Business Advisory Specialist (Mersin)

Host entity: IOM Türkiye

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Project management, programme development, strategy, Education, Finance, accounting

Application deadline: 25/08/2026

Mission and objectives

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. IOM is part of the United Nations system, as a related organization. IOM supports migrants across the world, developing effective responses to the shifting dynamics of migration and, as such, is a key source of advice on migration policy and practice. The organization works in emergency situations, developing the resilience of all people on the move, and particularly those in situations of vulnerability, as well as building capacity within governments to manage all forms and impacts of mobility. The Organization is guided by the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including upholding human rights for all. Respect for the rights, dignity and well-being of migrants remains paramount.

Assignment context

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of IOM and the direct oversight of the Mersin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ensuring the effective implementation of project activities in line with project objectives, work plans, and established procedures.

The mandate of the Mersin Chamber of Commerce and Industry is to represent and advocate for the interests of the business community, support sustainable economic development, facilitate trade and investment, and provide services that enhance the competitiveness and capacity of its members at both national and international levels.

In this context, the UN Volunteer (UNV), working in line with the objectives of the International Organization for Migration, will support the Chamber and its members by delivering targeted business advisory services to enterprises engaged or interested in cross-border trade. The UNV will also facilitate capacity-building trainings and foster business-to-business networking opportunities to strengthen partnerships and enhance cross-border trade and economic cooperation.

The incumbent is responsible for supporting the development of cross-border trade opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the provision of business advisory services, capacity-building activities, and stakeholder engagement. The role involves monitoring developments in local and international trade regulations, policies, and market trends to provide SMEs with up-to-date guidance and support. The incumbent facilitates trade-related trainings, business-to-business networking events, and other initiatives aimed at enhancing SMEs’ capacity to engage in cross-border trade.

The position also requires identifying and promoting business opportunities, establishing and maintaining networks with relevant stakeholders at local and international levels, and supporting the development of partnerships that contribute to trade growth. The incumbent is responsible for monitoring and updating business networking platforms and online tools, ensuring the accuracy and relevance of information available to participating SMEs.

In addition, the role includes conducting regular follow-ups with SMEs to monitor their engagement, assess progress, and provide ongoing support where needed. The incumbent contributes to project implementation through monitoring, reporting, and assessing activities against project objectives and targets, ensuring timely and effective delivery of outputs. The position performs other related duties as assigned in support of project goals and organizational priorities.

Task description

Under direct supervision of National Project Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake following task:

• Provide business advisory services to SMEs interested in engaging in cross-border trade.
• Follow latest developments and policy changes and maintain a strong understanding of local and international trade-related regulations.
• Facilitate trade-related training for SMEs.
• Facilitate business-to-business networking events.
• Identify and promote opportunities for cross-border trade among SMEs.
• Monitor, control, and submit new entries to business networking platforms and online tools.
• Conduct regular follow-ups with SMEs to ensure engagement and progress.
• Conduct meetings and establish networks locally and internationally to support cross-border trade development.
• Monitor, report on, and assess project objectives and progress.
• Perform any other duties assigned by supervisor.

Skills and experience

• At least 5 years of professional experience is required.
• A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, business, economics, engineering, education, or a related field is required; an advanced degree is desirable.
• Proven experience in project management is required.
• Proven experience in facilitating events, trainings, and similar activities is required.
• Proven experience in private sector or labor market related programmes is required.
• Proven experience in working with governmental bodies is required.
• Previous experience with United Nations agencies is desirable.

Competencies and values

• Strong monitoring and reporting skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse cultures and stakeholders.
• Awareness of different private sector contexts across cultural settings.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
• Adaptability and flexibility in dynamic working environments.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated professionalism and a strong commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace.

Living conditions

This is a volunteer assignment, not employment. By sharing your time, energy, and talents, you can support communities in need and become part of something greater than yourself — a global movement for peace, development, and humanitarian aid. Volunteering strengthens trust, solidarity, and reciprocity among citizens, and it can promote a sense of belonging and purpose.

The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator.

Summary of National UN Volunteer (National Specialist) Entitlements: Paid in Local Currency
• Current Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) is USD 1,860 (Paid in Turkish Lira)
• Private insurance: Health, dental, life, and dismemberment coverage by CIGNA
As per the UN’s diplomatic mission status, it is not included in the National Security Institution’s (SGK) system, but can only be initiated on a private basis by UN Volunteers.
• Entry allowance (one-time payment): USD 200 (Paid in Turkish Lira)
• Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month.
• Free access to different learning platforms and UN & UNV network

Notes:
1) The allowances are in no way to be understood as a salary, compensation, or reward in exchange for the volunteer work.
The full entitlements at the duty station: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment, and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service. The allowances are in no way to be understood as salary, compensation, or reward in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. For more information on entitlements, please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos).

2) It's important to note that UNV assignments are volunteer assignments, not employment.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.