About the Assignment:

Join the forefront of human rights advancement in Türkiye. The EU-funded ETKINIZ III Programme is seeking dynamic and qualified experts to support civil society in monitoring and advocating for human rights. Based in Ankara with nationwide activities, this long-term assignment offers the opportunity to collaborate with CSOs, empower grassroots initiatives, and shape policy dialogue with international impact. Help elevate civic voice, influence change, and promote compliance with international human rights standards.

Project Description:

Funded by the European Union, this vital initiative is designed to bolster civil society’s capacity to monitor human rights and advocate for reforms in line with international frameworks. The project aims to support human rights monitoring initiatives, deliver targeted capacity building, foster international and national advocacy, and facilitate dialogue and visibility for civil society efforts. The overarching goal is to strengthen civil society’s role in democratic governance and rule of law in Türkiye.

Assignment Duration:

The intended start date for the project is 1 November 2025, and the contract’s implementation period will extend over 48 months from this date.

Location:

The primary place of operation will be Ankara, Türkiye. Travel within Türkiye and occasional missions outside the country may be necessary.

Expert Profiles:

1. Key Experts

1.1 Key Expert 1: Team Leader (Full-time, 100% in-country)

Qualifications and Skills:

• Hold a University degree. A University degree in a relevant field for this action is preferred (e.g. political sciences, law, social sciences, etc.). A post-graduate degree in a relevant field such as human rights will be an asset.
• Excellent English (written and spoken); Turkish is an asset.

General Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience as Team Leader/Programme coordinator is required; previous experience in EU-funded programmes is an asset.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in programme or project management is required; Experience in programme or project management in a relevant field such as Human rights, civil society development, etc. will be an asset.

Specific Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in relevant fields such as Human rights, civil society, human and social development, etc.
• Previous experience in the following topics will be an asset:
  • Local context, including legal framework on human rights and civil society in Türkiye;
  • Civil society role in human rights monitoring, promotion and protection;
  • International human rights mechanisms framework, including at the European level.

1.2 Key Expert 2: Civil Monitoring and Advocacy Expert (Full-time, in-country)

Qualifications and Skills:

• Hold a University degree. A University degree in a relevant field for this action is preferred (e.g. political sciences, law, social sciences, etc.). A post-graduate degree in a relevant field such as Human rights will be an asset.
• Excellent English; Turkish is an asset.

General Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in relevant fields such as human rights, civil society, human and social development, etc.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in programme or project management. Experience in programme or project management in a relevant field such as human rights, civil society development, etc. will be an asset.

Specific Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in working for/in support of CSOs on issues related to Human Rights monitoring, promotion and protection.
• Previous experience in the following topics will be an asset:
  • Previous experience in EU-funded programmes;
  • International human rights mechanisms and framework, including at the European level.
  • Local context, including legal framework on human rights and civil society in Türkiye

1.3.Key Expert 3: Civil Society Capacity Development Expert (Full-time, 100% in-country)

Qualifications and Skills:

• Hold a University degree. A University degree in a relevant field for this action is preferred (e.g. political sciences, law, social sciences, etc.). A post-graduate degree in a relevant field such as Human rights will be an asset.
• Excellent English; Turkish is an asset.

General Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in relevant fields such as Human rights, civil society, human and social development, etc.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in programme or project management. Experience in programme or project management in a relevant field, such as Human Rights, civil society development, etc., will be an asset.

Specific Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in the design and delivery of capacity-building activities for CSOs (including trainings, workshops, seminars, etc.), including in event organisation and facilitation.
• Experience in the following topics will be an asset:
  • Previous experience in EU-funded programmes;
  • Human Rights monitoring, promotion and protection;
  • Local context, including legal framework on human rights and civil society in Türkiye

2. Non-Key Experts (NKEs)

We are also seeking expressions of interest from Non-Key Experts in the following indicative areas:

• Communication and Campaigning: Media relations, advocacy, online tools, event promotion.
• Digital Empowerment and Data Management: Data processing, visualisation, reporting, digital tools.
• Legal Support: Turkish and international human rights law; legal frameworks, compliance.
• Additional Profiles: Training, legal aid, media outreach, gender, children’s rights, monitoring, digital security, international advocacy, etc.

Each NKE role has minimum qualifications aligned with their field of expertise and a demonstrated understanding of the Turkish civil society landscape and human rights frameworks.