Cultural Mediator- Arabic Speaker

In response to the increased refugee arrivals into Europe, the IRC established the program initially in Greece, which was expanded with programs in Serbia and wider Balkans and with programs in Germany. Following a first assessment conducted in January 2017 in Italy and another one in July 2017, several critical protection gaps were identified within assistance provided to refugees in migrants in Italy: mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), assistance to unaccompanied children, information provision and legal support. The IRC is responding to these ongoing crises with a three-folded strategy including: direct support to clients; capacity building of civil society organizations; system strengthening of local processes and institutions. Actions cover the impacted regions of Lombardy, Sicily, Lazio, Piedmont, Calabria, and Friuli Venezia Giulia aiming to enhance refugees’ safety, power, education, economic empowerment and mental health – with a focus on the most vulnerable, including women and UAC.

Job Summary 

We are looking for an Arabic-speaking Cultural Mediator to provide cultural mediation and interpretation services in Milan, Italy. Reporting to the Program Manager, the ideal candidate will support the IRC Protection Field Officer and Case Workers in conducting outreach and protection activities for asylum-seekers and people on the move hosted in reception facilities in Milan.

The Arabic-speaking Cultural Mediator will assist in delivering information sessions on rights, labor exploitation prevention, anti-trafficking, available services, and other relevant topics. Additionally, the role will involve providing cultural mediation during life skills and parenting sessions in the reception facilities. The selected candidate will also contribute to protection, monitoring and assessment activities, including data collection, within the facilities.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities 

As a Cultural Mediator, you will:

• Provide Arabic cultural mediation during information provision sessions and one-on-one meetings with people in transit and in emergency reception centers.
• Offer cultural mediation during life skills sessions and parenting sessions.
• Deliver up-to-date and accurate information to people on the move and asylum-seekers about their right to access asylum procedures and available local services.
• Facilitate access to relevant services, including health, housing, emergency shelter services, transportation, and police stations.
• Translate relevant materials (flyers, messages) in a timely and accurate manner.
• Assist the Protection Field Officer/Case Worker in identifying beneficiaries’ needs and vulnerabilities.
• Aid the Protection Field Officer/Case Worker in identifying eligible individuals and coordinating the distribution of non-food items to people on the move and asylum-seekers, in conjunction with local NGOs and volunteer organizations.
• Aid in gathering the data required for the monitoring and evaluation of the delivered services.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the line manager.
• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC Italy.
• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies 

Reporting Lines

This position directly reports to the Program Manager, IRC Italy.

Encouraged Travel

This position is based in Milan and will involve work in multiple reception facilities.

Requirements

We are looking for candidates who:

• Have a strong command of spoken and written Arabic while also being proficient in Italian.
• Have previous experience in cultural mediation/interpretation (strongly preferred).
• Are predisposed to teamwork and problem-solving, with the ability to foster a proactive environment.
• Possess excellent communication and relational skills.
• Are politically and culturally sensitive, with qualities of patience, tact, and diplomacy.
• Are based in Milan.

Standard of Professional Conduct: IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of IRC Persons in any work setting. 

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity or tribe, gender, age, religion, caste, sexual orientation, differently abled, geographic origin, marital status, veteran status and cultural background (or any other characteristic protected by law). We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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