Cultural Mediator

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1951, dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. With over 173 member states and offices in more than 100 countries, IOM works to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including humanitarian assistance, development, and policy advocacy, aiming to improve the lives of migrants and their communities. IOM's mission is to provide services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike, ensuring that migration contributes to the development of societies and the well-being of individuals.

Job Overview:
The Cultural Mediator position is integral to the ALT Caporalato T.R.E. project, which aims to support outreach to migrants and address linguistic barriers during inspections and information sessions. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Director of the Coordination Office for the Mediterranean and the Labour Exploitation Expert. The role involves providing clerical and language support to project activities, ensuring effective communication between migrants and authorities, and contributing to the overall goal of combating labor exploitation. The Cultural Mediator will play a crucial role in facilitating cultural understanding and providing essential information to migrants regarding their rights and available support mechanisms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Cultural Mediator will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing cultural mediation support to Territorial Labour Inspectorates during inspections and information sessions aimed at combating labor exploitation among migrants.
• Assisting project staff by offering general information on national laws and administrative procedures related to recruitment, irregular work, labor exploitation, and trafficking in persons.
• Contributing to awareness-raising activities that inform migrants about protection mechanisms available for victims of labor exploitation and trafficking.
• Accompanying inspection taskforces to various sites, facilitating communication with migrants, and ensuring that their voices are heard.
• Offering language support during outreach activities, inspections, and meetings, while maintaining impartiality and professionalism.
• Performing any other clerical duties as assigned by the project management team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a High School Diploma with a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience, or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution with at least one year of relevant working experience. The educational qualifications must be from accredited universities recognized in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong organizational skills, the ability to handle clerical tasks efficiently, and possess a valid driving license.

Educational Background:
The position requires a High School Diploma or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The educational background should be relevant to the role, with a focus on social sciences, communication, or related fields being advantageous. Candidates with degrees from recognized institutions listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database will be prioritized.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have experience in clerical or administrative support functions, including but not limited to filing, record-keeping, and data entry. Experience in cultural mediation, particularly with migrants or vulnerable groups, is highly desirable. Previous involvement in community-based initiatives, international organizations, NGOs, or EU Agencies will be considered an asset, as it demonstrates familiarity with the challenges faced by migrants and the operational context of the IOM.

Languages:
Fluency in Italian is mandatory, along with proficiency in at least one of the following languages: Bengali, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Chinese, Bambara, Djoula, Wolof, or Foula. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms in these languages to facilitate clear communication between Italian authorities and migrant communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, and only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Italy will be considered. The appointment will depend on the candidate's medical fitness for the role and verification of residency and visa requirements. The IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that contradicts the organization's objectives, including discrimination and harassment. The recruitment process is free of charge, and candidates are encouraged to apply through the IOM online recruitment system, which allows them to track their application status. Recommended candidates may remain eligible for similar positions for up to 24 months.