Turkey: Government Relations Manager

General Description of the Programme

GOAL - an International Humanitarian Organisation, is an international emergency and development NGO dedicated to alleviating the suffering of the poorest and most vulnerable. GOAL was established in 1977 and is currently operational in 13 countries world-wide.

GOAL an International Humanitarian Organisation has had a presence in Turkey since 2013 and is contributing to the migrant response since 2016 with a focus on responding to needs in health service delivery, social safety nets and the protection of vulnerable and marginalised migrants in southern Turkey.

GOAL has been working in Syria responding to the acute needs of conflict-affected communities. GOAL is working in Idleb Governate, both through direct implementation and through partners, delivering food, non-food programming to highly vulnerable populations, and provision of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) through support to Water units, as well as emergency support to recently displaced households.

Overview of the Role

The Government Relations Manager, under the supervision of the Systems Director and in coordination with Legal and HR Advisor will ensure ongoing strong working relationships with all Government stakeholders, at national and provincial levels, are maintained and further developed. The Government Relations Manager will specifically oversee functional management of daily government liaison of all GOAL offices within Turkey to ensure adequate representation to all local and national government entities and at all relevant meetings.

The Government Relations Manager performs a wide range of duties including following:

Main Responsibilities:

• Establish, nurture and manage cordial working relationships between GOAL and Government at all levels;
• Represent GOAL in all relevant meetings workshops, conferences, seminars etc. held at national and provincial level government departments;
• Prepare and update strategic analysis of the government policies and procedures related to the GOAL’s work
• Contribute to development and implementation of government engagement strategy;
• Provide advice to the SMT on strategies to further improve the working relationship with government departments at various levels;
• Make suggestions and recommendations to PR and Communications staff on appropriate content and targeting of GOAL promotional literature,
• Support the smooth and efficient operations of the GOAL Turkey programme.
• Support other Senior Staff Members to represent GOAL with Government Ministries and Departments at all levels, whenever appropriate;
• Work closely with Legal and HR Advisor to advise on governorate specific reporting requirements throughout GOAL area of operation and presence in Turkey;
• In coordination with Legal and HR Advisor, facilitate any required MoUs, agreements and appropriate formal permissions from the concerned government ministries and departments to support development and delivery of GOAL project and programmes;
• Facilitate the border crossing for GOAL’s staff between Turkey and Syria;
• Undertake regular visits to relevant government ministries and departments;
• Ensure all queries from Government Officials are addressed timely and adequately;
• Direct line management of Senior Liaison Officer and Liaison Officers.
• Capacity building of GOAL staff and partners in establishing good working relationship with government departments;
• Any other task assigned by the Systems Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Requirements (essential)

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, preferably communications, public relations, international development or international relations;
• Minimum 2 years practical experience of close relationship with key stakeholders in the government departments at various levels;
• Extensive Understanding of Government of Turkey;
• Extensive Experience of political analysis and analytical reports;
• Fluent in Turkish and English both written and spoken;
• Excellent presentation, oral and writing skills in Turkish and English;
• Ability to communicate and work well with staff at all levels of the organisation;
• First class analytical, diplomatic and communication skills;
• Proven persuasion and negotiation skills;
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural and human skills;
• Computer literate.

Requirements (desirable)

• Previous experience in management/coordination positions in INGOs in Turkey.

Application deadline is 22 May 2018.

General terms and conditions

GOAL has a Code of Conduct and a Child Protection Policy, which have been developed to ensure the maximum protection of programme participants and children from exploitation. GOAL also has a confidentiality policy ensuring the non-disclosure of any information whatsoever relating to the practices and business of GOAL, acquired in the course of duty, to any other person or organisation without authority, except in the normal execution of duty. Any candidate offered a job with GOAL will be expected to adhere to these and other relevant GOAL policies.

Any job offer made is also subject to background checks. GOAL is an equal opportunities employer.

This Job Description only serves as a guide for the position available. GOAL reserves the right to change this document.

Thank you.

Interested? Then apply for this position via clicking here and fill out the application form. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.