ThaiNGO

Background/IRC Summary:  

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) Thailand country program was established in 1975 to assist refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia and currently assists refugees and migrants from Burma. IRC Thailand operates as one of the largest and programmatically diverse humanitarian organizations providing essential services to displaced populations in Thailand. Assistance programs encompass health, education, institutional capacity building, gender-based violence prevention, water and sanitation, income generation, advocacy, protection, legal assistance, and resettlement program.

Job Overview/Summary:

The Community Liaison Manager works with local organizations assisting refugees and other displaced people in Thailand. The Manager is responsible for maintaining refugee community partnerships, assessing community-based programming and developing prompt responses to urgent needs amongst displaced populations. The position is based in Bangkok and requires periodic travel to Ratchaburi, Mae Hong Son and Tak provinces. The Manager maintains up-to-date information on Thai policy on refugees and displaced persons and accordingly advises community organizations on approaches to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

Liaison Management

- Maintain up to date information from Myanmar and Thailand governments pertaining to sharing information, meetings and workshop and joint activities to promote the rights of displaced Burmese persons and advise on access to basic social and welfare services

- Coordinate with all IRC-managed projects, MWG, and MRPWG to seek synergic approaches to implementation that optimizes support for refugees and other displaced people

- Manage and facilitate activities of the Migrant Working Group (MWG) and Migrant Rights and Promotion Working Group (MRPWG). Support local migrant community service organizations (CSO) in Bangkok and Mae Sot

- Work closely with Project for Local Empowerment Protection Coordinator and Legal Assistance Center (LAC) Coordinator to share information and implement combined activities as needed, especially in the context of refugee camp programming

- Implement strategic planning objectives in coordination with refugee assistance staff in three provinces

- Carry out secretariat function of protection coordination meetings

Capacity Building and Support for CSOs

- Provide technical assistance to CSOs to develop communication messages, work with local organizations to implement appropriate advocacy strategies and facilitate trainings as requested by CSOs

- Work with refugee camp CSOs to ensure preparedness for future activities are appropriately implemented

Social Support

- Identify social services needs for vulnerable displaced persons and advise on access to social and humanitarian assistance in Thailand, including vulnerable refugee medical  cases or disabled individuals in need of support

Assessment / Analysis

- Collect information related to Thai policy as related to displaced populations (migrants, refugees) and assess policy implementation at local levels

- Analyze possible risks and consequences of policy, as well as positive policy attributes

- Coordinate with country office protection team to conduct rapid assessments and collect information during emergency situations related to displaced persons. Ensure comprehensive information is provided to IRC senior staff to inform decisions on immediate humanitarian assistance  

Reporting

- Prepare quarterly situation analysis of the political situations in Thailand and Myanmar, especially conditions that may affect the wellbeing of displaced persons in Thailand

- Include updates on security issues affecting displaced persons, including any conflicts in border regions or sudden change in policy

- Prepare monthly activity report

Job Requirements:

Education:  Undergraduate Degree in international affairs, humanitarian assistance or social sciences; Advanced degree in relevant field strongly preferred

Work Experience: Minimum five years working with displaced populations in global setting; solid understanding of Thai laws and regulations pertaining to migrants and displaced persons; prior work supporting local community-based initiatives

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies: Experience training community groups; ability to analyze rules and regulations on migrants living in Thailand; desire to support local initiatives supporting displaced populations

Language Skills:  Strong English language written and verbal; Burmese fluency; Thai language proficient

Certificates or Licenses: N/A

Working Environment:  The position is based in Bangkok and will require periodic travel to Ratchaburi, Mae Hong Son and Tak provinces and other areas where communities reside. Occasional travel in emergency-like environments and ability to physically navigate remote areas such as refugee camps or areas affected by natural disasters

HOW TO APPLY

Application letter and most recent CV in English stating qualifications and experience should be submitted to the IRC Human Resources Department at: Thailand.HR@Rescue.org 

IRC is an equal opportunity employer, considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, national origin, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, marital status or physical or mental disability.

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