SALAR International & RESLOG Türkiye Project is looking for a part-time National Expert on Local Economic Development and Livelihoods for the Türkiye component of the Resilience in Local Governance Project (RESLOG). The project is financed by the Swedish Government as part of its regional support policies for the Syrian crisis. In Türkiye, the Project is working with selected Unions of Municipalities, municipalities, and other local actors.

About SALAR International (https://salarinternational.se)

SALAR International is an affiliate of the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR), an organization that represents the municipalities and regions of Sweden. SALAR International manages international development projects in the areas of local governance and local democracy, decentralization, and local service delivery.

About RESLOG Türkiye (https://www.reslogproject.org/)

The overall objective of the program in Türkiye is to contribute to the municipalities to become more resilient through strengthened municipal governance, including improved abilities to provide more equal access to services, livelihood opportunities and means for peaceful co-habitation to women and men from Syrian refugee and local communities. 

The purpose of the program encompasses; strengthening provision of municipal services and peaceful cohabitation through fostering of active citizenship, more decent and greener local livelihood opportunities for women and men in refugee and local communities, Turkish local government actors to become more systematic and effective in contributing to migration policies.

Within the framework of Local Development Activities, Project focuses on enhancing capacities of Turkish municipalities to act as catalysts for greener, inclusive local economic development. Additionally, it aims to strengthen the capacities of local governments and civil society organizations to increase income opportunities for vulnerable groups.

Services and Availability

The Expert will work under the guidance of and report to the National Project Manager. The Expert will also work in close communication and collaboration with the rest of the RESLOG Türkiye team.

Main Responsibilities

• Evaluate and enhance the capacities of municipalities in “inclusive” and “green” local economic development
• Develop strategies for local economic development aimed at empowering vulnerable groups, and enhancing city and municipal resilience
• Organize and conduct capacity-building training, workshops, and provide coaching for municipalities and civil society organizations to improve livelihood opportunities for vulnerable groups
• Perform field visits to pilot municipalities and projects
• Prepare and present regular progress reports
• Ensure positive and constructive communication and collaboration with relevant stakeholders

Qualifications:

General Competencies:

• Excellent communications and networking skills
• Working effectively as part of a team
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment
• Strong analytic & reporting skills and strategic thinking
• Computer skills, including MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field (urban studies, economics, urban economics, development studies, etc.)

Technical Expertise

• At least 10 years of overall experience, with a minimum of 5 years in local economic development and/or livelihoods projects (experience in green economy field is an asset)
• Expertise in empowering vulnerable groups (experience with migrants and women is an asset)
• Proficient knowledge and experience in urban resilience and capacity building
• Experience in participatory and collaborative work with stakeholders

Language

• Excellent oral and written skills in English and Turkish (knowledge of Arabic is an asset)

The assignment is expected to start in August 2024. Interested applicants should submit a CV and a letter of interest describing the applicant’s suitability for the position no later than 31 July 2024 with ref: LED–RESLOG. 

Please note that only candidates considered for an interview will be further contacted.