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 Turkey and its national legislative framework on asylum have shaped the form of the current collaboration with UNHCR. During the last 54 years, UNHCR and Turkey have been working together in close partnership. Turkey has provided the asylum space for persons seeking refuge, and UNHCR has assisted Turkey to determine who is in need of international protection and to enable access to rights by these persons. As the main partner of the Turkish State in the field of international protection, UNHCR Turkey continues to provide legislative and technical support as well as institutional capacity building support to the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM) and other national institutions.

UNHCR in Turkey also cooperates with the national institutions and civil society to strengthen the protection environment and access to social support mechanisms, endeavors to find durable solutions and provides support to the Turkish asylum authority, i.e. DGMM (Directorate General of Migration Management) in the implementation of national status determination procedures.

Based on the national legislation, i.e. the Law No. 6458 on Foreigners and International Protection, DGMM conducts adjudication of international protection applications, and in this context UNHCR provides direct operational support, capacity development and technical advice to Turkish authorities to reinforce the national asylum system and RSD processing.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of a Senior Protection Associate and overall guidance of an Assistant Protection Officer and general oversight of Senior Protection Officer, the UNV Protection Assistant will undertake the following tasks:

-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 reinforce the national asylum procedures by conducting status determination interviews and drafting decision recommendations in line with the cooperation framework agreed by UNHCR and DGMM, if and when necessary.
-Support the unit in sharing with DGMM the summary RSD assessments of the cases adjudicated by UNHCR Turkey under Mandate RSD as well as other summary documents, advisory opinions as required, to support the national decision-making procedures.
-Conduct research (on country of origin and legal issues), manage and improve the country of origin materials database, report on general trends in the relevant countries of origin and replying to queries on specific legal and protection issues, while referring to the supervisor or seeking for advice on more complex issues.
-Assist the Unit in capacity-development initiatives organised internally and at those events targeting partners.
-Consult information on ProGres and Turancore database on individual cases as required.
-Observe and respect relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
-Filing in-coming/out-going correspondence.
-To support the Office’s priorities and objectives in the protection field.
-Support the Unit in its activities in the areas falling under the cooperation with DGMM
-Support the Unit in preparation and delivery of trainings sessions on specific matters delivered to DGMM / PDMM staff and other institutions.
-Participate in trainings, workshops and meetings and support the unit in note taking and reporting.
-Translate materials

Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment and Motivation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Working in Teams

-A Relevant area
-Professional work experience at the national and/or international level, working in the UN or other international development organization 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.
-Demonstrated knowledge and experience in working with vulnerable groups and gender issues: women, children, and marginalized groups is desirable.
-Demonstrated experience in working with trauma victims would be an asset.
-Languages: Excellent written and spoken English; Excellent written and spoken Turkish.
-Excellent oral and written skills; excellent 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 or interest in refugee protection, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The UN Volunteer will live and work in Ankara, Turkey. The national UN Volunteer may also be required to go on missions.

Ankara is the capital of Turkey 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 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 – 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 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 “dolmus” 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.