Position: Country Officer;
Location: Türkiye. You must have the legal right to work in Türkiye at the time of application. There is no relocation or sponsorship support.
Hours: Full-time equivalent with flexible hours and remote working arrangement;
Closing date for applications: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Remuneration: Pay range: ₺ 472,000 – 708,000 TRY per year (remuneration may be paid in a different currency if requested).
Contract type: 1-year fixed-term contract assignment with the possibility of extension.

Description

Independent Diplomat (ID) is a unique non‐profit venture in the world of international relations, diplomacy and conflict prevention. Staffed by former diplomats, international lawyers and experts in international relations, ID offers independent and confidential advice and assistance on diplomatic technique and strategy to governments, political groups, international institutions, and non‐governmental organizations. Our vision is to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable diplomatic system that responds to the needs and priorities of those most affected by crises and conflicts.

ID’s staff are at the forefront of some of the world’s most urgent international crises and foreign policy challenges.  We are engaged in conflict resolution in areas including, but not limited to, Ukraine, Yemen, Mali, and Myanmar.  Our staff are tackling major shared global threats: such as climate change and internet freedom.  And we are seeking to make the system of diplomacy fairer through our effort to improve the working methods of the UN Security Council, ensure meaningful inclusion of women in peace processes, and assist refugees to lead global policy development.

Our staff work day-to-day with the groups and governments with whom we partner, providing advice, negotiating support and strategy. ID currently has a presence globally with offices in New York, London, Washington D.C. and Geneva.

Role Purpose

Independent Diplomat is recruiting a Country Officer in Türkiye to support our Refugee Project.  Launched in 2016, ID’s Refugee Project works to fundamentally change the international system of refugee policymaking to ensure the systematic and comprehensive inclusion of refugees. This work is predicated on the idea that meaningful engagement of legitimate refugee voices in policymaking and decision-making processes will enable lasting and sustainable systemic change to improve the global refugee response system, in the interest of human dignity and social justice.  To do this, ID works in partnership with refugee-led organizations (RLOs) to conduct diplomacy at local, national, regional, and global levels. 

Role Description

The Türkiye Country Officer will work under the supervision of the MENA Regional Project Leads to provide comprehensive support to refugee partners in country. This role is likely to include:

Project Management and Implementation: Lead planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting of Independent Diplomat’s Refugee Project within Türkiye.  Monitor project activities, conduct field visits, and provide technical assistance to refugee-led organisations.

Stakeholder Engagement: In coordination with the MENA Regional Project Leads, establish and maintain strong relationships with in-country stakeholders, i.e. government authorities, local NGOs, international organizations, RLOs etc.  Represent Independent Diplomat at relevant meetings, conferences, and forums.  Facilitate communication and coordination between local stakeholders and the regional/ global Refugee Team.

Reporting and Documentation: Prepare regular reports on progress, challenges, and achievements.  Contribute to the development of communication and funding material.

Policy and Strategy Development: Provide research and support to the Refugee Team. Support refugee partners in Türkiye. Draft background briefings, policy advice, talking points, strategy notes, and op-eds for clients. Contribute to the project strategy at country/regional/global levels.

Capacity Building: Work with refugee partners to implement Refugee Skill Up, a train-the-trainer capacity-building program that was designed in collaboration with refugee leaders around the world. Identify capacity-building needs of local partners.  Organize and facilitate training sessions, workshops, and other capacity-building activities. 

Communications Support: Provide support on Independent Diplomat and refugee partner communications and media engagement by drafting media pieces, outreach to media contacts, and managing the team’s and partners’ social media to maximise impact.

Logistics and Administration: Provide logistic and administrative support for Independent Diplomat activities in the country, when necessary.

Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with Independent Diplomat’s policies, procedures and donor requirements.  Identify and mitigate potential risks to project implementation in-country. 

Skills & Abilities

  • University degree in international relations, political science, international law, human rights, or a related field preferred.
  • 5-10 years of experience in a related field. Those with fewer years of direct experience (3-5 years) may apply if applicant can demonstrate wider relevant experience for the role.
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully work in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment, within and across departments/functions and develop positive relationships within diplomatic networks.
  • A demonstrable interest or experience in refugee policy, with a particular focus on participatory policymaking practices.
  • Excellent analytical and research skills.
  • Excellent writing and communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational and documentation skills.
  • Media savvy, with an ability to use communications to further diplomatic objectives.
  • Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and coordination.
  • Proven experience in project management and evaluation is an asset.
  • Experience working in the respective country or region is required.
  • Preparedness to work with a geographically diverse team over different time zones.
  • Personable and creative self-motivator with an ability to work independently a strong work ethic and a willingness to work flexibly.
  • Commitment to Independent Diplomat’s mission.
  • Candidates must be fluent in English. Proficiency in other languages, particularly Arabic, French, Spanish, Turkish, Amharic, and/or Swahili, is a plus.
  • Candidates with a background of forced displacement are particularly encouraged to apply.

We are a small and nimble team, and the successful candidate will bring enthusiasm and flexibility to the role.

Independent Diplomat is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on qualification and merit.  Our objective is to encourage diversity and have the best available person in every job.  ID’s policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sex (including pregnancy), religion, marital status, familial status, age, alienage or citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, military status, domestic violence victim status or any other unlawful consideration.

Applications

Please submit a maximum two-page CV and one-page cover letter demonstrating your suitability for the position to [email protected], indicating “[SURNAME] – Country Officer – Türkiye” in the email subject line.

The cover letter should:

  • Explain the reasons for your interest in this position;
  • Demonstrate your suitability for the role;
  • Indicate your available start date / notice periods with current employment.

The CV should include the names and contact details of two references.

Due to a large expected number of applicants, we regret that we are unable to confirm receipt of applications or provide feedback to unsuccessful candidates. For further information about Independent Diplomat, please visit our website at: https://independentdiplomat.org/

By submitting an application to ID, you expressly consent to ID processing the personal data contained in your application, including, but not limited to, the information contained in any cover letter, curriculum vitae, resume or references.  We will hold your information securely and use it only to process your application.  When the post has been filled, ID will erase your personal data securely. For further information about ID’s Data Protection Policy, including why and how we process and transfer personal data, and your rights with respect to your personal data, please refer to our website at www.independentdiplomat.org