Suat DEDE
Deputy Director General Of Labour
Çankaya
Summary
I aim to leverage my experience in senior stakeholder management, regulatory expertise, and inter-institutional coordination gained in the public sector to create added value in the private sector—particularly in the areas of public affairs and regulatory management. With a strong ability to engage effectively with public institutions, translate complex policy environments into actionable strategies, and bridge the communication gap between public and private sectors, I am well-positioned to support businesses in navigating regulatory landscapes and building impactful public partnerships.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
Work History
Deputy Director General of Labour
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
04.2023 - Current
- Coordinated the preparation process of the National Employment Strategy, involving extensive collaboration across public institutions, private sector representatives, and civil society stakeholders.
- Designed and implemented projects in the fields of responsible business conduct, just transition, and the elimination of child labour, through close coordination with public institutions, the private sector, and international organisations.
- Drafted national circulars aimed at improving working and living conditions of seasonal agricultural workers and addressing psychological harassment (mobbing) in the workplace.
- Spearheaded and currently coordinate Türkiye’s role in the Alliance 8.7 as a Pathfinder Country, serving as the national focal point to support the global implementation of SDG Target 8.7 on the eradication of child labour, forced labour, and human trafficking.
- Actively engaged in shaping policy responses to the labour market impacts of green and digital transformation, with a focus on ensuring just transition.
- Coordinated high-level sectoral dialogue meetings with the active participation of senior representatives from key ministries and sector stakeholders, aimed at capturing sector-specific concerns firsthand and generating targeted, solution-oriented policy responses.
- Supported legislative development processes to adapt national labour law to emerging trends and challenges in the world of work.
- Managed the secretariat operations for the 7th round of national public sector collective bargaining negotiations, ensuring effective communication and documentation between all parties.
Head of Employment Policies Department
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
02.2022 - 04.2023
- Led the implementation of Türkiye’s National Youth Employment Strategy and the National Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour, coordinating multi-stakeholder efforts to promote decent work opportunities for young people and protect children from child labour.
- Coordinated national efforts to improve the working and living conditions of seasonal agricultural workers, leading initiatives to strengthen local implementation of centrally adopted policies through enhanced inter-institutional coordination.
- Managed high-level stakeholder engagement with national and international partners, including the ILO, other UN agencies, and EU institutions, on key labour and social policy areas, such as eliminating child labour, promoting the Decent Work Agenda, and addressing youth and women's employment, as well as preventing NEETs and including disadvantaged groups.
Rapporteur / Coordinator
Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye
12.2018 - 02.2022
- Served as Sector Coordinator for Health and Infrastructure within the Facility for Refugees in Türkiye (FRIT) Coordination Office, playing an active role in the strategic planning, programming and implementation of the FRIT in Türkiye.
- Worked at the Cyprus Affairs Coordination Unit, supporting the coordination of policies and high-level dossiers related to Cyprus issues, and served as a member of the technical committee involved in the implementation and oversight of projects carried out in Northern Cyprus.
- Contributed to the national response to the pandemic through coordination roles in projects focused on developing domestic vaccines and procuring and distributing personal protective equipment and medical devices.
EU Affairs Expert / Assistant Expert
Ministry for EU Affairs (now Directorate for EU Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
07.2010 - 12.2018
- Worked in the Directorate for Political Affairs, contributing to policy alignment and coordination efforts under Chapter 24: Justice, Freedom and Security within the framework of Türkiye’s EU accession process.
- Acted as sectoral expert for IPA-funded projects under Chapter 24.
Parliamentary Advisor
Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM)
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Supported a Member of Parliament by conducting legislative research and policy analysis and preparing written materials to inform parliamentary debates and committee work.
Research and Teaching Assistant
Bilkent University, Department of History
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Provided research support, course material preparation and student guidance for undergraduate courses on modern Turkish history.
- Contributed to academic research projects and archival work in the department.
Education
M.A. - Ottoman History
Bilkent University
01.2007 - 01.2011
M.A. - Atatürk’s Principles and Modern Turkish History
Yildiz Technical University
01.2006 - 01.2007
B.A. - History
Boğaziçi University
01.2000 - 01.2006
Skills
Strategic policy development and coordination
Public affairs and stakeholder engagement
Inter-institutional and international collaboration
Adaptable, solution-oriented, and calm under pressure
Quick to adapt to new roles, teams, and working environments
Experienced in managing projects funded by the EU and the private sector, from design to implementation and reporting
Regulatory analysis and compliance
Strong communication and negotiation skills
Websites
Awards
Fulbright Opportunity Grant, 2010, Jean Monnet Scholarship, 2013–2014 Academic Year (awarded, later withdrawn upon personal request)
Timeline
Deputy Director General of Labour
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
04.2023 - Current
Head of Employment Policies Department
Ministry of Labour and Social Security
02.2022 - 04.2023
Rapporteur / Coordinator
Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye
12.2018 - 02.2022
EU Affairs Expert / Assistant Expert
Ministry for EU Affairs (now Directorate for EU Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
07.2010 - 12.2018
Parliamentary Advisor
Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM)
01.2009 - 01.2010
Research and Teaching Assistant
Bilkent University, Department of History
01.2007 - 01.2010
M.A. - Ottoman History
Bilkent University
01.2007 - 01.2011
M.A. - Atatürk’s Principles and Modern Turkish History
Yildiz Technical University
01.2006 - 01.2007
B.A. - History
Boğaziçi University
01.2000 - 01.2006