Cultural Mediator

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and offices in over 100 countries, making it a global leader in the field of migration. The organization's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, ensuring that the rights and dignity of migrants are respected. IOM works to provide solutions to migration challenges, support migrants in their journeys, and assist governments in managing migration effectively and humanely. The organization is committed to fostering international cooperation on migration issues and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, including migrants and refugees.

Job Overview:
The Cultural Mediator position is integral to the ALT Caporalato T.R.E. project, which focuses on supporting outreach to migrants and addressing 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 labour exploitation among migrant workers. 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 the Territorial Labour Inspectorates during inspections and information sessions, ensuring impartiality and clarity in communication.
• Assisting project staff by providing general information on national laws and administrative procedures related to recruitment, irregular work, and trafficking in persons.
• Contributing to awareness-raising activities aimed at informing migrants about protection mechanisms available for victims of labour 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, maintaining a neutral stance throughout.
• Performing clerical duties as assigned, which may include documentation, record-keeping, and logistical support for project activities.

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. Accredited institutions are those recognized in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong organizational skills, the ability to handle clerical tasks efficiently, and possess interpersonal skills that enable effective communication with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. A valid driving license is also required for this position.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include either a High School Diploma accompanied by three years of relevant professional experience or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with one year of relevant experience. The educational background should be from institutions recognized in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that candidates have received a quality education that prepares them for the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have experience in clerical or administrative support functions, which may include tasks such as filing, record-keeping, or data entry. Experience in cultural mediation, particularly with migrants or vulnerable groups, is considered an advantage. Previous involvement in community-based initiatives, international organizations, NGOs, or EU Agencies will be viewed favorably, as it demonstrates a commitment to supporting marginalized populations and understanding the complexities of migration issues.

Languages:
Fluency in Italian is mandatory, along with proficiency in at least one of the following languages: Bengali, Arabic, or Chinese. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms in these languages, as the role requires clear and impartial cultural mediation between Italian and the migrants' mother tongues.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that 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, as well as 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 adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that contradicts the organization's aims and objectives, including issues related to sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. Furthermore, IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.