Project Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which was established in 195

• The mission of UNHCR is to protect the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons worldwide. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. UNHCR's primary goal is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. In Turkey, UNHCR has been working closely with the government to support the national asylum system and enhance the protection of refugees and asylum seekers.

Job Overview:
The Project Associate position is integral to the support activities for the national asylum institution in Turkey, specifically under the EU-funded project titled 'Supporting Türkiye’s International and Temporary Protection Processes.' This role involves providing technical and operational support to improve Türkiye's international and temporary protection processes, ensuring enhanced access to protection and services for refugees. The Project Associate will work closely with the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM) and UNHCR to facilitate capacity-building activities, including training sessions, workshops, and the development of guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs). The position requires a proactive approach to coordinating project activities, maintaining effective communication between stakeholders, and ensuring that project documentation is organized and accessible. The incumbent will also be responsible for operational support, which includes the renovation of centers where data updates and procedures are conducted, as well as the deployment of additional human resources to strengthen the capacity of the asylum system.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Associate will have several key responsibilities, including:

• Establishing and maintaining productive partnerships with the PMM by identifying their needs and aligning them with appropriate solutions for project implementation.
• Supporting the continuity of project information flow and maintaining institutional records, ensuring that all materials such as meeting notes, participant information, and concept notes are easily accessible to both UNHCR and PMM.
• Assisting in the coordination of meetings between UNHCR and the national asylum authority throughout the preparation, implementation, and reporting stages of project activities.
• Performing other duties as required by the Senior Protection Officer and the Associate Protection Officer, ensuring compliance with UNHCR's operational guidelines and financial regulations.
• Staying informed about regional challenges, political contexts, and institutional developments that may impact the project and its objectives.
• Participating in performance evaluations and contributing to the overall success of the project by meeting established goals and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree or higher in Political Science, Law, or a related field. For those with a High School Diploma, a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience is required, while candidates with a Bachelor's degree or higher must have at least 2 years of relevant work experience. The position demands strong research and analytical skills, effective planning and organizing abilities, and proficiency in stakeholder management. Excellent knowledge of Turkish and fluency in English are mandatory, while knowledge of additional UN languages is considered an asset. Candidates should also demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Political Science, Law, or a related field. Candidates with a High School Diploma must have additional relevant work experience to qualify. The educational qualifications should provide a solid foundation in the principles of international protection, human rights law, and the legal frameworks governing refugees and asylum seekers.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position includes a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience for candidates with a Bachelor's degree or higher, or 3 years of relevant experience for those with a High School Diploma. Experience in the field of refugee operations, office administration, and program activities is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNHCR's operational procedures and financial rules is also beneficial, as is prior exposure to the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers in the region.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are Turkish and English. Candidates must demonstrate excellent proficiency in both languages, as they will be required to support written translation and oral interpretation between Turkish and English as needed. Knowledge of additional UN languages is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

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

• The position is not remote and requires the incumbent to be physically present in Ankara, Turkey. Candidates must be legally present in Turkey at the time of application and must provide valid residence permits if they are non-Turkish citizens. The recruitment process may include a written test and/or oral interview, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. UNHCR does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.