Cultural Mediator

With over 70 years of experience, our focus is on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. We help children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places, inspired by our Christian faith.

Come join our 33,000+ staff working in nearly 100 countries and share the joy of transforming vulnerable children’s life stories!

Employee Contract Type:

Local - Fixed Term Employee (Fixed Term)Job Description:

POSITION: CULTURAL MEDIATOR

WORK LOCATION: Sarajevo, Transit Refugee Centers Blažuj and Ušivak

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 1 Position

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: April 3, 2024

PURPOSE OF POSITION

World Vision is responding to the refugee migrant crisis in BiH by responding to the different needs of migrants - children and adults through psychosocial support, child protection, education, health, nutrition and NFI which are implemented through several different projects. Cultural mediator will be responsible for facilitation of communication among staff members and beneficiaries and/or local community members by translating Arabic/Farsi into English/BHS and vice versa within the project “Social Participation of People on the move and Local Population in Host Communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina” funded by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ),

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide translation and mediation services in order to support WVBiH activities in the field:
• Provide linguistic and cultural mediation services (oral and written) in order to support WVBiH refugee response activities:
• Providing support to World Vision staff in process of preparation of activities
• Supporting World Vision staff in understanding specific aspects of the cultural background of the beneficiaries with whom they have cultural affiliations with the aim to improve the provision of services;
• Exchanging with other cultural mediators and all other staff in order to approach each beneficiary in the most appropriate way;
• Perform translation work from Arabic/Farsi to BHS and from BHS to Farsi for documents and materials, including program-related documents, if needed.
• Perform real-time verbal translation (simultaneous and consecutive) from Arabic/Farsi to BHS and from BHS to Arabic/Farsi for visitors and staff during meetings, field visits and training sessions.
• As needed, assist in guiding interviews with children to gather resources that are child-focused, respectful and demonstrative of the realities and challenges that the refugees face.
• Creating a trustful relationship with beneficiaries, local host communities and partners;
• Guaranteeing the confidentiality, impartiality and neutrality;
• Establishing collaborative relationships with other stakeholders, operating in reception centers and local communities;
• Working collaboratively with WV BiH Emergency Response staff and participate in staff meetings

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR THE POSITION:

• Minimum high school education with 1 year working with children, preferably adolescents
• A person must have at least 1 year of experience in translating Arabic/Farsi
• Bachelor Degree and/or in NGO sector would be considered as an asset
• Strong moral values and discipline
• Experience in use of Microsoft Office applications, e-mail, and other internet applications
• Previous experience with migration context or projects would be considered as an asset.
• Professional experience in the field of social or educational services or in organizations which deal with immigrants or poverty alleviation is an asset;
• Attuned to Child Protection especially in emergencies preferred
• Willingness to work in difficult environment
• Willingness to work as part of a multidisciplinary team;
• Fluent English written and spoken preferred

ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED AS A MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION:

• Work experience in NGO sector is preferred.
• Ability to compromise, negotiate and work well with others.
• Ability to work and problem-solve in high-stress situations;
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize
• Ability to perform well individually and as team member
• Strong flexibility and adaptability
• Openness to others

PREFERRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrates ability to work collaborate with colleagues and partners
• Shows genuine care and empathy for others, expressed in appropriate ways for the context
• Take the initiative to quickly respond to critical situations or opportunities
• Interpersonal communication skills
• Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules, code of conduct and WVI core values https://www.wvi.org/our-vision-and-values

Applicant Types Accepted:

Local Applicants Only