Are you a skilled software developer eager to contribute your talents toward a meaningful, mission-driven role? Do you want to use your technical expertise to support critical systems that improve humanitarian responses and protection processes? If so, a unique opportunity awaits you at UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, as a Software Specialist based in Ankara, Türkiye.
This role offers more than just a job — it’s a chance to make a real impact by strengthening technology platforms used by national institutions to support people seeking protection and services. If you meet the qualifications and are ready for a challenging and rewarding experience, read on to learn why this might be the next big step in your career.
About UNHCR and the Role
UNHCR has worked in close partnership with the Government of Türkiye for over six decades to enhance the country’s refugee protection framework. With the establishment of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection (LFIP) in 2013, a central authority — the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM) — became responsible for sheltering, processing and protecting those seeking international protection in Türkiye.
Under the EU-funded project “Supporting Türkiye’s International and Temporary Protection Processes,” UNHCR supports PMM and other institutions through technical, operational, and capacity-building initiatives. A core requirement of the project is to enhance digital infrastructure to ensure better access to protection and service delivery. That’s where the Software Specialist comes in.
Advance Your Tech Career with UNHCR: Join as a Software Specialist in Ankara, Türkiye
Role Purpose & Key Responsibilities
The Software Specialist will serve as a full-time technical expert focused on improving PMM’s internal country-of-origin information database, KURE, strengthening its capabilities and ensuring access to up-to-date, relevant data for decision-makers and protection staff.
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You’ll be employed under an Individual Contractor Agreement for 12 months, working collaboratively with local and international stakeholders. Your contributions will help enable smoother protection procedures and enhance operational effectiveness.
What You’ll Do
Based on operational needs and project requirements, your tasks may include:
Backend and Frontend Development
- Design, develop and maintain backend systems using technologies like ASP.NET, C#, .NET, Entity Framework, and ADO.NET
- Build frontend interfaces with modern web technologies such as HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Bootstrap, AJAX, and frameworks like ReactJS, Angular, or VueJS
- Develop and optimize database objects, including Stored Procedures, Functions, Triggers and integrations with MSSQL, Oracle, or PostgreSQL
Web Services and System Integration
- Create and maintain RESTful APIs, SOAP, WCF services that support application functionality
- Ensure reliability, performance and scalability of software modules
Version Control and Collaboration
- Use versioning tools such as Git, Azure DevOps, TFS or SVN
- Work closely with UI/UX designers and backend developers to translate designs into pixel-perfect code
Problem Solving & Innovation
- Troubleshoot and debug complex systems
- Implement efficient coding paradigms such as Clean Code, SOLID principles, and Design Patterns
Qualifications and Experience
UNHCR is looking for a candidate with a solid foundation in software development, complemented by the ability to adapt, collaborate and contribute in a multicultural environment.
Required Qualifications
To be eligible, you should meet the following:
- University degree in computer science, software engineering, programming or related field
- Minimum 3 years of work experience in software development, support and maintenance
- Proven experience in at least two backend projects (references required)
- Strong proficiency with:
- ASP.NET MVC, .NET, C#, IIS 8.0+
- Web technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Bootstrap, JQuery, XML
- Web services: SOAP, REST, Web API, WCF
- ORM tools such as Entity Framework
- Version control systems
- Experience with one or more modern frontend frameworks (React, Vue or Angular)
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Turkish
Desirable Skills (Not Mandatory, but a Plus)
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)
- Knowledge of distributed caching (Redis, Memcached)
- Experience with mobile app development
- Familiarity with ELK Stack, OCR or image processing
- Experience with microservices and responsive design
These additional competencies will deepen your contribution to complex software environments and can give your application a competitive edge.
Contract Terms & Work Conditions
If selected, you will be engaged under an Individual Contractor Agreement — a contract of limited duration tailored to deliver specific technical results. Important details include:
- Monthly remuneration: USD 3,521 (paid in Turkish Lira)
- Working hours: 40 hours per week, including potential night shifts and weekend duties
- Leave: 2.5 working days per month of service, plus sick leave
- You are responsible for arranging medical insurance, and must comply with tax, social security and legal requirements in Türkiye
- Non-Turkish applicants must secure MFA clearance and have valid residence permits
It’s also important to note that this contract does not confer staff member status with UNHCR and there’s no guarantee of renewal beyond the initial period.
Collaboration and Expectations
UNHCR places strong emphasis on teamwork, flexibility and cross-functional collaboration. As a Software Specialist, you’ll work closely with colleagues, stakeholders and institutional partners to ensure project milestones are met and systems evolve effectively.
Regular progress reports, including deliverables and time tracking, will be expected as part of performance monitoring.
Application Process & Tips
To be considered:
- Apply timely through the official UNHCR Workday recruitment platform
- Complete your Workday profile with accurate experience, education, language skills and certifications
- Upload valid residence permits if you’re a non-Turkish citizen
- Avoid using Turkish characters in your name and surname fields
Applications sent by email or outside the official platform will not be considered. Short-listed candidates may be invited to written tests or interviews.
This position is highly competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. Only applicants legally present in Türkiye will be considered.
Why This Role Matters
Working for UNHCR isn’t just about coding — it’s about contributing to humanitarian goals that affect millions of lives. By enhancing software systems used in protection processes, you play a direct part in improving access to services for vulnerable populations.
This role blends technical challenges with real-world impact — a rare opportunity for software professionals who want their work to matter.
