Government Relations Officer is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with government authorities, public institutions, and key external stakeholders. The officer ensures effective communication, advocacy, and coordination with relevant ministries, local government, and partners to facilitate operational access, legal compliance, and strategic partnerships.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Government Liaison and Compliance
• Serve as the primary liaison between the organization and government entities at national and local levels.
• Facilitate approvals, registrations, visas, and compliance with national laws and regulations.
• Track changes in legislation and administrative requirements affecting the organization’s work.
• Ensure timely submission of reports and documentation to government offices as required.
2. External Relations and Coordination
• Represent the organization in external coordination forums, inter-agency meetings, and events with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.
• Support the development and implementation of an external engagement strategy in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Maintain updated contact lists and effective relationships with key officials, donors, and partners.
3. Operational Access and Support
• Facilitate access for field operations through relationship-building and formal coordination with local authorities.
• Support the negotiation of Memorandums of Understanding (MoU), Letters of Agreement, and other formal arrangements with government bodies.
• Address and resolve any government-related operational issues that may affect programming or staffing.

4. Reporting and Documentation
• Maintain accurate records of government correspondence, official submissions, and meeting notes.
• Provide regular updates to management on external engagement activities and developments in the policy or political environment.
• Contribute to donor reports or external reports with relevant external relations updates.
 

• University degree in International Relations, Public Administration, Political Science, Law, or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in government liaison, external relations, diplomacy, or a related field.
• Experience working with government institutions in an international organization, NGO, or UN agency.
• Proven ability to navigate complex administrative environments.
• Strong understanding of governmental structures and administrative processes.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and diplomacy skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in Arabic.
• High level of discretion, integrity, and professionalism.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple relationships simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant software tools.

Child Safeguarding Commitment

SOS Children’s Villages Sudan is committed to safeguarding children’s rights and well-being. All staff must understand and uphold the child protection policy and reporting obligations.