Cultural Mediator

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to encompass 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration management, including migration health, humanitarian assistance, and integration support. IOM Ireland has been active since 2001, addressing migration issues through programs such as Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration, Resettlement, Family Reunification, Counter-Trafficking, and Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).

Job Overview:
The Cultural Mediator position at IOM Ireland is crucial for facilitating communication and understanding between service providers and migrants, particularly those seeking international protection. The role involves providing cultural mediation and interpretation support to enhance the psychosocial well-being of migrants residing in the Citywest accommodation facility. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Chief of Mission and collaborate closely with the MHPSS team to implement community mobilization activities and ensure effective communication between beneficiaries and service providers. The position requires a commitment to neutrality, accuracy, and confidentiality while assisting in the identification of vulnerabilities among migrants and supporting their access to necessary services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide cultural mediation and interpretation support to facilitate communication between service providers and migrants, ensuring respect for neutrality and confidentiality.
• Assist IPAS staff in Citywest with verbal interpretation to support daily communication with beneficiaries.
• Help collect routine information and data through interpretation during case identification and referrals.
• Support beneficiaries in contacting service providers by providing impartial interpretation and mediation.
• Identify vulnerabilities among beneficiaries and refer them to the Senior Case Management Associate for further assistance.
• Assist IOM partners in community engagement activities by providing logistics, interpretation, and outreach support.
• Conduct outreach to inform beneficiaries about available MHPSS services and scheduled activities.
• Provide interpretation assistance during group and individual counseling sessions, focus group discussions, and psycho-education activities.
• Prepare routine documentation and submit reports to the Project Management Team regarding activities performed in Citywest. 1
• Undertake any other related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma with five years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Social Sciences, International Relations, or related fields from an accredited institution, along with at least three years of relevant professional experience. Completion of training in cultural mediation for mental health settings and familiarity with MHPSS specialized vocabulary is considered an asset. Experience in cultural mediation within the context of migrant assistance and previous work with international organizations, NGOs, or government departments is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include either a high school diploma accompanied by five years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Communication, Social Sciences, or International Relations from an accredited academic institution. Accredited institutions are those recognized in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Candidates with additional training in cultural mediation, particularly in mental health contexts, will be viewed favorably.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience, particularly in cultural mediation or related fields. Experience working with migrants and asylum seekers, as well as familiarity with the procedures related to asylum applications in Ireland, is essential. Previous involvement with international organizations, NGOs, or governmental bodies will be considered an asset, particularly if it relates to migrant assistance or mental health services.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency or mother tongue proficiency in Urdu is required. Knowledge of IOM’s official languages, which include French and Spanish, is beneficial and will be evaluated during the selection process, potentially through written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning only candidates with a valid residence and work permit for Ireland will be considered. The appointment is contingent upon medical fitness certification, verification of residency, and compliance with governmental regulations. 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 its objectives, including discrimination and harassment. Furthermore, IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.