Project Associate

Deadline for ApplicationsJanuary 4, 2026

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)A (least hardship)

Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

Family

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeCONTR Local Entry and Mid-Level Support

Target Start Date2026-01-01

Terms of ReferenceGeneral Background of Project or Assignment, Operational Context:

During the past 60 years, UNHCR and the Government of Türkiye have been working together in close partnership. In 2013, Türkiye adopted a new legislation, the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP) and established a central civilian authority in charge of procedures for foreigners. As the main partner of the Turkish State in the field of international protection, UNHCR Türkiye provides support to the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM) and the relevant national institutions.

UNHCR Representation in Türkiye operates through a Country Office based in Ankara, and through sub-offices and field offices in Gaziantep, Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara, as well as field units.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment:

The Project Associate position will work in the context of support activities for the national asylum institution, and under the EU funded project, “Supporting Türkiye’s International and Temporary Protection Processes” where UNHCR is engaged in various activities including, capacity building activities and provision of technical and operational support to enhance Türkiye’s international and temporary protection processes with improved access to protection and services. To achieve this, the project focuses on increasing the technical capacity of PMM staff through providing trainings, workshops, preparing guidelines/SOPs as well as offering technical support through field visits and other quality assurance activities. In addition, the project foresees the provision of operational support through the renovation and refurbishment of Centers where data update and IPSD procedures are carried out, as well as the deployment of additional human resources to enhance capacity in international and temporary protection procedures.

The wide range of activities implemented under the Project requires a close coordination between PMM and UNHCR. The incumbent will be seconded to the PMM to assist PMM and UNHCR in the coordination of the project activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish and maintain productive partnerships with beneficiary (PMM) by identifying beneficiary’s needs and matching them with appropriate solutions with respect to the implementation of Project activities,
• Support the continuity of the project information flow and institutional records of the work carried out by ensuring that the materials (meeting notes, participant information, concept notes, etc.) are easily accessible by UNHCR and PMM, as well as supporting the sharing and archiving of related materials by PMM and UNHCR, when needed.
• Provide support to the coordination between UNHCR and the national asylum authority regarding the organization of the meetings to be held within the scope of the preparation, implementation, and reporting stages of the project activities.
• Perform other duties as required.

Monitoring and Progress Controls:

The incumbent will receive guidance from the Senior Protection Officer in the operation and will be under the direct supervision of the Associate Protection Officer. UNHCR Manual, Operations Plans, UN, and UNHCR financial/budgetary rules and regulations will guide the work of the Project Associate. S/he is expected to stay abreast of the challenges posed to the region by the political context, the UN and humanitarian reform, and institutional developments. A performance evaluation will be completed covering the duration of the contract.

Required qualifications, language(s) and work experience:

Education: Bachelor's or equivalent or higher in Political Science, Law, or related field.

For IC6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher.

Language:

Required: Turkish and English
Desirable: Any other UN language

Field of expertise, competencies:

Required/mandatory:

-Research and Analytical Thinking
-Planning and Organizing
-Stakeholder Management
-Managing Resources
-Excellent knowledge of Turkish and fluency in English
-Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team

Desirable:

-Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset. Knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law and ability to apply the relevant legal principles.
-Completion of the UNHCR Learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of the position.
-Good knowledge of UNHCR financial rules, procedures and processes.
-Good computer skills
-Prior exposure to UNHCR refugee operations and functions relating to office administration and programme activities.
-Capacity to support written translation and oral interpretation between Turkish and English, as required.

PLEASE DO NOT USE TURKISH CHARACTERS IN YOUR NAME & SURNAME INFORMATION.

Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern is subject to successful reference checks and integrity clearance.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training, or any other fees).
Only short-listed candidates will be notified. The recruitment process might include a written test and/or oral interview for this job opening. No late applications will be accepted.

External candidates should be legally present in Türkiye at the time of application, recruitment, and hire.

Non-Turkish citizens are required to upload their residence permits or relevant documents under the ‘Certifications’ section, by selecting the type as ‘Personnel Administration – Other’, in order to be considered for this job opening.

Applications by non-Turkish citizens will NOT be considered if a valid residence permit is not attached to the application.

For further information on how to apply, please visit the ‘UNHCR - Application and Selection’ page at https://www.unhcr.org/how-to-apply.html.

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Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance

RemoteNo