Community Mobilizer (Maternity Cover)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration. The organization provides services and advice to governments and migrants, and is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. IOM has been operating in Ireland since 2001 and became a full member government in 2002, focusing on various areas of migration management including Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration, Resettlement, Family Reunification, Counter-Trafficking, Protection, and Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).

Job Overview:
The Community Mobilizer will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Community Engagement Associate to implement project activities related to community mobilization for international protection applicants residing in transit accommodation centers in Ireland. The role involves engaging with affected communities to build trust, encouraging participation, and supporting inclusive involvement in project activities. The Community Mobilizer will also be responsible for organizing creative, cultural, and recreational activities to promote social interaction and well-being among different community groups. Additionally, the position requires mapping community resources and cultural groups, promoting local traditions, and facilitating awareness campaigns on mental health and social inclusion. The incumbent will also assist in conducting community needs assessments and support the collection of data to identify individuals or groups needing psychosocial or protection support.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Engage directly with affected communities to build trust and encourage participation in project activities.
• Organize creative, cultural, and recreational activities for different community groups to promote social interaction and well-being.
• Identify and map community resources, cultural groups, and creative talents, supporting them in organizing inclusive activities.
• Encourage and strengthen local cultural, religious, and creative traditions to enhance community resilience and cohesion.
• Facilitate and promote activities such as social theatre, art and music workshops, storytelling, poetry, and sports events based on community needs.
• Support daily communication with affected populations, ensuring two-way information sharing and collecting feedback for the Project Management Team.
• Provide technical guidance to community focal points and volunteers to strengthen community participation and ownership of activities.
• Support awareness campaigns on MHPSS and community well-being using culturally appropriate messages.
• Assist Social Workers and team members in conducting community needs assessments and mapping exercises. 1
• Prepare brief reports on activities and outcomes and perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma with at least five years of relevant experience; or a university degree with at least three years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 2 years of experience in cultural mediation in the framework of migrants’ assistance.
• Previous experience with international organizations, NGOs, EU Agencies, or Irish law enforcement or Government Departments is an asset.
• Ability to work with migrants and asylum seekers, demonstrating interpersonal skills such as empathy and emotional resilience.
• Strong intercultural competence and communication skills, with culture-specific knowledge.
• Capacity to prevent and mitigate conflicts and bridge gaps due to language misunderstandings.
• Knowledge of the procedures related to the asylum application in Ireland.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and concise reports and work with statistics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess either a high school diploma with significant relevant experience or a university degree from an accredited institution listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. The educational background should be complemented by practical experience in relevant fields, particularly in cultural mediation and support for migrants.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of experience in cultural mediation specifically within the context of assisting migrants. Candidates with previous experience working with international organizations, non-governmental organizations, EU agencies, or relevant government departments in Ireland will be preferred. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to engage effectively with diverse communities and support their needs.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both oral and written. All IOM staff members are required to be fluent in one of IOM's official languages, which include English, French, and Spanish. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial and will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, and only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Ireland will be considered. The contract duration may be shorter than the period mentioned in the advertisement to align with the expiry date of the work permit. The selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar positions for a period of 24 months. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination.