Associate Monitoring Officer

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.

On 14 July 2014, the Security Council adopted resolution 2165 establishing a United Nations Monitoring Mechanism (UNMM) to confirm the humanitarian nature of the relief consignments that UN agencies dispatch to Syria from Turkey, Jordan and Iraq. Following resolutions 2504 and 2533, which were respectively adopted in January and July 2020, UN cross-border assistance for Syria is channeled through one border crossing only, Bab al Hawa, on the border of Syria with Turkey. The UNMM has a team of monitoring officers, who operate in Reyhanlı, on the Turkish side of the border crossing of Bab al Hawa, in collaboration with the Logistics Cluster. The monitoring teams inspect the relief consignments while they are loaded onto trucks and ensure that they are not manipulated by any third parties until they cross the border. Once a consignment has crossed the border, the UNMM issues a notification at the attention of the Syrian authorities.

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

• Monitor the loading of UN relief consignments at the Turkey-Syria border, in accordance with standard operating procedures. • Ensure completion and proper archiving of monitoring records. • Design, develop and administer database, spreadsheets, and other data tools to manage operational information. • Compile and perform data analysis on monitoring 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.

13. Results/expected outputs

• As an active team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to the UNMM and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o the adequate screening of all consignments crossing into Syria through the border point of Bab al Hawa and their certification of their humanitarian nature; o the reporting and documentation of the operations of the Mechanism; o the promotion of the role and work of the UNMM among relevant stakeholders. • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility • 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.

a national or international humanitarian organization 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 Turkey. Gaziantep is an economic centre for the region. Due to the need for humanitarian assistance in the region and near the Turkey-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 Turkey. • Medical Services: No special vaccinations are required for a travel to Gaziantep. Medical services available are of good quality, including at Medical Park hospital (www.medicalparkinternational.com/about-gaziantep).

• 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. Local shopping centres include Metro Market, Sanko Park Mall, Prime Mall (www.primemallgaziantep.com.tr/) and Forum (www.forumgaziantep.com/). • 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 Turkey. 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 Turkey, but it is less common in Gaziantep. In supermarkets and shops, a few Turkish words are useful. Good and safe English language 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.

Turkey 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.