Cultural Mediator

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to become the leading organization in the field of migration, with over 173 member states and offices in more than 100 countries. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, ensuring that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified. IOM's mission includes providing humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, supporting governments in managing migration effectively, and promoting international cooperation on migration issues.

Job Overview:
The Cultural Mediator position is crucial for supporting the Italian Ministry of Interior's Public security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Department in various emergency operations. The incumbent will be responsible for facilitating communication and understanding between migrants and the authorities, ensuring that first-entry procedures are applied swiftly and accurately within the framework of the MED.E.A. project. This role requires a deep understanding of cultural nuances and the ability to provide assistance in a sensitive and impartial manner. The selected candidates will be deployed across multiple duty stations, where they will engage directly with asylum seekers and migrants, assisting them in navigating the complexities of the immigration process. The role demands not only clerical support but also active participation in the identification and registration of asylum applications, making it essential for candidates to possess strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to upholding the rights of vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Cultural Mediator will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to: providing clerical operational support to the Ministry of Interior at the assigned Immigration Office; assisting in the identification procedures of beneficiaries by receiving and compiling asylum-seekers' claims; translating documents and communications between Italian and the migrants' mother tongues; registering asylum applications and maintaining accurate filing and archiving systems; informing migrants about identification procedures, especially in Hotspots and border areas; keeping the Project coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Area Coordinator updated on activities, particularly concerning vulnerable groups; providing objective and impartial mediation assistance; offering general counseling on national laws and administrative procedures related to asylum; preparing financial documentation related to the project; and delivering detailed reports at the end of service as per the project manager's guidelines. The incumbent may also be required to perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a High School Diploma with at least three years of relevant professional experience, or a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent from an accredited academic institution with a minimum of one year of relevant working experience. It is essential that candidates have a strong understanding of the asylum application procedures and the workings of the Immigration Office, particularly the International Protection Section. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate psychological insight in interpersonal communication and the ability to manage conflicts effectively between beneficiaries and law enforcement officers.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a High School Diploma or a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. The educational background should ideally be complemented by training or coursework related to migration, cultural mediation, or social work, which would enhance the candidate's ability to perform the duties of the role effectively.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have previous experience in migrant assistance and cultural mediation, which is considered a significant advantage. Experience working with international organizations, EU agencies, or Italian Border Police or Immigration Offices will also be beneficial. Familiarity with the IOM Italy Immigration and Border Governance team is a distinctive advantage, as it indicates an understanding of the organization's operations and objectives.

Languages:
Fluency in Italian, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, candidates must be fluent in at least one of the following languages: Bengali, Dari, Farsi, Hindi, Sinhalese, or Urdu. Proficiency in these languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. Knowledge of IOM's official languages, which include English, French, and Spanish, is also advantageous but not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Italy will be considered. The appointment will be contingent upon the candidate's medical fitness for the role, verification of residency, visa, and any necessary government authorizations. The selection process may also be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar roles for a period of 24 months. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that contradicts the organization's aims and objectives, including any form of discrimination or harassment. The organization does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.