Cultural Mediator- French/Arabic Speaker

Following a first assessment conducted in January 2017 in Italy and another one in July 2017, several critical protection gaps were identified within the assistance provided to refugees and migrants in Italy: mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), assistance to unaccompanied children, information provision and legal support. 

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 will work 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 individual with a strong motivation and a demonstrated ability to work effectively as a Cultural Mediator. In this role, you will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with a team of experts in protection and specific needs, as well as other cultural mediators, to provide exceptional support to newly arrived individuals in Southern Italy.

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of newly arrived? Apply now and become a valued member of our team!

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach activities in key disembarkation areas and reception centers to identify beneficiaries’ needs and vulnerabilities, under the guidance of the Protection and Specific Needs Expert and in coordination with UNHCR teams.
• Support the Protection and Specific Needs Expert in identifying persons with specific needs, such as GBV survivors, UASC, and children at risk, and facilitate their referral to relevant services, with a specific focus on GBV services available in different territories.
• Provide Arabic and French cultural mediation during information provision sessions, both in groups and in one-on-one meetings with individuals in key disembarkation areas and emergency reception centers.
• Provide current and precise information on rights and responsibilities to recently arrived individuals, with a focus on women, children, and families, using multilingual informative materials created by UNHCR.
• Offer information on available services according to individuals’ specific needs.
• Provide feedback on information materials to the Protection and Specific Needs Expert to ensure constant adaptation to the needs of newly arrived people.
• Support the delivery of psychological first aid (PFA) as needed, under the guidance of the Protection and Specific Needs Expert.
• Assist in updating the service mapping developed by the UNHCR team to ensure accurate and comprehensive information.
• Gather relevant data to support protection monitoring activities.
• Attend capacity building activities to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Complete any other tasks assigned by the line manager.

Reporting Lines

Position directly reports to: Program Manager, IRC Italy

Expected Travel

As a Cultural Mediator, you will be based in one of the four operative disembarkation border locations of Agrigento, Siracusa, Lampedusa, or Reggio Calabria. Regular travel throughout each respective catchment area will be expected to provide assistance during disembarkation procedures and within reception facilities.

Requirements

• Fluency in spoken and written Arabic and French, with a good command of Italian.
• Previous experience in cultural mediation/interpretation is strongly preferred.
• Experience in providing information sessions to migrants and asylum seekers.
• Good knowledge of the Italian legal system linked to the international protection procedure.
• Previous experience in delivering psychological first aid and basic psychosocial support.
• Experience working with GBV survivors and (presumed) victims of trafficking.
• Knowledge of survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches, as well as a child-centered approach.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.
• Strong teamwork and problem-solving skills, with the ability to create a proactive environment.
• Excellent communication and relational skills.
• Politically and culturally sensitive, 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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