Cultural Mediator - French/Dioula Speaker

Requisition ID: req51059

Job Title: Cultural Mediator - French/Dioula Speaker

Sector: Interpretation

Employment Category: Co-staff Italy

Employment Type: Full-Time

Open to Expatriates: No

Location: Agrigento, Italy

Work Arrangement: In-person

Job Description

Roving Agrigento/Catania/Lampedusa/Reggio Calabria

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 50 countries, the IRC aims to restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure.

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 concern 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 a French-Dioula Cultural Mediator who will join a mobile team aiding newly arrived individuals in Southern Italy. Alongside a Protection Expert and fellow mediators, they'll offer cultural mediation, direct support, and informational sessions independently. Guided by the Protection Expert, they'll identify those with specific needs and connect them with local services. Additionally, they'll assist with data collection and contribute to protection monitoring and assessments.

Join IRC Italia as a French-Dioula Cultural Mediator and play a crucial role in vital protection and support initiatives. Apply now to be part of our impactful team!

MajorResponsibilities

Responsibilitiesinclude, but are not limited to:

• Conduct outreach in key areas, identifying needs and vulnerabilities under guidance from the Protection Expert and in coordination with UNHCR teams.

• Assist in identifying specific needs such as GBV survivors and UASC, facilitating referrals to relevant services with a focus on GBV support.
• Provide French and Dioula cultural mediation during information sessions in key areas.
• Deliver accurate information on rights and asylum procedures, prioritizing women, children, and families.
• Offer information on available services based on individual needs.
• Provide feedback on informational materials to ensure they meet the needs of newcomers.
• Assist with psychological first aid as required.
• Support updating service mapping.
• Aid in gathering data for protection monitoring.
• Participate in capacity-building activities.
• 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 promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies
• Perform any other assigned tasks by the manager.

Job Requirements:

Proficient in spoken and written French and Dioula; familiarity with Susu is desirable; proficient in Italian.
• Preferred experience in cultural mediation/interpretation and providing information sessions to migrants and asylum seekers.
• Knowledgeable about the Italian legal system related to international protection procedures.
• Experience in delivering psychological first aid and basic psychosocial support, especially for GBV survivors and presumed trafficking victims.
• Familiarity with survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches, as well as child-centered methods.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and adept at using digital tools for research and data entry.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and access to a personal, insured vehicle. (All relevant expenses will be reimbursed)
• Team-oriented, proactive, and skilled in problem-solving.
• Excellent communication skills with a respectful and culturally sensitive approach.

Reporting Lines:

Position directly reports to Program Manager, IRC Italy

Working Environment:

This position will be based in one of the four operative disembarkation border locations of Agrigento, Catania, Lampedusa, or Reggio Calabria, with the expectation of regular travels throughout each respective catchment area to provide assistance during disembarkation procedures and within reception facilities.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

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.

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, perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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