Access and Liaison Specialist

Organizational Context

The UNOPS Middle East Region supports operations across several countries, focusing on development, peace, and humanitarian challenges. The Gaza Project Office specifically addresses humanitarian response and early recovery, concentrating on access, fuel, energy, and mine action. Operations align with UNOPS' mandate in infrastructure, procurement, and project management.

Job Purpose

The Access and Liaison Specialist will support the Access Support Unit (ASU) in Gaza, particularly concerning operations at the Rafah Crossing. The role involves managing and coordinating the Rafah Returnee Support Mechanism to ensure safe and efficient movement of individuals, adhering to humanitarian principles. This position acts as the primary representative for ASU's access-related activities in Gaza, engaging with various stakeholders to facilitate humanitarian access and communication.

Responsibilities

Oversee ASU operations in Gaza, representing the unit with partners and stakeholders under the ASU Coordinator's supervision. Provide critical assistance on Gaza access and mission coordination to senior leadership, liaising with OCHA and UNDSS. Establish and maintain strong working relationships with UN agencies, humanitarian partners, authorities, and donors. Lead daily operational coordination for movements through Rafah Crossing, liaising with OCHA, UNDSS, and relevant authorities. Monitor, analyze, and report on humanitarian access constraints, trends, and emergency situations. Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Rafah mechanism, ensuring protection-sensitive and gender-sensitive approaches. Support negotiations to resolve access issues and identify operational bottlenecks, recommending corrective actions.

Work Experience

Requires at least six years of relevant experience in humanitarian coordination, access management, field operations, or emergency response, including one year in team leadership. Experience in conflict environments and coordinating with diverse stakeholders is essential. Experience in movement coordination or civil-military liaison is desirable.

Skills

Analytical Skills, Negotiation, Reporting

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