Cultural Mediator (French)

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

IOM Cyprus is setting up an Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) Hub to provide dedicated, safe and specialized temporary accommodation and pre-departure support for migrants preparing to return voluntarily to their countries of origin, with a focus on individuals and families in vulnerable situations. The Hub supports the completion of pre-departure procedures. The AVR Hub will operate in close coordination with relevant IOM units, national authorities and partners to safeguard beneficiaries' rights, address specific needs, and facilitate timely and dignified departures in line with IOM policies and procedures.

Under the overall supervision of the National Project officer and the direct supervision of the Project Associate (AVR Hub) and in close coordination with the AVR team and relevant technical units (e.g., Protection, Health), the Cultural Mediator will have the following duties and responsibilities:

Responsibilities

1. Provide interpretation and cultural mediation to migrants for effective communication between IOM staff and beneficiaries, including during individual/group sessions and relevant activities.
2. Keep and respect professional confidentiality.
3. Develop and maintain good relations with the beneficiaries, relevant stakeholders and other humanitarian actors to support adequate implementation and coordination of project activities.
4. Support in translating information materials/documents and other needed information used for individual and/ or group activities with beneficiaries.
5. Facilitate communication, through interpretation and/or translation, in a spoken or written language understood by the beneficiaries, between the beneficiaries and the staff, in an objective and impartial way.
6. Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• • High school degree/ certificate with minimum three years of work experience; or
• • University degree from an accredited academic institution with one year of relevant experience is an advantage.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience and Skills

• • Previous work experience in a similar role;
• • Process adequate combination of knowledge, education, training experience to perform essential functions of the position;
• • Experience in working in a multi-cultural environment preferred;
• • Process adequate skills to perform essential functions of the position;
• • Computer literacy in standard software applications;
• • Strong work ethics and commitment to humanitarian principles;
• • Valid driver's license.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in French and English (oral and written) is required.
Knowledge of Greek, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi or any other IOM official language is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM's competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• 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 - behavioural indicators Level 1

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces 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 actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies - behavioural indicators Level 2, if with direct reports

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization's vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization's goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

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

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The accommodation facility will operate on a 24/7 basis, including weekends and public holidays. Staffing will be organized through rotating shifts to ensure continuous care and supervision.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies