JOB DESCRIPTION

B

Family

Family

NOB

National Professional Officer

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

2025-10-01

August 22, 2025

Associate Government Liaison Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Associate Government Liaison Officer is usually located in country operations. S/he plays a crucial role in ensuring UNHCR’s approach to the Government is consistent, strategic and coherent. UNHCR assists the Government on coordination, response delivery and protection issues. Typically, this involves joint coordination arrangements, partnership with various government departments in service delivery, and regular dialogue at all levels on refugee protection issues. The main aim is to ensure that UNHCR can fulfil its role to support the Government to lead the refugee response ensuring the protection of refugees and – in line with the GCR – promote the inclusion of refugees into national systems by coordinating with other actors – including development actors at the early stages of a refugee response and in mixed situations supporting the Government to prevent, respond to and resolve internal displacement while complementing and reinforcing national response efforts. This should be done in line with UNHCR¿s Mandate, the Global Compact for Refugees, the IDP policy, and agreed inter-agency commitments. More specifically, the incumbent advises the senior management on issues and processes concerning the relationship with the Government and related positioning, coordination, advocacy, information, resource allocation, fundraising, reporting, and communication with other UN agencies, NGOs, civil society actors, private sector, media and other relevant actors through strong engagement in humanitarian inter-agency processes, but also with a focus on development processes as they impact on UNHCR. The overall goal of the position is to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of UNHCR¿s leadership roles and responses to situations affecting people of concern to UNHCR (refugees, asylum-seekers, IDPs, stateless persons, returnees, host communities) through an open and transparent partnership approach with the Government.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
– Participates in formulating and communicating UNHCR positions on Government-related matters on protection, assistance and inclusion of refugees, providing suggestions for briefing notes, talking points and issues papers for relevant discussions with the Government.
– Provides suggestions for promoting UNHCR’s policies and liaising with Government authorities on issues related to latest humanitarian and development processes.
– Assists in establishing and coordinating country-specific coordination mechanisms for situations co-led by UNHCR and the Government. Where applicable, assists in supporting the development of country-specific refugee response plans (or refugee and migration response plan and refugee and resilience plan) and comprehensive responses.
– Assists in ensuring the coherence of the work of the Multi-sector group (MSG) in accordance with the Government.
– Assists in organizing and implementing capacity-building seminars or training programmes for target groups (government officials, etc.).
– Responds to queries from Government Officials, NGOs, individuals, etc. and provides the information required or appropriately refers the queries elsewhere.
– Assists the supervisor in preparation of statements that represent UNHCR’s overall policies and which highlight specific area of concern, ensuring that the supervisor is prepared for meetings/missions by providing relevant information and establishing contacts.

– Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
– Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P2/NOB – 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Political/Social Science,
Economics;
Law/International Law;
Business Administration;
or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified.

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified.
Desirable
Not specified.

Functional Skills
CO-Drafting and Documentation
CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community
SO-Networking
TR-Training and Capacity Building of Governments and/or national programs
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

The Associate Government Liaison Officer works closely with the Chief of Mission, Executive Office and the Senior Management Team, leading in the development and implementation of UNHCR’s engagement strategy with the Government of India within the broader objective of ensuring the implementation of the Office’s Protection and Solutions Strategy as relating to the protection of refugees in India. The incumbent also has a key role in engaging with the Government of India to advocate for and mobilize financial and technical assistance in support of refugee responses across different regions in the context of India’s strategy on South South Cooperation. The work will be undertaken in line with the UNHCR (Global) Strategic Directions 2022-2026, UNHCR-India 2023-2027 Multi Year Strategy Report and will build on approaches and initiatives already under way on strengthened dialogue.

The candidate is required to have in depth knowledge of and experience in the national/state level legal and policy frameworks of relevance to the protection of refugees in India as well as demonstrated experience in policy development, advocacy and representation. S/he should have demonstrated knowledge of UNHCR’s protection principles and standards, and practical experience in translating principles and standards into strategies and tools in support of effective advocacy and policy development and program delivery.

The candidate is expected to build and maintain government relationships at central and local level, develop policy and other proposals in close collaboration with UNHCR’s Protection, Program and ER teams and engage in advocacy with the aim of promoting inclusion and access to public services. Part of the work will aim at engaging the Government of India in gradually assuming responsibility for the protection of refugees in India and working in partnership with UNHCR in responses to refugee crises at global/regional level.

The candidate is required to have proven analytical and legal drafting skills as well as experience in developing protection and solution policy proposals and strategies and coordinating advocacy in support of implementation. The candidate is expected to be well versed with international and national legal standards and principles and to be able to guide, coordinate and directly deliver on policy and advocacy interventions in support of refugee rights in India.

The candidate should have demonstrated experience in capacity building and training for different government stakeholders.

The candidate should have proven stakeholder and project management, communication and interpersonal/team working skills, as well competencies in political analysis, policy research and development, advocacy and training. Excellent drafting skills and English language proficiency as well as meeting deadlines, strong organizational and time management skills are required for this position.

The candidate will be expected to directly supervise one External Relations position.

This position is open only to Indian nationals. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted, and they will be required to undergo a written test and an interview. The selected candidate will work either from the UNHCR Office or other UNHCR partner locations in New Delhi, India.

Overarching Purpose of the position

 Work with the Chief of mission and senior management in the delivery of UNHCR’s mandate for the protection of and solutions to refugees through working with the Government of India on the development and implementation of responses in line with applicable international standards and the GCR – promote the inclusion of refugees into national/State level systems by coordinating with other actors – including development actors.

 Support in strategic planning, assessment, monitoring and analysis concerning the relationship with the Government of India. The Associate Government Liaison Officer will support all planning and reporting activities. The incumbent will work with the Chief of Mission and the senior management team in maintaining a constant dialogue with the Government at central and state level on practical and pragmatic ways of addressing protection challenges.

 Advise the senior management on issues and processes concerning the relationship with the Government and related positioning, coordination, advocacy and information sharing.

 Work towards developing a conducive ecosystem that promotes a UNHCR-GoI collaborative approach grounded on the principles of humanitarian action, improved relationships and increased communication.

Roles and Responsibilities

 Assist in the establishment of close working relations with Government Officials including but not limited to the officials of the UNES Division and other relevant divisions of the Ministry of External Affairs, the Foreigners Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, line Ministries (including Education, Health, Social Welfare, Justice etc) and Actors of Indirect Influence including the NITI Aayog and others identified in related strategy documents including at State level.

 Provide suggestions for promoting UNHCR’s policies and strategies and liaising with Government authorities on issues related to inclusion of refugees, development of area-based approaches in partnership with other UN agencies in coordination with the External Relations team, access to detention and resource/technical expertise mobilization for refugee responses across different regions.

 Support coordination meetings at central/State level as required, including by preparing meetings and background information, drafting minutes and follow-up documentation.

 Draft correspondence, documents and reports, and ensures follow-up.

 Assist in ensuring appropriate links with the Government through establishment/ maintenance of appropriate coordination and information exchange.

 Accompany senior management and Bureau/Headquarters visitors as and when required.

 Act on behalf of the Chief of Mission or SMT to convey, clarify and explain UNHCR’s positions to Government or other external parties as applicable.

 Develop context specific strategies and workplans.

 Perform other related duties as required by the Supervisor.

,

,

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

New Delhi is the capital city of India. The city is culturally diverse, economically vibrant and a well-developed urban environment. It is a category B family duty station. There are many excellent international schools in the city. Private healthcare is very good, and the city is a destination for UNHCR staff that require emergency medical evacuation.  App-based delivery and services are also abundant for daily needs. It has a large expat population.

Nature of Position:

India currently hosts more than 261,000 refugees and asylum seekers. These include some 91,000 Sri Lankan refugees and 73,400 Tibetans directly assisted by the Government of India. There are 47,881 individuals registered under UNHCR’s mandate primarily from Afghanistan, Myanmar, and other countries. In addition, around 49,000 Myanmar nationals have sought refuge in the Northeast of India and live in a refugee-like situation. UNHCR works with the Government of India to offer protection and find solutions for refugees and asylum seekers.

UNHCR India is focusing its efforts on three core objectives: mandate-critical protection and solutions work; lifesaving and emergency activities with a focus on the most vulnerable; and essential resource mobilization and advocacy for protection and inclusion.

With refugees and asylum seekers spread across 13 different locations across the country, UNHCR relies on its 8 NGO partners for support. It funds activities that complement or facilitate access to essential services and assist the most vulnerable people with humanitarian assistance. UNHCR also works with various partners and key stakeholders to advocate for greater inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers as part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). The office is engaged in advocacy with the government to support the development of a national framework for refugee protection, and advocates on issues related to the use of alternatives to detention, access to documentation and solutions, amongst other key areas. UNHCR’s office is in New Delhi and has a field presence in Chennai, Tamil Nadu State.

Living and Working Conditions:

A seasonal environmental concern is severe air pollution caused by vehicle exhaust and slash-and-burn agricultural activities in the neighboring states of Delhi.  The severity of some months has resulted in schools being closed and WHO putting out a health warning for individuals who have respiratory and related health challenges. Air pollution is a health concern particularly for those suffering from allergies or respiratory illnesses. The prolonged exposure to air pollutants can be detrimental to one’s health and can contribute to breathing problems, development of chronic diseases, deterioration of health status in individuals with chronic diseases. Usage of N-95 is encouraged when outdoors during air pollution season. The UNHCR office building is equipped with an air purification system to mitigate the air pollution inside the building.  Dengue fever is also a risk during or following the monsoon season.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community, CO-Drafting and Documentation, SO-Networking, TR-Training and Capacity Building of Governments and/or national programs

Bachelor of Arts: Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Law, Bachelor of Arts: Political Science

Certifications

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

This position doesn”t require a functional clearance