Cultural Mediator

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Position Title: Cultural Mediator
Location: Dublin
Country: Ireland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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 include 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration management, including providing assistance to migrants, supporting governments in migration policy development, and addressing the challenges of migration through comprehensive programs. IOM opened its office in Ireland in 2001 and became a full member government in 2002, providing programming activities in areas such as 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 Cultural Mediator will play a crucial role in supporting the MHPSS project aimed at assisting international protection applicants in Ireland. This position involves providing administrative assistance and support to the day-to-day operations of the project, which is designed to enhance the psychosocial well-being of beneficiaries through community-based mental health and psychosocial support. The mediator will facilitate communication between service providers and migrants, ensuring that the principles of neutrality, accuracy, impartiality, and confidentiality are upheld. The role requires a deep understanding of the cultural and linguistic needs of migrants, as well as the ability to navigate complex administrative procedures related to international protection.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in cultural mediation activities by facilitating communication between service providers and migrants, translating from English to various migrants’ mother tongues and vice versa.
• Support IPAS staff in Citywest with interpretation services.
• Help international protection applicants understand administrative procedures.
• Assist in collecting information and data for case identification and referrals through interpretation.
• Support applicants in reaching out to service providers, including assistance with form completion.
• Identify vulnerabilities among applicants and refer them to appropriate services.
• Provide interpretation support to IOM Implementing Partners in delivering psychosocial support and community engagement activities.
• Conduct outreach activities to facilitate MHPSS services and support mental health professionals in organizing counselling sessions and psycho-education activities.
• Prepare relevant documentation and report regularly to the Project Management Team on activities performed. 1
• Perform any other related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma with at least 4 years of relevant professional experience, or a university degree with at least 2 years of relevant professional experience.
• Completion of training in cultural mediation for mental health settings is an asset.
• Competence in MHPSS specialized vocabulary is preferred.
• Knowledge of PFA and IASC guidelines for MHPSS in emergencies is advantageous.
• Valid driver’s license with at least five years of driving experience is a plus.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess either a high school diploma with significant relevant experience or a university degree from an accredited institution recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Additional training in cultural mediation, particularly in mental health contexts, is highly desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of experience in cultural mediation within the framework of migrant assistance is required. Previous experience working with international organizations, NGOs, EU agencies, or Irish law enforcement and government departments is considered an asset. Familiarity with health and migration administrative procedures will be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly those spoken by migrant communities, is advantageous. IOM’s official languages include English, French, and Spanish, and proficiency in these languages may be evaluated during the selection process.

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 appointment will be contingent upon medical fitness certification and verification of residency, visa, and government authorizations where applicable. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.