Programme Support Associate (SME Development)

Volunteering Finance & Economy Admin

Overview

Support the establishment and operationalization of Business Advisory Bureaus in Ankara.

You have:

• Demonstrated interest or experience (up to 3 years) in private sector development/SME support.
• Demonstrated interest or experience (up to 3 years) in economic inclusion/livelihoods programmes.
• Skills in communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Skills in basic data collection and reporting.
• Skills in organization of events and coordination tasks.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

This assignment is implemented under IOM Türkiye’s programmes supporting labour market integration, SME development, and voluntary return preparedness, including the UK FCDO-funded formalization project and the Business Advisory Bureaus (BABs) initiative.

The UN Volunteer will be based in Ankara and support the establishment and operationalization of Business Advisory Bureaus in collaboration with local stakeholders such as Chambers of Commerce, governorates, and private sector actors. These bureaus aim to strengthen the capacities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), promote formal job creation, and facilitate access to business development services and trade linkages.

The assignment will contribute to enhancing economic opportunities for vulnerable populations, including Syrians under Temporary Protection and host communities, while supporting broader efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods and informed decision-making in the context of voluntary return.

The UN Volunteer will work within a dynamic team environment and engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including government institutions, private sector representatives, and implementing partners.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Officer (Labour Market Integration and Formalization), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support the establishment and day-to-day functioning of Business Advisory Bureaus (BABs) in coordination with local partners • Assist in organizing and facilitating trainings, workshops, and B2B networking events for SMEs • Contribute to outreach and communication efforts to engage entrepreneurs and business owners • Support data collection, documentation, and reporting on activities and results • Assist in coordinating with stakeholders including Chambers of Commerce, local authorities, and implementing partners • Participate in field visits and provide logistical and administrative support to project activities • Contribute to the preparation of briefing notes, presentations, and internal reports • Support monitoring of SME support activities, including tracking participation and feedback • Assist in identifying good practices and lessons learned from programme implementation

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check‑ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Accountability Adaptability and Flexibility Building Trust Client Orientation Commitment and Motivation Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Creativity Empowering Others Ethics and Values Integrity Judgement and Decision-making Knowledge Sharing Leadership Managing Performance Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity Self-Management Technological Awareness Vision Working in Teams

Demonstrated interest or experience (up to 3 years) in: • Private sector development/SME support • Economic inclusion/livelihoods programmes

Skills in: • Communication and stakeholder engagement • Basic data collection and reporting • Organization of events and coordination tasks

Türkiye offers relatively comfortable living conditions, particularly in major cities such as Ankara, the capital city, which has well-developed infrastructure, reliable public services, and a wide range of housing options. Ankara experiences a continental climate, with hot, dry summers and cold winters, occasionally with snowfall. As the administrative and political center of the country, the city hosts a diverse international and local population and provides access to government institutions, universities, healthcare facilities, and cultural amenities. Security conditions are generally stable, and international personnel can access both public and private healthcare services. While English is used in professional environments, basic Turkish is beneficial for daily interactions and integration into the local context.

The UN Volunteer will be based in Ankara and be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

The Summary of UNV Entitlement (International Associate): All paid in USD currency • Current Monthly Living Allowance (MLA): USD 2,105 • Private insurance: Health, dental, life, and dismemberment coverage by CIGNA • Entry allowance (one-time payment): USD 3,500 • Dependent allowance and insurance are provided based on eligibility criteria. • Exit allowance: USD 225 per month, and upon the satisfactory completion of assignment • Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month • Free access to different learning platforms and the UN & UNV network

Notes: 1) The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the volunteer work. 2) It's important to note that UNV assignments are volunteer assignments, not employment. The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. 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

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 11 days ago - Updated 56 minutes ago - Source: unv.org