Business Advisory Associate (Mersin)

Volunteering Crisis & Emergency Response Finance & Economy

Overview

Support regional economic development through business advisory services.

You have:

• At least 2 years of professional experience is required.
• A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, business, economics, engineering, education, or a related field is required; an advanced degree is desirable.
• Proven experience in project management is required.
• Proven experience in facilitating events, trainings, and similar activities is required.
• Proven experience in private sector or labor market related programmes is required.
• Proven experience in working with governmental bodies is required.
• Native in Turkish; and Fluency (both verbal and written) in English and Arabic are required.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

The Mersin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MTSO) aims to support regional economic development by facilitating trade, investment, and business growth while providing services that address the needs of its members. Its objectives include promoting industry and entrepreneurship, improving skills and innovation, and strengthening cooperation between businesses and institutions. The Chamber represents a wide network of companies across different sectors, offering them advisory services, training, and networking opportunities. It also creates international opportunities by connecting its members with global markets through partnerships, trade missions, and participation in international business networks.

The mandate of the Mersin Chamber of Commerce and Industry is to represent and advocate for the interests of the business community, support sustainable economic development, facilitate trade and investment, and provide services that enhance the competitiveness and capacity of its members at both national and international levels.

In this context, the UN Volunteer, working in line with the objectives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), will support the Chamber and its members by delivering targeted business advisory services to enterprises engaged or interested in cross-border trade. The UN Volunteer will also facilitate capacity-building trainings and foster business-to-business networking opportunities to strengthen partnerships and enhance cross-border trade and economic cooperation.

The UN Volunteer will be based at MTSO office in Mersin.

• Provide business advisory services to SMEs interested in engaging in cross-border trade. • Follow latest developments and policy changes and maintain a strong understanding of local and international trade-related regulations. • Facilitate trade-related training for SMEs. • Facilitate business-to-business networking events. • Identify and promote opportunities for cross-border trade among SMEs. • Monitor, control, and submit new entries to business networking platforms and online tools. • Conduct regular follow-ups with SMEs to ensure engagement and progress. • Conduct meetings and establish networks locally and internationally to support cross-border trade development. • Monitor, report on, and assess project objectives and progress. • Perform any other duties as assigned.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Qualifications and Experience: • At least 2 years of professional experience is required. • A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, business, economics, engineering, education, or a related field is required; an advanced degree is desirable. • Proven experience in project management is required. • Proven experience in facilitating events, trainings, and similar activities is required. • Proven experience in private sector or labor market related programmes is required. • Proven experience in working with governmental bodies is required. • Previous experience with United Nations agencies is desirable.

Languages: • Native in Turkish; and Fluency (both verbal and written) in English and Arabic are required.

Skills and Competencies: • Strong monitoring and reporting skills. • High attention to detail. • Ability to work effectively with diverse cultures and stakeholders. • Awareness of different private sector contexts across cultural settings. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. • Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines. • Problem-solving and analytical thinking skills. • Adaptability and flexibility in dynamic working environments. • Proficiency in MS Office programmes and online collaboration tools. • Strong computer skills, including the ability to manage and administer website content. • Ability to work with minimal supervision. • Demonstrated professionalism and a strong commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace.

This is a volunteer assignment, not employment. By sharing your time, energy, and talents, you can support communities in need and become part of something greater than yourself — a global movement for peace, development, and humanitarian aid. Volunteering strengthens trust, solidarity, and reciprocity among citizens, and it can promote a sense of belonging and purpose.

The UN Volunteer will be based at MTSO office in Mersin, and responsible for arranging her/his own housing and other living essentials.

Summary of this national UN Volunteer Entitlements (Paid in local currency): • Current Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) is USD 1,291 (Paid in Turkish Lira) • Entry allowance (one-time payment): USD 200 (Paid in Turkish Lira) • Private insurance by CIGNA As per UN’s diplomatic mission status, it is not included in National Security Institution’s (SGK) system but can be only initiated on private basis.

Notes: 1) The allowances are in no way to be understood as a salary, compensation, or reward in exchange for the volunteer work. 2) It's important to note that UNV assignments are volunteer assignments, not employment. 3) You can check full entitlements at the duty station: https://app.unv.org/calculator 4) Please read the complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos 5) An additional IOM security clearance for the shortlisted candidates may be required for this assignment.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 1 month ago - Updated 1 month ago - Source: unv.org