Programme Assistant

Implementation of the UN Reformin Turkey. The RCO is the unit to support the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team (UNCT) inimplementing the the programmatic and operational aspects of the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR). .The programmatic work includes the operationalization of the United Nations Development Cooperation Strategy (UNDCS), including its monitoring through the Results Groups and inter-agency working groups.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Head of the Resident Coordinator Office (RCO). The incumbent will contribute to the ongoing work related to the implementation of QCPRby supporting the UNCT, includingthe Results Groups, inter-agency Working Groups. In this context, the incumbent will contribute to the development of the joint work-plans and their monitoring, including results-based reporting. The incumbent will also a play an active role in the implementation of the UNCT’s annual work-plan.    

Under the direct supervision of theHead of the Office of the Resident Coordinator, the UN Volunteer is expected to perform the following tasks:

• Participate in inter-agency settings, including UNCT meetings, retreats and prepare meeting notes and ensure follow-up of the decisions taken at the meetings.
• Ensure accurate and timely maintenance of the databases and matrices of the Joint Work Plans (JWP)
• Contribute to maintenance of knowledge sharing through timely updating the knowledge management system.
• Prepare backup notes, studies, and conduct research related to the implementation of UN Reform in Turkey.
• Support organization of inter-agency meetings, ensure appropriate logistical set up. 

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/Expected Outputs:

• Monthly reports, summarizing all the services provided within a month, regarding the implementation of the UN Reform, prepared in a timely manner
• Support in implementing the Standard Operating Procedures and its components.
• Quality briefing notes prepared for the meetings of the RCO representatives with UN agencies, on the implementation of the UN Reform
• Timely and efficient support for reporting processes, including the annual report of the UNCT.
• Up-to-date Knowledge Management System
• Timely and efficient support for organising inter-agency meetings and events
• Quality research on implementation of the UN Reformin other countries/regions
• Quality research on issues relevant to the RCO.

• University degree in economics, development studies or public administration
• At least 2 years of relevant experience
• Proficient in Turkish and English
• Advanced skills on using office software (i.e. word processsors, spreadsheets, etc.)
• Knowledge of the United Nations in general terms and their interactions with member states
• Citizenship: Turkish
• Age: 22 and above in accordance with UN rules for National UNVs.

Living Conditions:

Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the country’s second largest city following Istanbul with the population of 4.5 million people. Centrally located in Anatolia, Ankara is an important commercial and industrial city. It is the seat of the Turkish government and houses all foreign embassies. The city is strategically located at an important crossroads for trade in proximity of Turkey’s highway and railway networks.

 Security: The current security level in Ankara is minimal – 1. Ankara is considered a generally a safe city, where normal use of common sense and acting responsibly takes one a long way.

 The public transport is safe to use. There are no direct threats towards United Nations and its staff in Turkey.

 Medical Services: No special vaccinations are required for a travel to Ankara. Medical services available are of high quality, and health care services are available also in English.

 Housing: Apartments and flats are easily available and generally of good condition, with well working services (gas, electricity, water). The cost of housing is reasonable, although smaller apartments and certain locations close to foreign embassies and the UN House tend to be more expensive. Some UN Volunteers opt for house sharing. Upon arrival, UN Volunteers will reside in a hotel until they find permanent housing. UNV Field Unit can provide assistance to UN Volunteers in identifying suitable housing.

 Cost of living and services: Housing is the largest monthly expense, and the cost of living is otherwise very affordable. Daily food and products are inexpensive, as are many services.

 Imported goods and many non-essential services and products tend to be more expensive. The provision of goods and services in general is very good. Local transportation ranges from buses, mini-busses called “dolmuş” to taxis, which are all affordable. The subway lines are very limited in the scope.

 Weather: The city has a mean elevation of 938 metres. It has cold, often snowy winters due to its elevation and inland location, and hot, dry summers. Because of Ankara's high altitude and its dry summers, nightly temperatures in the summer months can be cool.

 Language: Turkish is the only official language. English is widely spoken in touristic areas, but less commonly in Ankara. In supermarkets and shops, few Turkish words are useful. There are Turkish language schools and tutors available in Ankara.

Conditions of Service for national UN Volunteers

The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.

Moving travel to duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of TRY 2,729 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Well-being Differential of 15% (WBD-A) or 30% (WBD-B) of the VLA will apply, paid on a monthly basis, depending on the ICSC classification of the duty station.

Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as return travel of  (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.

United Nations Volunteers reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this opening for other openings with United Nations Volunteers with similar assignment description, experience and educational requirements.