Programme Support Associate (SME Development), Ankara, Turkey

General

Description of assignment title: Programme Support Associate (SME Development)

Assignment country: Türkiye

Duty stations: Ankara

Work location: On UN premises

Expected start date: 09/12/2026

Duration: 12 months(with possibility of extension)Long-term benefits and allowances

Sustainable Development Goal: 8. Decent work and economic growth

Host entity: IOM Türkiye

Modality: Onsite

Type: International

Volunteer category: Associate UCoS from Apr2026

Work schedule: Full-time

Number of Assignments: 1

Details

Mission and objectives:

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. IOM is part of the United Nations system, as a related organization. IOM supports migrants across the world, developing effective responses to the shifting dynamics of migration and, as such, is a key source of advice on migration policy and practice. The organization works in emergency situations, developing the resilience of all people on the move, and particularly those in situations of vulnerability, as well as building capacity within governments to manage all forms and impacts of mobility. The Organization is guided by the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including upholding human rights for all. Respect for the rights, dignity and well-being of migrants remains paramount.

Context:

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.

Task description:

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 checkâ€‘ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 18 - 80

Required experience: 1 month

Donor priorities:

Nationality: Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Additional eligibility criteria:

This assignment is funded by the Government of Korea and therefore specific criteria apply:
- Candidates must be Korean nationals. Fluency in Korean is required.
- Candidates must be between 22 and 29 years of age at the time of application.
- Candidates who have already served as UN Youth Volunteer funded by the Government of Korea are not eligible to apply (former UN University Volunteers are eligible).
- Serving UN Volunteers will not be considered for other UN Volunteer assignments until they reach three (3) months before the end of contract date of their current UN Volunteer assignment. This provision applies equally to first and subsequent contracts.
- Candidates may apply to a maximum of three assignments and indicate the order of preference in the 'Additional remarks' field when filling in the application form.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The selection will be done by the UN Host Entity at the level of the country of assignment.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 19 July 2026
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Assignment requirements

Relevant experience:

Languages:

Required education level:

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies, International Relations, Social Sciences, or related fields.

Competencies and values:

Skills and experience:

Area(s) of expertise:

Driving license:

Other information