Program Associate

Contract

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

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is a UN agency mandated to promote the protection of children’s rights and has been working in Turkey for more than 60 years. The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias, or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic, and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education, and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations. UNICEF is implementing stand-alone and multisectoral programs for vulnerable refugee children and their families. This UNV assignment is to provide programmatic support at the field level to the UNICEF Turkey’s Multisectoral partnerships, focusing on assessing the protection needs of Syrian refugees and host community as well as facilitating the implementation of quality and timely Early Childhood Development, Emergency Response and AAP/Safeguarding at the respective assigned provinces.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Emergency Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), Program Associate will undertake the following tasks:

➢ Support to programme development, planning and execution: • Compile data and information on the UNICEF supported Programme activities in the respective assigned province(s) to facilitate preparation of reports, working papers, and presentations. • Support the implementation of communication plans for partnership activities as needed. Assist the development of appropriate communication and information products related to programmes. • Contribute to the preparation of reports, programme documents and submissions by providing information, preparing tables and other documents. • When required, participate in relevant inter-agency meetings, and share meeting highlights with the office.

➢ Support to monitoring and reporting of programme results: • Contribute to the design and preparation of monitoring activities of assigned programme(s) in the Child Protection sector in Southeast Turkey. • Undertake regular program field visits and exchange information with partners/stakeholders to gather the necessary information to assess progress. Report on critical issues, bottlenecks, challenges, and delays, for UNICEF and partners to take timely action to achieve results. • Produce regular and timely reports on monitoring results. Organize data and information, prepare, and maintain records, documents, and control plans for the monitoring of programme implementation. • Prepare and maintain records, documents, and control plans for the monitoring of project/programme implementation. • Support partners in their progress report submissions and undertake report reviews. • Follow–up with and track the delivery of supplies provided to partners and report on their utilization.

➢ Support in knowledge management and capacity building: • Gather and share information to document good practices and new programme approaches. • Support the organization of technical trainings for UNICEF partners.

➢ 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: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferable to UNICEF 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 and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviors 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 behavior; 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 UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

/at the national and/or international level in planning and management of child protection, social development, or other relevant programmes. • Demonstrated familiarity with and knowledge of the basics of Child Rights. • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in working with vulnerable groups and gender issues: women, children, and marginalized groups is an asset. • Experience in Monitoring & Evaluation, and field experience, are assets. •Experience working in UN or other international development organization, with emergency and humanitarian response is an asset. • Languages Required: Good written and spoken English. Knowledge of Arabic will be considered as an asset. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • 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. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.

The UN Volunteer will be based in Gaziantep, Turkey. Gaziantep is located in South Eastern region of Turkey and is the sixth most populated city in Turkey. Gaziantep is an economic centre for South Eastern and Eastern Turkey. Due to the growing need for humanitarian assistance in the South Eastern region and near the Turkey-Syria border area, increasing number of 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 “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. The UNV within the UNV standard relocation assistance, are to make their own residential arrangements.

• Cost of living and services: Although housing cost may not be economical, daily essentials such as basicfood and products are affordable. The provision of goods and services is generally accessible. Local shopping centres include 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.climatedata.org/location/286/).

• Education: Please note that there is no International / English-speaking school (K-12) 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. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

Summary of UNV entitlements for National UN Volunteers (Specialist): - Currently Volunteer Living Allowance (per month): USD 1224, 41 disbursing in Turkish Lira - Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 400 - Exit allowance: USD 102 per contract service month (when successful completion of the assignment) - Health, dental, life and disability insurance: Cigna Private Insurance (including eligible dependents) - Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month Uncertified sick leave: 7 days for 12 months = Free access to different learning platforms and UNV network