CLOSED --- UNDP looking for RESEARCH ASSISTANT

RESEARCH ASSISTANT FOR EVENT COORDINATION, OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATION (TURKISH NATIONALS ONLY) - GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT (GASTE)
Location :	Istanbul, Turkey, TURKEY
Application Deadline :	18-Aug-14
Type of Contract :	Service Contract
Post Level :	SB-2
Languages Required :	English
Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)	01-Sep-2014
Duration of Initial Contract :	12 months
Expected Duration of Assignment :	Maximum 24 months, based on the satisfactory performance and availability of funding
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Background

IICPSD and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey established a global platform to promote greater private sector engagement in skills generation for integrating disadvantaged groups into the economy and for increasing positive development impacts. The joint IICPSD–TOBB alliance—the Global Alliance for Sustainable Employment (GASTE)—was launched at a signing ceremony during the conference on the Private Sector’s Role in Vocational Training: Lessons Learned from Turkey. GASTE brings together international partners and stakeholders to research and promote new approaches for skills development with an emphasis on private sector–led vocational training. GASTE is expected to foster cooperation and consultation among governments, private sector actors and other stakeholders for change management in skills development. Given the importance of continually improving labor productivity for sustainable growth, IICPSD will partner with other champions in market-born solutions to poverty and business-led skills development programs seeking to enhance human capital, promote inclusive markets and integrate disadvantageous groups into the economy. GASTE aims to: Flag the importance of and promote new approaches in skills development, including through the involvement of the private sector in design and delivery for more sustainable employment and irreversible poverty reduction; Facilitate South–South actionable partnerships among governments, private sector and other stakeholders to enhance development impact through skills development initiatives that mobilize private actors; Share experiences on public–private partnerships and private sector–led initiatives in vocational training and facilitate knowledge transfer; Promote research on and sharing of lessons learned across least developed countries as well as developed countries about how to cooperate with the private sector for effective skill generation and inclusive employment. GASTE will organize several conferences in the upcoming months to launch its novel knowledge products, expand its member network and announce new research initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research Assistant for Event Coordination, Outreach and Communication should work in consultation with and under the guidance and supervision of the UNDP IICPSD Technical Specialist to undertake all necessary substantive and organizational preparations for the GASTE events, to conduct research on the private sector’s role in skills development, to build strategic relationships with existing and potential stakeholders and to support coherent and consistent communication and outreach on behalf of IICPSD. Specifically, his\her responsibilities are but not limited to the following duties: Conduct research in line with GASTE’s goals and scope Provide all necessary assistance to the preparations and agenda planning of key GASTE events Coordinate the daily tasks required for event management & organization, including preparation and dissemination of all information materials to the target audience Provide organizational support to the events including; identifying and securing the venue, speakers and guests; outreach and drafting-distribution of invitations; managing event registration; and other related tasks Prepare the document set for event participants, i.e. press kit, logistics note and any other document deemed necessary Prepare the logistics plan for each event and ensure its proper implementation in coordination with the tour agency, hotels and other partners Provide substantive and research support in line with the subject topic of the events Maintain the relationships with GASTE network, identify, seek and support outreach to new potential partners Ensure synergy with the related projects and other research initiatives of IICPSD Prepare periodic progress reports Ensure the timely and effective management of the activities as scheduled, Perform any additional task deemed necessary by IICPSD Impact of Results: Researched on potential cases; Planned GASTE events successfully organized; Visibility of GASTE at the local, regional and global level increased; Strategized outreach of GASTE network and network expanded List of potential partners, speakers and guests for GASTE events significantly expanded

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards, Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP, and partner organizations, Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability, Functional Competencies: Excellent coordination, communication and research skills, Demonstrates strong organizational and management skills, Proven track record in event coordination, outreach and advocacy Promotes team work, contributes towards building team consensus, Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude, Good teamwork and leadership skills, Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills both in Turkish and English, Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities, Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure, Experience in private sector in development and the role of business actors in skills generation, Ability to coordinate with diverse range of partners, including academics, private sector representatives, government officials and other stakeholders, Good presentation and oral skills Development and Operational Effectiveness: Ability to assist in event planning, results-based management and reporting, Ability to support formulation and organization of conferences, workshops, etc. Good ICT skills,

Required Skills and Experience

General Qualifications Minimum Requirements University degree in related field such as social sciences, international relations, business administration, economics, public administration. Full proficiency in English and Turkish. Excellent command of office software. Assets Masters degree or higher in social sciences, economics, international relations, business administration, economics, public administration. Professional Experience and Qualifications Minimum Requirements Minimum 2, years of professional experience. Assets A good understanding of private sector’s role in development. Knowledge on the role of businesses in skills development. Minimum of 1 year experience in the planning and organization of international events Specific Experience and Qualifications Minimum Requirements Strong research, organizational and communicational skills obtained in an international setup Assets Experience with Project Cycle Management system. Notes: Internships (paid/unpaid) are not considered professional experience. Graduate (masters and above) study can be counted as additional work experience. Obligatory military service is not considered professional experience. Professional experience gained in an international setting is considered international experience. Experience gained prior to completion of undergraduate studies is not considered professional experience. Documents that demonstrate participation to project cycle management are not considered an internationally recognized project management certificate. Other Considerations: Place of Work The work shall be carried out in Istanbul, Turkey. The incumbent might be expected to undertake travel related to this assignment. All the costs related to official travel, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses will be covered by the IICPSD. Reporting Research Assistant for Event Coordination, Outreach and Communication will work under the UNDP IICPSD Technical Specialist to undertake all necessary substantive and organizational preparations for the GASTE events, to build strategic relationships with existing and potential stakeholders and to support coherent and consistent communication and outreach on behalf of IICPSD. S/he will also provide information and support as needed to the UNDP IICPSD Director and Deputy Director. S/he will be responsible of producing all necessary outputs required by the Technical Specialist and other senior staff of IICPSD. S/he will maintain high standards of service delivery, including adherence to deadline, quick response time, accuracy and completeness of information, sensitivity to client needs. Services and Facilities Provided by UNDP IICPSD UNDP IICPSD in Istanbul shall provide the Research Assistant with an office space, access to the Internet and a local telephone line in Istanbul. Payment The SC holder shall be paid in TL on a monthly basis. The amount to be paid to Research Assistant shall be gross and inclusive of all associated costs such as social security, pension and income tax etc. The Non UN Salary Scale for the position is: SB-2 Evaluation Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications listed in the Terms of Reference will be short-listed and called for an interview. Application Information Interested candidates should submit the following application documents: A cover letter stating an expression of interest with a possible starting date for the entire duration of the contract; Most updated CV; Proof of his/her recent work in the relevant area (web links, summary of produced reports, etc) along with at least three professional references who can confirm or familiar with your work; Women candidates are encouraged to apply. Applicants should submit their CVs and the UN Personal History Form P11 through jobs.undp.org no later than 18 August 2014 18:00 pm local time. Hard-Copy applications will not be accepted. Fax Applications will not be accepted. E-mail applications to UNDP Staff will not be accepted. For more details, please refer to the Terms of References located here.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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