Organisation Background

Founded in 2011, the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO) is an international non-governmental organisation that supports humanitarian aid workers by establishing safety coordination platforms in insecure contexts. INSO provides registered NGOs with a range of free services, including real-time incident tracking, analytical reports, safety-related data and mapping, crisis management support, staff orientations and training. 

INSO provides daily support to more than 1000 NGOs operating in 16 of the world’s most insecure countries. 

INSO is registered in the Netherlands with its headquarters based in The Hague, the international city of peace and justice. 

INSO Sudan

Founded in 2023, the program recognises and supports NGOs operating in volatile contexts in Sudan by leveraging collective value to enhance safety preparedness and provide specialised, coordinated, and focused safety management support. The program supports 126NGOs across Sudan. 
 

We are now recruiting two liaison officers based in Khartoum. 

Liaison with authorities

• The LO will be responsible for identifying and building contacts within the government which could help INSO resolve legal and administrative challenges related to registration, permissions to operate, exemptions, visas, and travel permit, and other matters of this nature as they arise. In doing this, the LO will work jointly with country management as well as relevant departments (operations, HR, etc.). 
• The LO will, building on his or her connections within the government, develop a network of contacts within HAC, the line ministries and related government agencies and ensure that relationships are maintained with both civilian and security authorities, both in anticipation of the need for crisis support and to help the programme teams with information collection/verification. 
• As possible and with serious consideration to staff safety and security, the LO can initiate contacts with the authorities, on a case-by-case basis. 
• As possible and with consideration of reputational and other risks, the LO will, upon request from an NGO and under the guidance of the country director, assist the NGO with building and developing contacts and/or resolving access-related issues. This will not take priority over INSO’s own interests and relations with authorities. 
• The LO will regularly travel to INSO’s field offices and assist regional teams in building their own relationships or troubleshooting issues, as needed. 

Crisis support

• Upon the occurrence of an incident affecting INSO or its staff, such as a detention, bureaucratic impediments to operations, or access denial, the LO will facilitate engagement with authorities and concerned entities in resolving the incident. 

Monitoring and reporting

• Using his/her relationships, the LO will monitor relevant developments within the country and inform country management of any changes of relevance to INSO, the NGOs in general, or the operating environment. 
• On a regular basis but also as needed/directed by the country director, the LO will provide short written reports on observed dynamics, anticipated changes, or legal developments of relevance to the operating environment or to INSO’s work specifically. 
• As needed, short written notes on meetings attended. 

Requirements for the position

Essential

• Existing close connections with relevant people in the government, the line ministries, and related government agencies, irrespective of the level.  
• A Bachelor’s degree in any relevant field from a recognized academic institution. 
• At least 2 years of progressive humanitarian professional operations experience.
• Ability to make additional connections based on personal connections/characteristics rather than social status or the connections of his/her relatives. 
• Very fluent in Arabic. 
• English at a level sufficient to intermediate/interpret a meeting without the need for an additional interpreter. 
• Ability to write, ideally in English, and to use basic software (i.e. MS word, WhatsApp/signal, etc.). 

Nice to have

• Experience with NGOs as a Liaison (whether consultant or fully employed, either working for an NGO or dealing with NGOs).
• Knowledge of humanitarian principles, and particularly an understanding of the principle of neutrality. 
• Connections in all areas of INSO operations in the country. 

Personal characteristics

• Excellent communication skills, friendly and persuasive in interactions with others.
• Commands respect in interactions with others.
• Confidentiality and integrity. 
• Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems.  
• Strong work ethic and capacity to take responsibility for his/her own actions.  
• Be able to work under pressure and in crisis situations.   
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and respect for diversity. 

INSO’s Safeguarding Policy

INSO is fully committed to safe recruitment, selection and vetting of all potential new staff, trustees, and volunteers, and we will ensure rigorous compliance with our Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy throughout the recruitment process.