Cultural Mediator (on call)

Under the general supervision of the Director, Coordination Office for the Mediterranean and Chief of Mission in Italy and Malta, the coordination of the Head of the Migration Management Unit (MMU) and the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator/Manager, the incumbent will be acting as Cultural Mediator on call (hourly contract) within the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) project “RI.VOL.A.RE. in RE.TE.”.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

• Provide oral/written/remote translation and cultural mediation services to the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration(AVRR) Team to secure smooth communication between the IOM AVRR team and the migrant potentially interested in AVRR project, RI.VOL.A.RE in RE.TE;
• Provide translation and cultural mediation services to the AVRR Focal Point deployed in different Italina Regions, to better support and provide relevant information on AVRR option to Third Country Nationals migrants;
• As needed, provide the IOM AVRR Team with information regarding the local context within the country of origin and contribute on identifying the range of possible needs the returnees may require upon arrival so a realistic and sustainable individual re-integration plan in the country of origin is implemented;
• Working closely with medical health specialists and the IOM medical doctor, provide interpreting and cultural mediation services so they can better evaluate the cases and report them correctly;
• Provide translation and cultural mediation services to the AVRR Toll Free Number Operator to better support and provide relevant information to Third Country Nationals migrants who are interested in the AVRR option;
• Ensure key differences regarding culture, traditions and/or religion are given adequate attention and consideration to better support migrants and maximize the impact of the AVR/Counsellors’ work;
• Participate in all the training planned to enhance project activities (AVRR, health assessment, gender-based violence, human trafficking, intercultural communication, etc.);
• Perform any other task as may be required.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• High school Diploma;
• Certifications for completed cultural mediator or interpreter trainings would be considered an asset;

Experience

• At least 3 years of working experience in the field of cultural mediation;
• Proven experience in cultural mediation and migration, as well as humanitarian assistance;
• Proven experience with international organizations, NGOs and governmental authorities is an asset;
• Computer skills, specifically hands-on experience in usage of MS Office, would be considered an asset.

Skills

• Intercultural competence and communication skills;
• Knowledge of national asylum and legal procedures within the Italian Immigration Act;
• Familiarity with administrative and procurement procedures;
• Driving license.

Languages

• Fluency in Italian and one or more of the following: Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Bengali, Urdu, Pular, Mandinka, Wolof, Dioula, Bambara, Hausa, Twi, Pidgin, Sinhalese, Hindi, Farsi, Georgian, Farsi, Fula,Turkish, Ukrainiian, and other languages spoken in non-EU countries.

Required Competencies

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: pproduces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Other:

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates will be requested to provide evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19.

This post is subject to local recruitment. Only persons holding a valid residence and work permit for Italy will be eligible for consideration.