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 key player in the global migration landscape. IOM's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, ensuring that the rights and dignity of migrants are respected. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration management, including humanitarian assistance, development programs, and policy advocacy. 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 position is designed to support the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) of the Department of Children, Integration, Equality, Disability and Youth in Ireland. The role involves providing Community-Based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (CB MHPSS) to international protection applicants residing in transit accommodation centers in Dublin. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Senior Project Coordinator and the Site Coordinator Assistant, focusing on the implementation of project activities related to counseling services for international protection applicants. This includes facilitating communication between service providers and migrants, assisting with administrative procedures, and supporting mental health professionals in delivering MHPSS services. The Cultural Mediator will play a crucial role in improving the psychosocial well-being of beneficiaries and enhancing their resilience during their application for international protection.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate communication between service providers and migrants, ensuring neutrality, accuracy, impartiality, and confidentiality.
• Provide interpretation services from English into various migrants' languages and vice versa.
• Assist international protection applicants in understanding administrative procedures and completing relevant forms.
• Collect information and data for case identification and referrals.
• Support IP applicants in reaching out to service providers through interpretation and mediation.
• Identify vulnerabilities among IP applicants and refer them to appropriate services.
• Assist 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 counseling sessions and psycho-education activities.
• Prepare documentation related to project activities and report to the Project Management Team. 1
• Perform any other related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma with at least four years of relevant professional experience or a university degree with at least two years of relevant professional experience. Completion of training in cultural mediation for mental health settings and competence in MHPSS specialized vocabulary is considered an asset. Accredited universities must be listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma or a university degree in a relevant field. Candidates with additional training in cultural mediation, particularly in mental health settings, will have an advantage. The educational qualifications must be from accredited institutions recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of experience in cultural mediation within the framework of migrant assistance is required. Previous experience with international organizations, NGOs, EU agencies, or Irish law enforcement and government departments will be advantageous. Knowledge of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and IASC guidelines for MHPSS in emergencies, as well as familiarity with health and migration administrative procedures, is also beneficial. A valid driver’s license with at least five years of driving experience is considered an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Georgian is mandatory for this position. IOM's official languages include English, French, and Spanish. Proficiency in the required languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may involve 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 appointment will be contingent upon medical fitness certification, residency verification, and necessary government authorizations. The selection process may 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 has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.