Regional Coordinator – Based in Gaziantep (Ref: RC-5)

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Regional Coordinator (Southeastern Anatolia)

Position Based in Gaziantep

Background and Introduction

German Sparkassenstiftung für internationale Kooperation (DSIK) is the international consultancy and development arm of the Sparkassen Finance Group, the largest network of German retail banks. DSIK’s mission is to promote financial inclusion all over the world. Funded by its members, the German government and other donors, DSIK experts advise partners in more than 40 countries on topics such as financial literacy and consumer protection, triple bottom line banking, capacity development, small and medium enterprise finance and others.

More people are currently living as refugees than at any time since the Second World War. UNHCR estimates that global forced displacement has surpassed 110.8 million for the first time in history in 2023. With about 4 million refugees on its territory, the Republic of Türkiye is hosting the highest concentration of FDPs by far, mainly owing to the war in Syria which has been ongoing since 2011. Most refugees live in local communities, often in urban and peri-urban areas on the outskirts of bigger cities. The refugees need access to health care, education, employment, and economic opportunities. This situation has generated a multitude of challenges for the Turkish communities hosting refugees in their neighbourhood as well as for local authorities.

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has commissioned the Sparkassenstiftung für internationale Kooperation (Sparkassenstiftung) with the implementation of the project “Financial Inclusion for Refugees and Host Communities in Türkiye” since April 2021 throughout December 2025.

DSIK aims to improve the living conditions of refugees and the economically challenged local host communities in Türkiye. The project objective is to strengthen the financial inclusion of target group by promoting financial and business literacy, supporting entrepreneurial activities and to linking these target groups to financial institutions.

Within this respect Sparkassenstiftung has started main phase of the “Financial Inclusion for Refugees and Host Communities in Türkiye” project in 2021. The project aims to increase the financial and business knowledge of target group and link them into financial institutions. Project partners are governmental and non-governmental organisations such as Ministry of National Education (MoNE), Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS), Turkish Grameen Microfinance Program (TGMP), Halkbank and Chambers of the pilot cities. The pilot regions of the project are Ankara, Bursa, Gaziantep, İstanbul and Konya.

Within this respect, Sparkassenstiftung will recruit a Regional Coordinator (Southeastern Anatolia) to support project team. The main objective of the Regional Coordinator is to support projects of Sparkassenstiftung in his/her specific region. Mainly the Regional Coordinator will be responsible for conducting and organizing trainings in the region, developing relations with partner institutions as well as ensuring increased engagement with relevant financial institutions and funding agencies in Gaziantep and nearby cities. The Regional Coordinator will be expected to organize/attend trainings, meeting, workshop, seminars or any other events in pilot regions when it is required. The Regional Coordinator will maintain close relations with regional financial agencies while working closely with banks and proactively carry out field research and present recommendations about region-based needs that can be incorporated in future collaboration projects as well as provide support to other offices of Sparkassenstiftung, when it is necessary.

Scope of Work

Regional Coordinator plays a crucial role in overseeing and managing operations, programs, or projects within a specific geographical area under the supervision of DSIK Country Representative. The Regional Coordinator directly reports to the DSIK Country Representative. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the industry or organization, but generally, they include:

1. Program Management:

• Implementing and monitoring programs or initiatives within the region.
• Organize and implement field visits in the region.
• Ensuring that projects align with the organization’s goals and are delivered on time and within budget.
• Coordinating with local teams to ensure smooth execution of activities.

2. Team Leadership:

• Managing and supporting a team of employees, volunteers, trainers or partners within the region.
• Providing training, guidance, and performance evaluations.
• Facilitating communication between the regional team and headquarters.

3. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, such as local governments, community leaders, and partner organizations.
• Representing the organization at regional meetings, conferences, and events.
• Addressing any concerns or issues raised by stakeholders.

4. Resource Management:

• Allocating and managing resources, including financial, human, and material resources, to ensure effective program delivery.
• Preparing and managing budgets for regional activities.
• Monitoring resource utilization to optimize efficiency.

5. Reporting and Documentation:

• Collecting data and preparing reports on regional activities, outcomes, and challenges.
• Ensuring compliance with organizational policies and legal regulations.
• Providing regular updates to senior management on the progress of regional initiatives.

6. Strategic Planning:

• Contributing to the development of regional strategies and action plans.
• Identifying opportunities for growth or improvement within the region.
• Analyzing regional trends, risks, and opportunities to inform decision-making.

7. Crisis Management:

• Responding to and managing any crises or emergencies that arise within the region.
• Coordinating with local authorities and emergency services as needed.
• Implementing contingency plans to mitigate risks.

8. Quality Assurance:

• Ensuring that all regional activities meet the organization’s standards of quality.
• Conducting regular assessments and audits to identify areas for improvement.
• Implementing corrective actions when necessary.

9.Effective Communication and Coordination with Sparkassenstiftung Offices:

• Support Country Representative and other Coordinators, regarding the management and organization of trainings and projects in the sphere of responsible finance.
• Support long- and short-term experts to create an expert pool for the needed assignments.
• Build and manage coordination and cooperation between the Sparkassenstiftung Training Experts and the partner institution Training Experts.
• Support the project management with respect to trainings implementation at partner institutions.
• Support the business development process with possible partner institutions in Gaziantep and the region.
• Select most suitable and reliable suppliers for Sparkassenstiftung and ensure that these suppliers provide service at the desired time and quality.
• Support travel arrangements for trainings and meetings.
• Preparing Terms of References and contracts of Short/Long Terms Experts.
• Preparing procurement documents, controlling STE missions and their payments.
• Assist the project with administrative, organisational and management issues.
• Perform other duties and tasks at the request of management.
• Represent Sparkassenstiftung in regional coordination and support field level coordination for planning monitoring and oversight activities.
• Carry out on-site visits to the entrepreneurs of Sparkassenstiftung to monitor their businesses, understand their challenges and ensure that the project goals are being implemented in the region.
• Organize face-to-face or online learning events tailored for the region. Support the management to understand about tailored trainings for the target group.
• Support the team in creation of success stories by collection of relevant public relations material in the field.

Contract and Duration

Contract starting from October 2024 till December 2024 (trail phase), continues till December 2025 with a possible extension.

Place of Duty

Base of the position will be Gaziantep, and s/he will travel to cities in the responsible region as well as pilot provinces of the project when it is needed (Ankara, Bursa, Konya, İstanbul).

Qualifications

• University degree in business administration, social sciences, communication, international relations, business administration or equivalent.
• At least 10 years relevant and professional experience.
• Prior experience managing teams or leading projects, particularly in a regional or multi-location context.
• Experience working with external partners, government agencies, or community groups is often necessary
• Knowledge and experience on international founded projects related with refugees that conducted in Turkey.
• Ability to plan, execute, and monitor projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Ensuring accuracy in reports, budgets, and other documentation.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, manage, and develop a team.
• Proven quantitative and qualitative research and drafting skills.
• Experience in building cooperation with partner organizations.
• Proficiency in relevant software tools (e.g., project management software, Microsoft Office Suite) and possibly familiarity with different communication tools or systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to analyse complex situations, make informed decisions, and solve problems effectively.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Understanding and respecting cultural differences, especially when working in diverse regions. Concerned with and having experience in working with vulnerable groups.
• Experience with budgeting, financial reporting, and resource management.
• Good mentoring and capacity development skills.
• Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves established goals.
• Ability to work in dynamic environments and adapt to changing circumstances or priorities.
• Ability to engage in regional travel as the expert may be required to travel.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) with excellent drafting and communication skills.

Interested candidates are kindly requested to send their CVs to info@sparkassenstiftung-turkey.org till 6 September 2024- 18:00.