Cultural Mediator-French Speaker

Job Description

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries, the IRC aims to restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. Since early July, almost 70,000 refugees and migrants have landed in Southern Italy, particularly in the island of Lampedusa, including 5496 Unaccompanied and Separated Children (UASC hereafter). Between September 22 and October 6 2023, the IRC Italy team conducted a rapid multi-sectoral assessment in Sicily, Calabria, Lazio, Lombardy and Piedmont to determine the needs and challenges of people who have arrived in Southern Italy by sea in the last three months. Since mid-October IRC Italy will set up three roving teams to provide information, referrals, NFIs to people in transit and in emergency reception centers.

Are you passionate about helping people in need? We encourage you to apply!

Job Summary

The French speaking Cultural Mediator provides cultural mediation and interpretation services in Rome, Italy. Reporting to the Program Manager, the job holder will assist the IRC caseworker and psychologist in carrying outreach and protection activities targeting asylum-seekers and people on the move and in the emergency reception centers in Rome. The French speaking cultural mediator will also help with data collection and contribute to protection monitoring and assessment activities.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Providing French cultural mediation during information provision sessions and PFA (psychological first aid) activities with people in transit and in emergency reception centers

• Deliver up-to-date and accurate information to people on the move and asylum-seekers about their right to access asylum procedures and available local services.

• Provide information on and facilitate access/accompany to relevant services, including health, housing and emergency shelter services, transportation, police station, etc.

• Translate relevant materials (flyers, messages) in a timely and accurate manner.

• Assist the case-worker and psychologist with identifying beneficiaries’ needs and vulnerabilities

• Support Case Worker in identifying eligible clients and coordinating NFIs distributions to people on the move and asylum-seekers in collaboration with local NGOs and volunteer groups.

• Support the case-worker and psychologist with gathering the data required for the monitoring and evaluation of the delivered services.

• Any other task assigned by the line manager.

Reporting Lines

Position directly reports to: Program Manager, IRC Italy

Expected Travel

This position is based in Rome.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Fluency in spoken and written French, good command of Italian. Fluency in Arabic will be considered as an asset.

• Previous experience in cultural mediation/interpretation strongly preferred.

• Experience in conducting protection / protection monitoring activities working with local partners, preferably with a nonprofit in the target region would be an asset.

• Predisposed to teamwork, problem solving, ability to create a proactive environment.

• Excellent communication and relational skills.

• Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact, and diplomacy

• Based in Rome.

Disclaimer Clause: This job description is not an extensive list of the skills, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

Standard of Professional Conduct: IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of IRC Persons in any work setting.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity or tribe, gender, age, religion, caste, sexual orientation, differently abled, geographic origin, marital status, veteran status and cultural background (or any other characteristic protected by law). We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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