Head of Office and Government Liaison

World Vision international

Join and be part of a global relief, development and advocacy NGO, dedicated to work with children, families & communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision International was established in 1950 & operates in nearly 100 countries worldwide.

World Vision is committed to the protection of children and we do not employ people whose background is not suitable for working with children. All employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of all applicable background checks, including criminal record checks where possible.

Job Purpose:

Under the direct supervision of the WVS-Response Program Support Services Director, the WVT Head of Office and Govt. Liaison coordinates various aspects of the WV office in Gaziantep, in accordance with the strategy, objectives, programs and action plans, defined by WVSR.

The position has two primary focuses:

(1) Office coordination which will focus on ensuring regular office level meetings take place across departments and facilitate such meetings, including all staff meetings and coordination meetings involving department heads. As appropriate other aspects supporting coordination will be considered. The position is meant to facilitate coordination but not manage the office or its departments.

(2) This position holder will also be the main contact for government relations and will ensure World Vision is being represented adequately in all relevant entities and external networks through information sharing, regular meetings and technical support where appropriate. This position holder will also develop strong working relationships with all relevant stakeholders in Türkiye and develop linkages with NGO networks where needed to ensure access to project areas and populations. The position will implement this function by collaborating with other WV departments/staff as necessary in both Gaziantep and Amman.

Office and Internal Coordination

• Establish and maintain an effective and fruitful work relationship across departments and functions, in coordination with department heads, to ensure best possible leverage of capacities and opportunities.
• Facilitate weekly/monthly staff meetings with all staff, exchange information, share updates and experiences – Support Functions (P&C, Admin, SC, Security, Finance) are coordinated
• Ensure documentation & archiving filing system are in compliance with the Turkish Audit system
• Ensure documentation & filing system are in order for re – opening and closure of the office
• Ensure Urfa Office is fully operational with the necessary office equipment’s and furniture
• Ensure travel protocols and contingency plans are up to date.
• Share updates from the senior leadership to the Türkiye Team and follow up as needed
• Liaise with the Security Coordinator.

Government engagement and relations

• Ensure World Vision is represented regularly and appropriately at relevant Government ministries and offices (local, provincial and national levels).
• Ensure that WVSR’s humanitarian efforts in Türkiye align with government policies and priorities, as appropriate.
• Represent World vision to external parties in Türkiye including but not limited to the Social Insurance Authority (SGK), Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs for issues related to Work permits, relevant SGK transactions, taxation and other regulatory matters relevant to WV Operations in Türkiye in coordination with Program Support Director and Response Director.
• Ensure accurate and timely information sharing and provide updates to the Line Manager and the Syria Response leadership as appropriate on all relevant regulatory changes
• Engage, where necessary and when needed, in negotiations with Türkiye government authorities to ensure necessary permissions, resources, and support for WV operations
• Facilitate and uphold WV’s positive and respected reputation across all relevant line Govt. Ministries.
• Provide support in all registration, work permit and reporting obligations in a timely and accurate manner.
• Play a key role in coordinating efforts during crisis and emergencies, ensuring WV staff and assets are safe and accounted for.
• Ensure required reporting to Government/Authorities is being done on time and quality in line with the respective requirements.

NGO and other stakeholder engagement

• Support as appropriate Area Managers and other WV staff and their engagement with NGO’s based in Türkiye. This includes donors, (I)NGO’s, civil society organizations, etc. Attend relevant stakeholder meetings at the request of field programs, GAM, etc.
• Work closely with the Syria Response Communications and Advocacy Manager as it relates to media and advocacy opportunities
• Communicate World Vision’s strategy to relevant stakeholders
• In exercising this function due attention will be paid to confidentiality as well as balancing active engagement with considerations of diplomacy and tact.

Formal documents oversight

• Based on a mandate by the Response Director will sign official documents of WV Türkiye including MoUs, Contracts, Financial and all registration related documents. All such documents need to be reviewed as needed by field programs, risk and compliance, etc
• Sign off documents related to the Government Audits

Partnership management

• Support the WVS Partnership Manager’s engagement with local partners as appropriate

KNOWLEGDE / QUALIFICATION FOR THE ROLE

Required Professional Experience

• At least 3 years of progressive work experience in an international NGO, United Nations Agency, public administration, relevant Government institutions or related field
• Good understanding of the role of the UN, its agencies and ways of working
• Good understanding of the role of iNGOs and nNGOs and their ways of working
• Excellent writing, research, policy analysis and report writing skills
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills. Experienced in external engagement/lobbying (UN Agencies, Government)
• Experiences in networking and building coalitions
• Fluent in oral and written English and Turkish, with skills in Arabic desired

Required Education, training, license, registration, and certification

• University degree or equivalent.
• 4-6 years overall professional experience and 3 years of related experience.

Preferred Knowledge and Qualifications

1. Experienced in external engagement/lobbying (UN Agencies, Government)

2. Experiences in networking and building professional coalitions

3. Good networking and communication skills

4. Proven experience in coordination of activities

4. Cross cultural sensitivity and thorough understanding of the local context, cultural and political situation

6. Experience in managing a team

Travel and/or Work Environment Requirement

This role will be based in the World Vision office in Gaziantep with regular travel to WV offices within Türkiye. The position will also be required to travel to WV Syria response office in Amman as required.

Language Requirements

Excellent English and Turkish, with skills in Arabic highly desired

Applicant Types Accepted:

Local Applicants Only