Junior Field Programme Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV National Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Youth contracts.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.

FAO Sub-Regional Office for Central Asia (SEC) is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing strategies for addressing food security, agriculture and rural development priorities in the sub-region; Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The Organization’s technical assistance includes institution building, development of knowledge and competencies, and exchange of experience among countries facing the challenges of transition.

Under the direct supervision of Field Programme Operations Coordinator, the National UN Youth Volunteer will:

• Assist in updating field programme portfolio in Field Programme Management Information System (FPMIS), with relevant project documentation uploaded as appropriate; • Collect and compile data from FPMIS on programme/project activities to support reporting on field programme/project delivery; • Assist in arranging meetings, seminars and events: implement logistics, prepare correspondence, compile and distribute documents, make administrative arrangements, preparing meeting notes; • Update project monitoring table as well as insert necessary information in Log-Frame Matrix and Work Plan in FPMIS in a timely manner; • Provide support in administrative and financial actions related to field programme/project including preparing necessary documents for travel, procurement, recruitment and payment
• Assist in fine-tuning Share Points for selected Field Projects • Facilitate PWS (Publications Workflow System); • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

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
• 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 [Insert name of Host Agency]’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

  a relevant field; • Motivated to contribute towards peace and development and to serve others; • Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills; • Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team; • Flexible and open to learning and new experiences; • Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions; • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded; • Computer skills (i.e. Microsoft Office applications, internet and office technology equipment, and others).

Turkey is a unique country and has very several strong project implementation 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 dedicated environment will be useful for the candidates.

Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the country’s second largest city following Istanbul, with the population of 5.5 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. Visas are required for entry into Turkey. It is therefore strongly recommended to check with the local Turkish Embassy or Consulate before traveling (http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-informationforforeigners.en.mfa). Nationals of EU member states and a limited number of nations are eligible for visas-on-arrival at international air termini and certain border crossing points.

Security: The current security level in Ankara is minimal – 2. 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