Country of Origin Information Researcher

Support research on Country of Origin Information for migration management.

This opening expired 4 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

Application deadline 4 months ago: Sunday 15 Mar 2026 at 00:00 UTC

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Overview

Support research on Country of Origin Information for migration management.

You have:

  • At least 3 years of professional experience in an institution providing services in migration, social cohesion, or employment.
  • Demonstrating academic literacy in relevant working languages and the ability to effectively convey academic knowledge.
  • Good reporting skills: Having experience in research methodology, and/or reporting.
  • Ability to travel when necessary.
  • Possessing strong interpersonal communication skills.
  • Experience and knowledge in relations with civil society will be an asset.
  • Demonstrating a strong interest in following global current affairs.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
  • Proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic, Persian, Pashto, German, Russian, or French is considered an asset.
  • Holding a bachelor’s degree from faculties of Social Sciences, Humanities/Literature, Economics, or Administrative Sciences.
  • Pursuing a graduate degree is desirable.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

IOM is part of the United Nations system, as a related organization. IOM supports migrants across the world, developing effective responses to the shifting dynamics of migration and, as such, is a key source of advice on migration policy and practice. The organization works in emergency situations, developing the resilience of all people on the move, and particularly those in situations of vulnerability, as well as building capacity within governments to manage all forms and impacts of mobility. The Organization is guided by the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including upholding human rights for all. Respect for the rights, dignity and well-being of migrants remains paramount.

Under the supervision of National Reporting Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Preparing general, thematic, and question & answer reports in areas that will support the Country of Origin Information (COI) research needs of the Presidency of Migration Management personnel. • Conducting country-specific legislative research within the scope of assigned countries. • Developing expertise in assigned countries/regions and delivering briefings as well as preparing country-specific information notes in line with the needs of the Presidency. • Preparing and delivering comprehensive and thematic country-specific presentations. • Closely monitoring political, social, and legal developments in assigned countries/regions and producing regular bulletins accordingly. • Contributing to the overall operations and workflow of the relevant unit. • Performing other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Presidency of Migration Management.

Values All IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values: Inclusion and respect for diversity:

Shows respect and sensitivity towards gender, culture, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, political conviction and other differences. Encourages the inclusion of all team members and stakeholders while demonstrating the ability to work constructively with people with different backgrounds and orientations. Promotes the benefits of diversity; values diverse points of view and demonstrates this in daily work and decision making. Challenges prejudice, biases and intolerance in the workplace.

Integrity and transparency:

Upholds and promotes the Standards of Conduct and Unified Staff Regulations and Rules. Delivers on commitments; manages the organization's resources reliably and sustainably. Embraces and encourages transparency, balancing this with the need for discretion and confidentiality as appropriate. Maintains impartiality and takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour. Does not abuse one's position and acts without consideration of personal gain. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns.

Professionalism:

Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter and willingness to improve knowledge and skills. Adapts quickly to change and is decisive and versatile in face of uncertainty. Shows self-control and persistence when faced with difficult problems and remains calm in stressful situations. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 1 Teamwork:

Establishes strong relationships with colleagues and partners; relates well to people at all levels. Willingly puts in extra effort without being asked and adopts a "hands-on" approach whenever necessary to achieve team objectives. Coordinates own work with that of the team to meet agreed priorities and deadlines.

Delivering Results:

Produces quality results and provides quality services to clients. Meets goals and timelines for delivery of products or services. Manages time and resources efficiently, monitoring progress and making adjustments as necessary.

Managing and sharing knowledge:

Keeps abreast of new developments in own field of competence and creates opportunities for knowledge management initiatives. Shares knowledge and learning willingly, and proactively seeks to learn from the experiences of others. Contributes to the identification of improvements to work processes and assists in implementing them.

Accountability:

Accepts personal responsibility for quality and timeliness of work. Takes ownership of all responsibilities within own role and honours commitments to others and to the Organization. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Accepts and gives constructive criticism; acknowledges and corrects mistakes and applies lessons learned for improvement.

Communication:

Presents information using language and sequence of ideas that is easy for recipients to understand. Adapts communication to the recipient's needs, asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Encourages others to share their views, using active listening to demonstrate openness and to build understanding of different perspectives.

• At least 3 years of professional experience in an institution providing services in migration, social cohesion, or employment. Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage. • There should be no obstacle to work in public institutions and organizations, • Preferably aiming to pursue an academic or research-oriented career, • Demonstrating academic literacy in relevant working languages and the ability to effectively convey academic knowledge, • Good reporting skills: Having experience in research methodology, and/or reporting, • Ability to travel when necessary, • Possessing strong interpersonal communication skills, • Experience and knowledge in relations with civil society will be an asset. • Showing openness to professional development based on personal interest and aptitude, • Demonstrating a strong interest in following global current affairs, • Planning and organizational skills, • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, • Ability to respond to urgent requests in a timely and efficient manner and to perform effectively under pressure, • Solution-oriented mindset, • Analytical thinking skills, • Proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic, Persian, Pashto, German, Russian, or French is considered an asset.

• Holding a bachelor’s degree from faculties of Social Sciences, Humanities/Literature, Economics, or Administrative Sciences. For candidates graduating from faculties of Economics and Administrative Sciences, possession of a valid language proficiency certificate when required. • Pursuing a graduate degree is desirable.

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 in Ankara and responsible for arranging her/his own housing and other living essentials.

Summary of this national UN Volunteer Entitlements: (Paid in local currency): • Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) is USD 1,614.74 (Paid in Turkish Lira) • Private insurance: Health, dental, life, and dismemberment (coverage by CIGNA). As per the UN’s diplomatic mission status, it is not included in the National Security Institution’s (SGK) system, but can only be initiated on a private basis. • Entry allowance: USD 350 • Exit allowance: USD 120 per month, and upon satisfactory completion of the assignment • Free access to different learning platforms and the UN & UNV network

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) An additional IOM security clearance for the shortlisted candidates may be required for this assignment.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience with migration services? To understand your practical experience in a relevant area. Discuss specific roles and the impact of your work on migration services.
How do you ensure the accuracy of your reports? To assess your attention to detail and reporting skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
What motivates your interest in global current affairs? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time you had to work under pressure. What was the result? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you approach teamwork in a multicultural environment? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you consider important when preparing thematic presentations? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you explain your understanding of research methodology? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you maintain professional development in your field? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 4 months ago - Updated 4 months ago - Source: unv.org