National Government Liaison Officer

Organizational Context

The National Government Liaison Officer, under the direct supervision of the Deputy Project Manager, will coordinate and manage structured engagement with national security sector institutions in Benin. This role supports the safe, principled, and effective implementation of the project by fostering collaborations aligned with IOM's Human Rights Due Diligence Policy, donor requirements, and UN standards. The position contributes to program design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting with a focus on community protection and accountability.

Job Purpose

The National Government Liaison Officer is responsible for coordinating and managing structured engagement between the project (MSEC) and national security sector institutions in Benin, including the Beninese Armed Forces and Republican Police. This role is crucial for ensuring the safe, principled, and effective implementation of project objectives by establishing and maintaining strong collaborations. The incumbent will work in accordance with IOM's Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP), donor requirements, and UN standards. Key contributions include direct involvement in the design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of programs, with a specific emphasis on community-centered protection approaches and accountability mechanisms, ensuring alignment with IOM, UNDSS, and donor policies.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities include serving as the main focal point for liaison with national security sector institutions, maintaining a structured engagement plan with documented interactions, and identifying/reporting risks and opportunities. The role involves informing stakeholders about project activities, coordinating with other UN and non-UN actors, and overseeing the completion of Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) assessments for security sector engagements. Responsibilities also encompass documenting mitigation measures, ensuring compliance with HRDDP and donor requirements, and supporting program design, planning, and implementation of security sector-related activities. This includes contributing to narrative reports, work plans, and budgets, and ensuring the coherent integration of the security component. Additionally, the role involves co-developing and facilitating capacity-building activities on community engagement, human rights, and accountability, producing analytical reports, monitoring activities for compliance and effectiveness, and contributing to donor reports and lessons learned.

Work Experience

Experience in civil-military coordination, security sector liaison, stabilization programming, rule of law, human rights, and HRDD implementation is required. Prior experience with or within national security institutions is a significant asset. Experience in liaison and developing effective partnerships with government authorities, communities, civil society organizations, and/or other national/international institutions is also necessary.

Skills

Proven practical experience in applying HRDD principles, UN civil-military coordination (UNCMCoord/CIMIC), and conflict-sensitive approaches. Demonstrated ability to design, draft, and support the implementation of programmatic activities involving security sector actors. Strong analytical and writing skills, including preparing briefing notes and narrative contributions for donors. Diplomacy and effective interaction with uniformed forces. Sound judgment and decision-making in uncertain situations. Integrity, neutrality, and respect for humanitarian principles. Excellent stakeholder management and collaboration skills. Results-oriented and accountable. Commitment to gender equality and protection mainstreaming.

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