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 50 countries, the IRC aims to restore safety, dignity, and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure.
Following a first assessment conducted in January 2017 in Italy and another one in July 2017, several critical protection gaps were identified within the assistance provided to refugees and migrants in Italy: mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), assistance to unaccompanied children, information provision and legal support.
To respond to the identified gaps, IRC established a small presence in Italy. Programs in Italy include Refugee.Info, a web-based information platform, child protection programming targeting unaccompanied children and victims of trafficking, mentoring programs for the socio-economic inclusion of refugee youth, Women Protection and Empowerment (WPE), and education (social-emotional learning and healing classrooms).
Between April and December 2024, IRC Italia will work in a joint effort with UNHCR teams to provide support to persons of concern in key disembarkation areas as well as in reception facilities and informal settlements in Sicily (including the island of Lampedusa) and Calabria.
Job Overview
The Arabic-Tigrinya Cultural Mediator will join a mobile team aiding newcomers in Southern Italy, offering cultural mediation and support. They'll work closely with a Protection and Specific Needs Expert to identify and assist individuals requiring specialized services. Additionally, they'll help with data collection and protection monitoring efforts.
Major Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
•Conduct outreach in key areas and reception centers to identify beneficiaries’ needs, coordinating with UNHCR teams.
• Assist in identifying and referring individuals with specific needs, prioritizing GBV survivors, UASC, and at-risk children.
• Provide Arabic and Tigrinya cultural mediation during information sessions.
• Deliver accurate information on rights, prioritizing asylum access for women, children, and families.
• Offer feedback on information materials and support psychological first aid as needed.
• Assist in updating service mapping and support protection monitoring activities.
• Attend capacity-building activities and promote team engagement and cohesion.
• Foster learning, dialogue, and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and promote IRC values.
• Perform any additional tasks assigned by the manager.
Job Requirements:
•Fluency in spoken and written Arabic and Tigrinya , good command of Italian.
•Previous experience in cultural mediation/interpretation is strongly preferred.
•Previous experience in providing information sessions to migrants and asylum seekers.
•Good knowledge of the Italian legal system linked to the international protection procedure.
•Previous experience in delivering psychological first aid and basic psychosocial support;
•Previous experience in working with GBV survivors and (presumed) victims of trafficking;
•Good knowledge of the survivor-centered, trauma-informed approach, and child-centered approach;
•Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes.
•Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.( All relevant expenses will be reimbursed)
•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
Reporting Lines:
Position directly reports to Program Manager, IRC Italy
Working Environment:
This position will be based in one of the four operative disembarkation border locations of Agrigento, Catania, Lampedusa, or Reggio Calabria, with the expectation of regular travels throughout each respective catchment area to provide assistance during disembarkation procedures and within reception facilities.
The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.
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, perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
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