Associate Inspection Officer

Volunteering Crisis & Emergency Response Security

Overview

Inspect UN relief consignments at the Turkiye-Syria border.

You have:

• Experience in humanitarian organizations is an asset.
• Excellent interpersonal skills required.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications.
• Ability to analyze data using software like Excel.
• Commitment to voluntary engagement principles.
• Ability to work under pressure within timelines.

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The UN Humanitarian Inspection Unit is the replacement of the United Nations Monitoring Mechanism (UNMM) by establishing a streamlined inspection unit to verify the humanitarian nature of UN consignments crossing the border between the Republic of Türkiye and the Syrian Arab Republic. It outlines the institutional setup of the new structure, its administrative arrangement, operational modalities, and relationships with humanitarian partners. The proposed unit will be designated as the United Nations Humanitarian Inspection Unit (UNHIU). The UNHIU will undertake streamlined and more efficient inspection activities – incorporating UNMM best practices while utilizing a smaller staff footprint and fewer resources. It will be part of the OCHA Office in Gaziantep and will operate under the supervision of the OCHA Head of Office. The Unit will be housed within the premises of OCHA Office in Gaziantep under a cost-share arrangement covering all operational costs. This arrangement will allow for a more optimal use of resources and greater efficiency in supporting the Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator (DRHC) and the broader humanitarian response in north-west Syria.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the UNMM Team Leader and his/her designated mandated representatives, the UN Volunteer will:

• Inspect the loading of UN relief consignments at the Turkiye-Syria border, in accordance with standard operating procedures • Ensure completion and proper archiving of inspection records • Design, develop and administer database, spreadsheets, and other data tools to manage operational information • Compile and perform data analysis on inspection operations • Engage with UN agencies' relevant personnel to triangulate the information regarding cross-border operations and ensure it is consistent • Contribute to the preparation of reports, lessons learning processes and the improvement of operational guidance documents • Undertake other relevant tasks, as required

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

•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; •Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
•Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; •Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; •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.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to the UNMM; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferable to UNMM’s procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;

• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment;

• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;

• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNMM’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

using data base software of MS Excel and other software data analytical tools (MS Access, SPSS) is an asset.
• Familiarity with MS Office applications, such as SharePoint and Teams is an asset. • Experience with a national or international humanitarian organisation is an asset. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. • Sound security awareness.

The UN Volunteer will be based in Gaziantep, which is located in the south-eastern region of Turkiye. Gaziantep is an economic centre for the region. Due to the need for humanitarian assistance in the region and near the Turkiye-Syria border area, many UN organizations and NGOs are present in Gaziantep.

• Security: Gaziantep is classified as a security level 2. Gaziantep is generally a safe city, although precautions are necessary. The public transport is safe to use. There are no direct threats towards United Nations and its staff in Turkiye.

• Medical Services: No special vaccinations are required for a travel to Gaziantep. Medical services available are of good quality.

• Housing: Apartments / flats are available and generally of good condition, with well functioning services (gas, electricity, water). The cost of housing varies, depending on the location, size and facilities. Housing in general is the largest monthly expense. Upon arrival, UN Volunteers will temporarily stay in a hotel until long-term housing is found. The UNMM Office in Gaziantep can provide assistance to UN Volunteers in identifying real estate agencies, information resources and suitable housing.

• Cost of living and services: Daily essentials, such as basic food and products are affordable. The provision of goods and services is generally accessible. there are several local shopping malls.

• Weather: Gaziantep has a Mediterranean climate with influences of a continental climate during winter. It has dry hot summers and cold occasionally-snowy winters. (Climate information: http://en.climate-data.org/location/286/).

• Education: There is no international school in Gaziantep and English-speaking schools (K-12) are limited in Gaziantep.

• Language: Turkish is the only official language in Turkiye. Arabic is increasingly spoken in Gaziantep due to the recent regional trends in cross-border population movements. English is widely spoken in touristic areas in Turkiye, but it is less common in Gaziantep. In supermarkets and shops, a few Turkish words are useful. Good and safe English language for internet banking services are available, which makes up for the lack of English speaking staff in many of the bank branches. Turkish language schools and tutors are available in Gaziantep.

Turkiye is a unique country and the Syria cross-border operation is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Summary of UNV entitlements International UN Volunteers (Specialist):

• Volunteer Living Allowance-VLA (per month): approximately USD 2467 • Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 4000 • Exit allowance (per month): USD 225 (when successful completion of the assignment) • Medical, dental, life and disability insurance: Cigna Private Insurance • Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month

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Potential interview questions

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org