Senior Adviser - Gulf Liaison
Organization: Norwegian Refugee Council
Closing date: 6 Sep 2026
What we are looking for:
NRC is looking for an experienced Senior Adviser – Gulf Liaison to shape and strengthen our strategic engagement across the Gulf and beyond.
In this influential role, you will lead humanitarian diplomacy, high-level representation, strategic partnerships and resource mobilisation with Arabic-speaking Gulf states and relevant multilateral platforms. Around 50% of the role will focus on NRC’s EurAsia portfolio, with particular emphasis on Afghanistan, Iran and Ukraine. You will help NRC build strategic alliances, influence policy, unlock and diversify funding, and advance principled humanitarian action in some of the world’s most complex contexts.
If you bring strong diplomatic acumen, regional insight and a proven ability to turn relationships into strategic impact, we want to hear from you.
What you will do:
Here are some of the more specific responsibilities in this role:
- Develop and operationalise a humanitarian diplomacy strategy for Gulf engagement.
- Develop stakeholder mapping and engagement plans for priority Gulf and multilateral actors including Business Development Plans.
- Contribute to regular strategic analysis and briefing products for NRC leadership and country programmes.
- Provide evidence of strengthened engagement with targeted stakeholders and platforms.
- Contribute to advocacy, positioning and external engagement strategies in Afghanistan, Iran and Ukraine.
Please download a more detailed JOB DESCRIPTION to learn more about the position.
What you will bring:
- Master’s degree in a relevant topic such law, human rights, political science or other relevant area of studies.
- Minimum 8–10 years of experience in humanitarian diplomacy, advocacy, or high-level external engagement
- Strong understanding of humanitarian principles, access negotiations, and protection frameworks
- Proven ability to identify and pursue funding opportunities and build strategic partnerships
- Excellent communication, influencing, and representation abilities
- Demonstrated experience engaging donors and contributing to resource mobilization strategies
- Proven ability to engage senior-level stakeholders and navigate complex political landscapes
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
- Fluency in English, both written and verbal.
- Fluency in Arabic (mandatory).
- Demonstrated experience working in complex and politically sensitive environments
- Knowledge and understanding of Gulf actors and donors.
- Established network of senior stakeholders across Gulf governments, donor agencies, philanthropic foundations, diplomatic missions, and private-sector entities.
- Proven ability to cultivate strategic partnerships, mobilize resources, and facilitate high-level engagement in support of humanitarian and policy objectives.
- Experience with sanctions environments and regulatory constraints is a strong asset.
- Knowledge of, or fluency in other languages relevant for the position is an asset.
What we offer:
- Duty station: Doha, Abu Dhabi/Dubai or Riyadh may be possible locations (with Doha preferred) or Oslo (with extensive travel to Gulf, Europe, and relevant country/regional hubs).
- Contract: Temporary (1 year, renewable).
- Travel: Approx 50% - significant international travel required.
- Salary/benefits: Grade 9 on NRC’s Resident salary scale, with accompanying terms and conditions.
- NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.
Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC Important information about the application process
- For Internal candidates: To apply as an internal candidate, log in with your official email or click on Opportunity Market Place.
- When creating your profile, include your full name as given on your passport. Complete all the system-required fields for experience, employment history and education.
- Submit your application and CV in English, taking care to attach your latest CV.
- Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered. Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
- We receive many applications for each vacant position and so only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
If you have any questions about this role, please email ho.recruitment@nrc.nowith the job title as the subject line.
Why NRC
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year.
Watch this short video to see NRC in action.
We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee. Are you one of those people? If you are, NRC offers you the opportunity to:
- do demanding and professional work, often in challenging contexts.
- join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility.
- be part of a welcoming and supportive community committed to human dignity.
About Us
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee.
Join us in assisting millions of people in areas where others cannot, tackling some of the world's most dangerous and difficult crises. Bring your skills and dedication to an organisation recognised for providing high quality aid and for defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced people.
At NRC, we give responsibility to employees at all levels and foster professional growth and innovative teams. You can expect a supportive culture and an open dialogue with management. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Together, we save lives and rebuild futures.
Safeguarding is central to NRC’s work. We expect all employees to:
- treat everyone with respect and dignity
- contribute to building a safe environment for all
- never engage in any form of exploitation, harassment and specifically sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH)
- always report. NRC has a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against exploitation, abuse and SEAH
How to apply