VolRep Support

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), an organization established in 1950 with the mission to protect the rights and well-being of refugees. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily. UNHCR also works to promote solutions for refugees and displaced persons, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement.

Job Overview:
The position of VolRep Support is crucial for the UNHCR Istanbul Field Office, which is actively engaged in supporting voluntary repatriation activities in Turkey. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting monitoring activities related to voluntary return procedures, which will involve interviewing refugees and reporting on their experiences. This role requires a commitment to working in a complex environment, where the incumbent will interact with various stakeholders, including local governments, NGOs, and refugee populations. The position demands flexibility, as the incumbent will be required to work on weekends and night shifts, ensuring that monitoring activities are conducted effectively and in accordance with UNHCR's guidelines. The role also includes providing administrative support related to protection case management and liaising with relevant authorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will conduct VolRep interviews at designated centers, ensuring that these interviews occur no fewer than five days per week. Responsibilities include completing relevant forms, signing documents on behalf of UNHCR, and reporting daily statistics. The incumbent will also engage in case management, correspondence, and protection interviews, and will be expected to assist with translation and interpretation tasks, particularly in Arabic. The role requires active communication with PDMM officials regarding operational matters and the ability to adapt to unexpected developments during monitoring activities. The incumbent will be responsible for submitting reports through established mechanisms and maintaining regular communication with their supervisor regarding their assignments and any challenges faced.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a High School Diploma with at least two years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with one year of relevant work experience. Core competencies required for this position include accountability, communication, organizational awareness, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous learning. Candidates should also demonstrate analytical thinking, political awareness, and stakeholder management skills. Proficiency in English and Arabic is mandatory, while knowledge of Turkish is desirable.

Educational Background:
A background in law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, Political Science, or a related field is preferred for this position. This educational foundation will support the incumbent in understanding the legal and social frameworks surrounding refugee protection and voluntary repatriation.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or one year of relevant experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in working with refugee populations or in humanitarian settings is highly advantageous, as it will provide the necessary context for the incumbent's responsibilities.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, as these languages will be used for communication with refugees and reporting. Knowledge of Turkish is considered an asset, as it will facilitate interactions with local authorities and enhance the incumbent's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a local entry and mid-level support role, with a target start date of September 1, 202

• The contract duration is subject to operational needs and satisfactory performance, with no expectation of renewal beyond the initial contract period. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, which may include mandatory night shifts and work on weekends. The incumbent will receive annual leave and sick leave entitlements, along with medical coverage through Cigna Health Insurance. Remuneration will be based on the G5 level of the International Civil Services Commission salary scale. Non-Turkish candidates must obtain clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before an offer can be made, and they are required to provide valid residence permits during the application process.