IGAM, The Research Centre on Asylum and Migration, was founded in 2013 by a group of academics, researchers, journalists, and humanitarian workers, as an independent and non-profit association to fill the void of there not being any independent research center in Turkey dealing with asylum and migration. The purpose of the organization is to contribute to the development of international refugee laws and principals and to promote the effective implementation of these in Turkey. The main activities of the organization are to conduct academic studies on this subject, support academic research, create a database, raise public awareness, organize training, and establish networks.

In its 7th year, IGAM has been cooperating with national and international NGOs, national public entities, and relevant stakeholders. Some of the IGAMs project are as follows: Keçiören Refugee Consultation and Support Hub funded by ECHO was initiated in April 2018. The daily services and information about how to reach services are provided to refugees by approximately 20 experts in order to improve refugees’ wellbeing. As a strong believer in the importance of cooperation between NGOs that deal with asylum and immigration, IGAM was the leading force for the establishment of the Turkey Refugee Council (TRC). This roof organization brought together 23 NGOs to increase the effectiveness of non-governmental organizations working in the field. The founders of the TRC, which includes an association established by refugees, held its first meeting in November 2017 with the participation of numerous non-governmental organizations, officials of public institutions, and representatives of international institutions. In the field of supporting education mostly for those who left behind (in this context, it is generally refugee girls), IGAM is conducting Gulmakai Network: Champions Work for Girls Education Project. The main objective of the project is to advocate for helping the Syrian refugee girls to access formal schools in Turkey. Since 2013 IGAM’s projects have been funded by donors like ECHO, EU Delegation to Turkey, National Agency, US State Department, British Embassy. Over the seven years, IGAM has been working very closely with international partners like Oxfam International, Malala Fund, GIZ (Qudra Programme), World Vision, Goal Global, Danish Refugee Council, Durable Solution Platform, Hopes. IGAM has been accredited to UNHCR’s Annual Global NGO Consultation Meetings.

AREA / SUBJECT OF THE FELLOWSHIP

It is expected that the expert from the neighbouring country, who will join the programme, will contribute during the programme to the democratisation processes in Armenia and Turkey and to the strengthening of civil society activities through strengthening the bridges between the NGOs in the two countries.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED FELLOWSHİP ACTIVITY

For the proposed fellowship, it is expected to contribute to the IGAM's activities. In IGAM, we;

  • we are working to raise awareness on the full understanding and full implementation of the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees,
  • conduct research on asylum and migration and encourage research,
  • support academic studies,
  • collect and record data,
  • organize information events for refugees and provide support,
  • work to provide psycho-social support to refugees,
  • make recommendations for the development of legislation within the field of migration, and we advocate to raise awareness of political and social issues,
  • actively contribute to the international discussions on asylum,
  • establish networks and platforms between public institutions, the United Nations and other international organizations, non-governmental organizations and universities,
  • carry out capacity building activities for the employees of the civil services and public institutions,
  • work to ensure that all refugee children and young people have access to education,
  • conduct projects, conferences, and workshops to highlight the need for refugees to have access to legal employment,
  • strive to provide a positive, fast, reliable data flow to the media,
  • try to eliminate negative perceptions, especially hate speech in the media and the public, and strive to create a positive perception of refugees,
  • carry out social cohesion projects for refugees,
  • support associations founded by refugees and we encourage refugees to assert their right to gather and form associations,
  • are closely following the developments of forced migration in Turkey and worldwide, and the potential migration movements.

EXPECTED PROFILE

The expected profile for the fellowship would be as following:

  • Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political sciences and public administration or related social science departments. M.A Degree is preferable;
  • Interest in migration and asylum issues;
  • Demonstrated research and writing skills;
  • Fluency in English (written and spoken);
  • Work experience with NGOs and UNHCR is preferable;
  • Knowledge designing and conducting research is preferable.

CONDITIONS OF THE FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Office hours at IGAM are between 09:30 - 17:00 during weekdays. The fellows are expected to be present at IGAM during office hours.

PROPOSED TIME FOR THE FELLOWSHIP

The fellowship activity shall take place for one month between March 2020 - May 2021.