Cultural Mediator- French/Arabic Speaker

To respond to the identified gaps, IRC established a small presence in Italy. Programs in Italy include Refugee.Info, a web-based information platform, child protection programming targeting unaccompanied children and victims of trafficking, mentoring programs for the socio-economic inclusion of refugee youth, Women Protection and Empowerment (WPE), and education (social-emotional learning and healing classrooms).

Between April and December 2024 IRC Italia works in a joint effort with UNHCR teams to provide support to persons of concerns in key disembarkation areas as well as in reception facilities and informal settlements in Sicily (including the island of Lampedusa) and Calabria. 

Job Summary

We are looking for an Arabic-French speaking Cultural Mediator to join a roving team composed of a Protection and Specific Needs Expert and other cultural mediators. The team will assist newly arrived individuals in Southern Italy, both at disembarkation points and in reception facilities. The ideal candidate will not only provide cultural mediation services but also offer direct support and lead information sessions with a high degree of autonomy.

Under the guidance of the Protection and Specific Needs Expert, the candidate will identify persons with specific needs and facilitate their referral to relevant services available within the area of operation. Additionally, the Arabic-French speaking Cultural Mediator will assist with data collection and contribute to protection monitoring and assessment activities.

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Key Responsibilities

As a Cultural Mediator, you will:

• Perform outreach activities in key disembarkation areas and reception centers to identify beneficiaries’ needs and vulnerabilities, under the mentorship of the Protection and Specific Needs Expert.
• Support in identifying persons with specific needs, including GBV survivors, unaccompanied and separated children (UASC), and children at risk, facilitating referral to relevant services.
• Provide Arabic and French cultural mediation during information sessions, both in groups and one-on-one meetings.
• Provide accurate and current information on rights and responsibilities to newly arrived individuals, with a focus on asylum procedures. Prioritize women, children, and families and use multilingual materials created by UNHCR.
• Offer information on available services tailored to specific needs.
• Provide feedback on information materials to ensure they meet the needs of newly arrived individuals.
• Assist in delivering psychological first aid (PFA) as needed.
• Support the updating of service mapping developed by the UNHCR team.
• Gather relevant data to support protection monitoring activities.
• Participate in capacity-building activities as needed.
• Undertake any other tasks assigned by the line manager.

Reporting Lines

This position reports directly to the Project Team Leader at IRC Italy.

Desired Travel

The job is located in Catania and requires occasional travel within the local area and nearby regions to support disembarkation procedures and reception facilities.

Requirements

• Proficiency in spoken and written Arabic and French, with a good command of Italian.
• Previous experience in cultural mediation and interpretation is strongly preferred.
• Experience providing information sessions to migrants and asylum seekers.
• A solid understanding of the Italian legal system related to international protection procedures.
• Experience delivering psychological first aid and basic psychosocial support.
• Experience working with GBV survivors and (presumed) victims of trafficking.
• Knowledge of survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and child-centered approaches.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and the ability to use digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving.
• A valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.
• A predisposition for teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to foster a proactive environment.
• Excellent communication and relational skills.
• Political and cultural sensitivity, with qualities of patience, tact, and diplomacy.
• 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

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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