Project Assistant - Cultural Mediation

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. IOM's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, saving lives and protecting people on the move. The organization drives solutions to displacement and facilitates pathways for regular migration while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various aspects of migration and humanitarian assistance, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the challenges of migration.

Job Overview:
The Project Assistant for Cultural Mediation will be responsible for providing essential support to the Italian Ministry of Interior – Public security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Department in various emergency operations. This role is crucial for ensuring the fast and precise application of first-entry procedures within the framework of the MED.E.A. project. The successful candidate will be based in Bardonecchia, Italy, and will work under the supervision of the Director of the Coordination Office for the Mediterranean, the Chief of Mission in Italy and Malta, and the Programme Manager for Immigration Border Governance. The position requires a proactive approach to assist in the identification procedures of beneficiaries, including receiving and compiling asylum-seekers' claims, translating documents, and providing clerical support to the Immigration Office. The Project Assistant will also be responsible for informing migrants about identification procedures and maintaining communication with the Project coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Area Coordinator regarding vulnerable groups needing specific protection and referral.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Assistant include:

• Providing clerical operational support to the Ministry of Interior – Public Security Department at the assigned Immigration Office.
• Assisting in the identification procedures of beneficiaries, including receiving and compiling asylum-seekers' claims and translating non-official documents from Italian into the migrants' mother tongue and vice versa.
• Supporting the Immigration Office in registering asylum applications, including filing and archiving activities.
• Informing migrants and asylum-seekers about identification procedures, particularly within Hotspots and other border areas.
• Keeping the Project Area Coordinator informed of activities performed, especially concerning vulnerable groups needing specific protection and referral.
• Providing clerical assistance in mediation activities in an objective and impartial manner.
• Offering general information on national laws and administrative procedures related to asylum.
• Preparing all relevant financial documentation related to the project, including payment, reimbursement, and travel, and providing regular reports to the project team.
• Delivering a detailed report at the end of service in line with the standard template provided by the project manager. 1
• Performing any other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Project Assistant position include:

• A High School Diploma with three years of relevant professional experience, or a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent from an accredited academic institution with one year of relevant working experience.
• Previous experience in the framework of migrants' assistance and cultural mediation is a distinctive advantage.
• Experience with international organizations, EU Agencies, and/or Italian Border Police or Police Immigration Offices is also advantageous.
• Familiarity with the IOM Italy Immigration and Border Governance team is considered a distinctive advantage.
• Knowledge of asylum application procedures, including the C3 template used for filing asylum-seekers' claims, is essential.
• Understanding of the work of the Immigration Office, particularly the International Protection Section, is important.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and sensitivity in addressing asylum-seekers' claims are necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a High School Diploma with three years of relevant professional experience or a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent from an accredited academic institution. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of migration and asylum processes, as well as for effectively supporting the Ministry of Interior in its operations.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of one year of relevant working experience if they hold a Bachelor’s Degree, or three years of relevant professional experience if they have a High School Diploma. Previous experience in migrant assistance and cultural mediation is highly valued, as is experience working with international organizations, EU agencies, or Italian Border Police. Familiarity with the IOM's operations in Italy and the Immigration and Border Governance team is also advantageous, as it demonstrates an understanding of the specific challenges and requirements of the role.

Languages:
Fluency in Italian and Urdu is required for this position, both oral and written. Additionally, all IOM staff members are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages, which include English, French, and Spanish. Proficiency in these languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure candidates can effectively communicate in the required languages.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to funding confirmation and the appointment will be contingent upon certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, as well as meeting any residency or visa requirements and security clearances. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination based on various factors. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process and only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system. Late applications will not be accepted, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.