ILC Cultural Mediator (French / Arabic)

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profit-making, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

1. Background

The Danish Refugee Council initiated its activities in the island of Lesvos in November 2015 due to the unprecedented influx of asylum seekers. Following new political developments and displacement dynamics in early 2016, DRC expanded its activities to the mainland to support the people living in several sites across the country. With offices in Athens, Larissa and Thessaloniki, it currently implements a wide range of activities, including Site Management Support, legal assistance, identification of individual needs and protection of highly vulnerable persons, access to services within and outside the hosting sites through cultural mediation, and non-formal education. DRC works closely with the refugee communities, the Greek authorities and other humanitarian actors to ensure a protective environment for refugees and asylum seekers in Greece.  

2. Purpose

DRC Greece is looking to recruit a qualified, flexible and enthusiastic professional to work in Athens ILC as a Cultural Mediator. Under the supervision of the ILC Team Leader and in close cooperation with the Integration Learning Center relevant staff, will provide Cultural Mediation services for the reception and general operation of the ILC and for the implementation of the Integration Courses.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

Under the managerial supervision of the ILC Team Leader, the Cultural Mediator will support the relevant ILC staff in implementing a high-quality integration program, age and culturally appropriate and in line with youth and adult needs.

The main responsibilities include:

• Provide cultural mediation/interpretation when necessary;
• Support the ILC staff in the reception and orientation of the target population in ILC services
• Support the ILC staff in the implementation of non-formal education activities for youth and adults
• Support educators and RSC Facilitators in implementing culturally appropriate educational activities based on age, knowledge and individual needs of children, youth and adults
• Assist with translation tasks, if required and relevant
• Assist ILC staff in administrative tasks when relevant to position and skills
• Assist in the facilitation of joint events with children and adults from both communities, refugees and host, for community harmonization
• Contribute to the reinforcement of existing communication with persons of concern
• Report any potential protection issues/risks identified in the Integration Learning Center to her/his supervisor
• In addition to the above, the Cultural Mediator may be asked to carry out other duties assigned by the ILC Team Leader

4. Required Qualifications

 At least one (1) year of professional experience in a related position (required).

• Prior professional experience working with children will be considered an asset.
• Previous experience with local or international NGOs will be considered an asset. 
• Excellent verbal and good written knowledge of Farsi (required), and/or French, and/or Kurmanji, and/or Sorani and/or Arabic (desirable).
• English: good verbal skills (required) and good written skills (required).
• Greek: good verbal and written skills (desirable).
• Good computer literacy.
• Training or courses in child protection/safeguarding will be considered an asset.

5. Skills & Qualities

• Ability to maintain good working relationships in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Strong sense of initiative and self-motivated, with a strong commitment to humanitarian principles.
• Flexible, enthusiastic, and willing to learn from others.
• Ability to work in a demanding working environment.
• Ability to multitask, cope with multiple demands and establish priorities.
• Core Competencies of DRC:
  • Striving for excellence
  • Collaboration
  • Taking the lead
  • Communication
  • Demonstrating Integrity

6. Terms & Conditions

 The contract will be under the Greek Labor Law (this is a national position).

• All allowances will be provided to the employees (Christmas, Easter, Vacation bonus).
• DRC provides training opportunities to develop and strengthen the quality of its services as well as its staff members’ professional and personal development.
• The position will be based in Attica (Greece) and national terms and conditions apply.

 7. Application Process

 Are you interested? Then apply for this position on line: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English.

DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process. However, applicants must be aware that DRC cannot systemically sponsor non-EU citizen or non-Greek resident for all the steps of legal process to get a work permit and/or a residency permit in Greece.

Applications close on the 5th of October 2021. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.