Head of Office and Government Liaison At World Vision

With over 70 years of experience, our focus is on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. We help children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places, inspired by our Christian faith.

Come join our 33,000+ staff working in nearly 100 countries and share the joy of transforming vulnerable children’s life stories!

Key Responsibilities:

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 Gazientep, 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 Turkiye 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 Gazientep 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 Turkiye 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 Turkiye align with government policies and priorities, as appropriate.
Represent World vision to external parties in Turkiye 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 Turkiye 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 Turkiye 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 Turiye. 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 Turkiye 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

Applicant Types Accepted:

Local Applicants Only

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