Protection Assistant

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.

The international obligations of Türkiye and its national legislative framework on asylum have shaped the form of the current collaboration with UNHCR. During the last 54 years, UNHCR and Türkiye have been working together in close partnership. Türkiye has provided asylum space for persons seeking refuge, and UNHCR has assisted Türkiye in determining who needs international protection and enabling access to rights by these persons, including access to justice. As the main partner of the Turkish State in the field of international protection, UNHCR Türkiye continues to cooperate with the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM), the Union of Turkish Bar Associations (UTBA), the Justice Academy of Türkiye (JAT) and other national institutions to enhance institutional capacity-development in the field of refugee protection.

UNHCR in Türkiye also intervenes to strengthen access to justice by persons of concern through conducting technical assistance and capacity development activities for legal actors, in a way to include lawyers, judges, prosecutors, interns, I/NGOs, and national and local authorities. Access to justice consists of enabling access to various rights, such as inter alia, legal aid, legal assistance, interpretation, and access to courts.

With its former and ongoing projects, activities, and partnerships, UNHCR Türkiye is aiming to strengthen access of persons of concern to justice as a core protection element and enhance the efficiency and fairness of the national procedures while strengthening the capacity of legal actors.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Associate Legal Officer, within the Policy Development Unit headed by a Senior Protection Officer, the UNV Protection Assistant will:

•Consistently apply international and national law and applicable UN/UNHCR and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) policy, standards, and codes of conduct. •Support the Unit in its activities aiming to strengthen access to justice by conducting systematic compilation and categorization of national and international jurisprudence. •Keep the caselaw database updated, draft summaries and analysis of judgments and make relevant data available to support the Unit in its activities. •Support the Unit in preparation of trainings, meetings, providing relevant research and organizational arrangements.
•Assist the Unit in capacity-development initiatives organized internally and at those events targeting partners. •Conduct regular and systematic monitoring activities to keep the Unit informed on national and international legal developments, as well as on the activities of legal actors. •Conduct relevant legislative and academic research. •Performing other duties, as required. •Observe and respect relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). •To monitor the security and safety of persons of concern to UNHCR and to support the Office’s priorities and objectives in the protection and the legal field.
•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 taking 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 UNHCR; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNHCR 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 UNHCR in daily activities and behaviours 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 behaviour; 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 UNHCR’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Monitoring and refugee law and working at the national and/or international level is an asset. •Demonstrated familiarity with and knowledge of the basics of refugee law and international human rights law is desirable. •Legal knowledge and the ability to apply legal principles is desirable. •Good analytical skills, good research and monitoring skills, •Cultural and gender awareness. •Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity. •Ability to work effectively under stress and in crisis situations. •Experience in in-depth legal and academic research desirable. •Good oral and written skills; good drafting, formulation, reporting skills. •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; •Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; •Sound security awareness; •Have affinity with the UN System.

The UN Volunteer will live and work in Ankara, Türkiye. The national UN Volunteer may also be required to go on missions. Ankara is the capital of Türkiye and the country’s second largest city following Istanbul, with the population of 4.5 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 Türkiye’s highway and railway networks. Visas are required for entry into Türkiye. 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 – 1. 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 Türkiye. • 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 As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. • Volunteer Living Allowance (per month): USD1224 (disbursing in Turkish Lira) - Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 400 - Exit allowance: USD 100 per contract service month (when successful completion of the assignment) - Medical, 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 and 4 days for shorter assignments - Access to different learning platforms and UN & UNV network