LIAISON OFFICER (TJO)

Organizational Context

The International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) is established to assist in the investigation and prosecution of persons responsible for the most serious crimes under international law committed in Syria. This role, based in Damascus, serves as the in-country focal point for communication and coordination between the IIIM and Syrian authorities, institutions, and stakeholders, subject to host country approval.

Job Purpose

The Liaison Officer will act as the primary in-country point of contact for the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) in Syria. This role is crucial for fostering effective working relationships with Syrian authorities, UN Country Team colleagues, civil society, and other national and international partners. The incumbent will provide essential operational and logistical support for the Mechanism's missions and staff within Syria, ensuring a shared understanding of its mandate and operations. Additionally, the role involves supporting official meetings, drafting key communications, and providing analytical insights to advise the IIIM leadership on transitional justice and criminal accountability processes in Syria, thereby contributing to the advancement of the Mechanism's mandated objectives.

Responsibilities

The Liaison Officer is responsible for cultivating strong working relationships with Syrian authorities, UN Country Team members, civil society, and other national and international partners. This includes providing vital in-country operational and logistical support for the Mechanism's missions and staff, and promoting a clear understanding of the IIIM's mandate and activities. The role involves preparing for official meetings, events, and visits to Syria, offering secretariat services, and drafting talking points and speeches. Furthermore, the incumbent will analyze information to advise the IIIM leadership on issues related to transitional justice and criminal accountability in Syria, assess policy implications, and recommend strategies. Monitoring and reporting on programme development and implementation, and supervising subordinate officers are also key duties.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in programme management, political affairs, or diplomacy is required. This includes at least two years of experience in field operations, political outreach, facilitation, analysis, advising, or reporting. Experience in multilateral engagement or diplomacy is essential. Experience working in the MENA region is required, with experience in Syria, conflict/post-conflict contexts, justice and accountability, and leading multi-cultural teams being desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Communication, Teamwork, Judgment/Decision-Making, Political Affairs, Peacekeeping, Crisis Management, Conflict Prevention, Mediation, Diplomacy, Programme Management, Field Operations, Political Outreach, Facilitation, Analysis, Reporting, Multilateral Engagement, Working in MENA region, Working in Syria, Justice and Accountability, Leadership, Coordination.

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