Liaison Officer
Vacancy Ref: HIHFAD-2026-58
Job Title: Liaison Officer
Department: Operation Department
Direct report to: Operation Manager
Job Location: Damascus, with ability to travel as required
Job type: Full time
Closing date: 30/5/2026
About HiHFAD
Hand in Hand for Aid and Development (HiHFAD) is a Non-Profit, Non-Governmental, Charitable Incorporated Organization registered in the United Kingdom and in Türkiye (TR: Iyilik Için El Ele Dernegi) that provides high standards in humanitarian and relief services to the most vulnerable wherever needed through local engagement and global support.
Established in 2011 by a group of British-Syrian diaspora, HiHFAD was born out of a desire to extend a helping hand to vulnerable groups and displaced families in Syria and beyond. Since then, HiHFAD remained at the forefront of humanitarian agencies, providing life-saving aid to Syrians in hard-to-reach areas. Our extensive Healthcare Program has enabled us to expand and reach even more communities and internally displaced people; providing a comprehensive, integrated multi-sectoral intervention in Health, Nutrition, WaSH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), Protection, Shelter, Non-Food Assistance, Food Security, Livelihoods, and Education.
HiHFAD mandate is to alleviate the suffering of those in need without any type of discrimination, protect the most vulnerable, promoting social justice and welfare, and fostering durable solutions through delivering community-based humanitarian and development interventions.
Job overview
To ensure effective coordination between HIHFAD and Government authorities for employee-related matters and organizational activities, while maintaining full compliance with Syrian labor law and regulatory requirements.
Main Tasks & Responsibilities:
1. Government Liaison & Coordination:
* Act as the focal point for communication with Government entities (e.g., Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour) on HR and operational matters.
* Follow up on all official correspondence, submissions, and approvals required from Government authorities.
* Maintain strong working relationships with relevant Government counterparts.
2. Employee Registration & Legal Compliance:
* Coordinate all procedures related to new employees, including contracts validation, registrations, and official approvals.
* Ensure all employees are properly registered with relevant authorities (e.g., labor office, social security where applicable).
* Maintain employee records in line with Government requirements.
3. Activity Approvals & Permits:
* Coordinate with Government authorities to obtain required approvals/permits for project activities (trainings, workshops, field activities, etc.).
* Ensure all organizational activities are implemented in line with local regulations and approvals.
* Track validity and timelines of permissions and ensure timely renewals.
* Advise program and operations teams on required Government procedures before implementation of activities.
4. Internal Coordination & Advisory:
* Provide guidance to HR, Program, and Operations teams on Government procedures and compliance requirements.
* Identify compliance risks related to employees or activities and escalate to senior management.
* Support alignment of HIHFAD practices with national regulations and humanitarian principles.
5. External Representation & Coordination:
* Liaise with Government entities, UN agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders on compliance and regulatory matters when required.
* Support coordination efforts related to labor and operational permissions within inter-agency platforms if needed.
6. Capacity Building & Awareness:
* Support awareness sessions for staff on labor law compliance and Government procedures.
* Develop simple SOPs/guidance notes related to approvals and compliance processes.
7. Data Collection Approvals:
* Lead the preparation, submission, and follow-up of data collection tools and required approvals with relevant Government authorities to ensure compliance with national regulations and ethical standards.
8. Reporting & Documentation:
* Maintain updated records of all Government approvals, employee registrations, and activity permits.
* Prepare periodic reports on compliance status, challenges, and required actions.
Background Knowledge & Experience:
Education Level: Bachelor's degree in Law, Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field
Work Experience: 3 years of relevant experience in HR, administration, compliance, or Government liaison roles
Experience in dealing with Government authorities and official procedures
Languages: English: B1 Arabic: C2
Skills and Abilities:
* Strong knowledge of Syrian labor law and regulatory environment
* Excellent coordination and communication skills with Government entities
* Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
* Good command of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
* Ability to work under pressure and in a dynamic environment
* Strong interpersonal skills and stakeholder management
Disclaimer:
Hand in Hand for Aid and Development is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment where all qualified candidates receive consideration based solely on their experience and capabilities. As a humanitarian organization, we recognize the importance of diversity and are committed to ensuring that discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, or marital status does not occur.
We adhere to the Humanitarian Principles and believe that the rights of all individuals, including children, women, and adults at risk, must be safeguarded. We are accountable to the communities we serve, and it is our responsibility to ensure that we do not contribute to their further harm or expose them to additional risks.
Hand in Hand for Aid and Development has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of exploitation, abuse, harassment, or discrimination. To ensure the safety and protection of those we serve, we conduct a range of pre-employment screenings and checks in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy.
HiHFAD renounces all forms of terrorism and will never knowingly support, tolerate or encourage terrorism or the activities of those who embrace terrorism or money laundering. Consistent with numerous United Nations Security Council resolutions, including 1267 Committee list of terrorists and terrorist financiers, S/RES/1269(1999), S/RES 1368(2001) and S/RES1373(2001) and the European Union, HIHFAD is firmly committed to the international fight against terrorism and in particular against the financing of terrorism. It is the policy of HIHFAD to seek to ensure that none of its and its donor funds is used, directly or indirectly, to provide support to individuals or entities associated with terrorism or money laundering. Therefore, HIHFAD will match employees, volunteers and contracted persons against the Sanctions lists on a regular basis.
This vacancy is contingent upon project confirmation from the donor.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.
How to apply:
In case you meet the requirements and that you are interested in the position, please fill the application via the following link: https://forms.gle/PLDCtvPGWG844FHE8