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Cultural Mediator-Dari/Pashto Speaker

Agrigento | Catania | Reggio Calabria | Lampedusa

  • Organization: IRC - International Rescue Committee
  • Location: Agrigento | Catania | Reggio Calabria | Lampedusa
  • Grade: Junior level - Junior
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Culture and Sport
  • Closing Date: 2024-12-31

Requisition ID: req50992

Job Title: Cultural Mediator-Dari/Pashto 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        
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 Overview
Are you passionate about aiding vulnerable populations and facilitating their access to crucial services? We are looking for a Dari-Pashto-speaking Cultural Mediator to join our team in Southern Italy. Collaborating with a Protection and Specific Needs Expert, you will assist in identifying and aiding individuals in need, provide cultural mediation, and deliver vital information on rights and available services. Your contributions will support our efforts to restore safety, dignity, and hope to those uprooted by crises. 
If you're proficient in Dari, Pashto, possess previous experience in cultural mediation and providing information sessions to migrants, and are committed to IRC values, we invite you to join us in making a difference!
Major Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 
•Assist Protection Expert in identifying and aiding vulnerable individuals, including GBV survivors and unaccompanied minors, by facilitating referrals to appropriate services.
•Conduct outreach in key areas, providing cultural mediation and delivering accurate information on rights and available services, prioritizing women, children, and families, under the guidance of the Protection and Specific Needs Expert and in coordination with UNHCR teams,
•Provide Dari and Pashto cultural mediation during information provision sessions, both in groups and in one-on-one meetings with people in key disembarkation areas and in emergency reception centers;
•Offer Input for improving informational materials and support in psychological first aid as needed.
•Aid in updating service mapping and gathering data for protection monitoring.
•Participate in capacity-building activities and foster team engagement and cohesion.
•Promote IRC values and adherence to policies through ongoing learning and dialogue.
•Perform any additional tasks assigned by the manager.
Job Requirements:
•Proficiency in spoken and written Dari and Pashto, good command of Italian and English.
•Previous experience in cultural mediation/interpretation is strongly preferred.
•Previous experience in providing information sessions to migrants and asylum seekers.
•Good knowledge of the Italian legal system linked to the international protection procedure.
•Prior involvement in delivering psychological first aid and basic psychosocial support and in working with GBV survivors and (presumed) victims of trafficking.
•Good knowledge of the survivor-centered, trauma-informed approach, and child-centered approach.
•Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); 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. (All relevant expenses will be reimbursed)
•Predisposed to collaboration, problem-solving, and the ability to build a proactive environment.
•Excellent communication and relational skills.
•Politically and culturally critical with qualities of perseverance, tact, and subtlety
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. 
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. 
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, 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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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.