Cultural Mediator

Provide support to migrants in Bulgaria and coordinate activities.

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Application deadline 5 months ago: Tuesday 3 Mar 2026 at 09:00 UTC

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Overview

Provide support to migrants in Bulgaria and coordinate activities.

You have:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Cultural studies, Migration Studies, or related field from an accredited academic institution with at least two years of relevant professional experience
  • High School degree with at least four years of relevant professional experience
  • Fluency in Arabic, Bulgarian and English is required (oral and written)
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
  • Knowledge of Migration issues would be a distinct advantage
  • Previous work experience with EU donors would be a distinct advantage
  • Previous work experience in international organizations and companies would be an advantage

Contract

This is a G-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about G-5 contracts.

This is a Fixed Term contract. More about Fixed Term contracts.

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal candidates are considered first-tier candidates.

Context

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As the leading international organization for migration, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration, and; uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants. In Bulgaria, IOM is focusing on responding to the current migration situation in the country, in support of the Bulgarian Government and in cooperation with all other agencies involved.

Under the direct supervision of IOM’s Bulgaria Protection and Project Development Officer and the overall supervision of IOM Bulgaria’s Head of Mission, the successful candidate will provide support to migrants accommodated in Registration and Reception Centres (RRCs) in Bulgaria and/or living at external addresses.

Qualifications

Education

  • Bachellor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Cultural studies, Migration Studies, or related field from an accredited academic institution with at least two years of relevant professional experience;
  • High School degree with at least four years of relevant professional experience;

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

  • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications;
  • Knowledge of Migration issues would be a distinct advantage;
  • Previous work experience with EU donors would be a distinct advantage;
  • Previous work experience in international organizations and companies would be an advantage.

Skills

  • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Languages

  • For this position, fluency in Arabic, Bulgarian and English is required (oral and written).

IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

  • Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
  • Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
  • Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
  • Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
  • Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 1)

  • Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
  • Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
  • Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
  • Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
  • Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 1) (applicable only if position is with direct reports)

  • Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
  • Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
  • Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
  • Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
  • Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

Notes

  1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
  2. This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
  3. This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for the country where this position is based will be eligible for consideration.
  4. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
  5. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
  6. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
  7. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Responsibilities

  1. Work within a multidisciplinary team as a cultural mediator that includes other IOM staff (social worker, psychologist, legal counsellor, interpreter, AVRR referral counsellor, Safety zones social workers, etc.);
  2. Ensure the case management of migrants, requesting IOM assistance in line with IOM standards, identify specific vulnerabilities and provide appropriate support and/or referral to relevant services;
  3. Coordinate and support the social activities implemented in IOM Safety Zones for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC), located in the State Agency for Refugees (SAR) Registration and Reception Centers (RRC), working closely with the IOM team of social workers, working in therein;
  4. Coordinate with the Finance and Administrative Unit to ensure that administrative, financial, and logistics matters are carried out appropriately, timely and efficiently;
  5. Participate in and actively engage in multidisciplinary meetings with the SAR experts and representatives from other organizations/institutions on individual cases, as needed;
  6. Propose activities, develop ideas and organize cultural, art and sport activities in SAR RRC Safety zone(s) for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, managed by IOM;
  7. Participate and actively engage in community meetings, information session and presentations given to the UASC on different topics, and lead these activities, as needed;
  8. Prepare weekly reports, follow-up with administrative tasks and coordinate the work with colleagues from other IOM programmes;
  9. Undertake any other duties as assigned.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe a time when you effectively mediated between different cultural groups? This question assesses your ability to navigate and bridge cultural differences. Provide a specific example, detailing the context, your actions, and the outcome.
How do you handle challenging situations with individuals from diverse backgrounds? This question evaluates your cultural competence and problem-solving skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies would you use to engage children in activities at the Reception Centers? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you share an experience where you coordinated with other organizations or entities? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe how you would ensure that administrative duties are handled efficiently. What tools would you utilize? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you approach planning social activities for asylum-seeking children? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What does professionalism mean to you in the context of working with migrants? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you stay informed about migration issues and trends? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 5 months ago - Updated 5 months ago - Source: iom.int