COUNTRY PROGRAM MISSION:

The Alight Sudan Program started in 2004 in response to the emergency needs of some 600,000 war-affected IDPs and host populations in the Tulus and Gereida corridors in South Darfur. In 2014, Alight expanded services into underserved villages in the East Darfur, and more recently in Kassala state, East of Sudan. The overall aim of the program is to improve the well-being of the target populations by addressing their immediate humanitarian needs and contributing to long-term community stabilization.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

Based in Khartoum, the Senior Liaison Officer is responsible for supporting all visa/permits processes within Alight.  S/he will ensure that all visas/permits for international staff including entry visa, residency, work permit, multiple visas are done on a timely basis.

She/ will track and manage all visas/work permits information and expiry dates, ensure that all are extended before expiry dates.  The SLO will also support staff’s travel permits for approval prior to travelling to the field.  S/he will also update any changes regarding visa and work permit applications processes.

Building a shared organization takes time and intention. We will always be becoming Alight, which means your work will evolve as well. For now, here’s how you could anticipate spending your time: 

• On behalf of ALIGHT in Sudan, liaise with the Humanitarian Aid Commission, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Labor Office, Taxation chamber and other Government-related offices.
• Support the process of approval for Technical Agreement for the Country Office and State Offices. Ensure the expatriates are listed in the technical agreement as per approved organogram. 
• Ensure timely submission of Alight Technical Agreement, Sub-Agreements, MOUs and any other relevant agreements between Alight and the government.
• Build and maintain relationships with key technical managers and decision-makers in the government, different ministries and among local authorities.
• Keep track list of Stay Permit/Visas for international staff updated and ensure timely extension is processed a month prior to extension.
• Develop visa/stay permit guidelines including all requirements, procedures, and processes for visa, stay permit and technical agreement.
• Keep updated with the changes in laws of the government and informed the line manager as soon as required.
• Provide weekly reports and updates to the Line Manager on the status of visa progress of international staff, and other related activities being worked on.
• Promote ALIGHT’s work and present in the right image when meeting high officials.
• Accompany the Country Director and any other senior staff to meetings with government officials and facilitate conversations for smooth representation of Alight in those meetings, as requested.
• Respond and follow up the requirements from the Government and address to Senior managers in a timely manner. 
• Ensure active follow-up on outstanding applications filed with various ministries, responding to queries from authorities in a timely manner.
• Work with authorities to secure all required authorizations and permissions to facilitate smooth implementation of Alight’s programming in Sudan.
• Ensure active follow-up on outstanding applications filed with various ministries, responding to queries from authorities in a timely manner.
• Familiarize and keep up with all government requirements applicable to Alight’s work in Sudan to support programs 
• Ensure all correspondence with the government is in line with Alight policies and kept in organized manner.
• Develop and maintain a filing system that is organized and safe enough for the related documents as handled by this position Other appropriate duties as assigned by the supervisor.

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in International Relations/Social Sciences or relevant fields.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working as Liaison Officer or similar position, with experience working for a non-profit entity, reputable humanitarian or development INGO 
• Have strong network/connection with Government of Sudan. 
• Strong understanding of political context of Sudan. 
• Experience working closely with government agencies preferred
• Ability to work productively and impartially in a multi-cultural environment
• Fluency in Arabic and English is a must.
• Able to translate documents from Arabic to English, when required.
• Ability to work independently as well as working in a team.
• Knowledge of government rules, policies and guidelines
• Computer literacy skills with Microsoft application packages
• Ability to communicate in spoken and written English with aptitude in reporting are mandatory

KEY BEHAVIORS & ABILITIES:

• Self-motivated, client orientated individual with a strong sense of personal ethic, integrity and a big appetite for quality improvement and accountability to improve stewardship of Alight’s resources
• Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills with ability to build and maintain strong relationships and trust among stakeholders
• High level of flexibility and tolerance to ambiguity
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to situations as required due to changes on the ground
• Self-starter who takes direction well, but also works independently
• Keen eye for detail
• Capacity to think ahead and highlight areas of risk and concern
• Excellent communication skills with a strong sense of diplomacy
• Ability to work in a sensitive, multi-cultural context as a respectful team player and manager
• Demonstrate commitment to Alight’s core values and policies
• Ability and willingness to spend long periods of time moving in between offices

IMPORTANT

All interested candidates are requested to upload their application letters, updated CV, educational qualifications certificates, training, experience certificates and birth certificates/ national ID document sudanjob.net.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the written test and interview

Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

We are on a journey to build Alight, a new platform of amazing people and organizations providing lifesaving services and creating breakthrough solutions for and with the displaced. WeAreAlight.org
 

Alight is an Equal Opportunity Employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.  Alight complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.