The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
In response to the increased refugee arrivals into Europe, the IRC established the program initially in Greece, which was expanded with programs in Serbia and wider Balkans and with programs in Germany. Following a first assessment conducted in January 2017 in Italy and another one in July 2017, several critical protection gaps were identified within assistance provided to refugees in 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. The IRC in Italy provides essential safety, empowerment, education, livelihood and health services to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Our programs operate across the country, including in Trieste, Milan, Rome, Turin and various locations in Sicily and Calabria, with a strong focus on supporting the most vulnerable populations, such as women and children.
Job Summary
IRC is looking for a Ukrainian speaking Cultural mediator, who will be in charge of cultural mediation and interpretation activities to Ukrainian in Milan metropolitan area.
Reporting to the Head of Programs, the Cultural Mediator will assist in conducting outreach, protection and psychosocial support activities for asylum-seekers, migrants and refugees hosted in reception and integration facilities in Milan; assist in delivering information sessions on rights, labor exploitation prevention, available services, and other relevant topics. The Cultural Mediator will be key to overcome linguistic, cultural and social barriers to create trusting relationship with staff and to identify vulnerabilities, needs and priorities of the target population.
The selected candidate will also contribute to monitoring activities and assessment activities, including data collection, within the facilities.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
• Provide Ukrainian cultural mediation, interpretation, translation.
• Conduct outreach activities and local community engagement.
• Assist in delivering individual integration services and psychosocial support activities to target population.
• Co-organize and conduct group activities in Ukrainian
• Co-facilitate focus group discussions and feedback sessions with beneficiaries.
• Promote and actively participate in team meetings and initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC Italy.
• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.
• Translate relevant materials (flyers, messages) in a timely and accurate manner.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the line manager.
• Aid in gathering the data required for the monitoring and evaluation of the delivered services.
Reporting Lines
Position directly reports to: Head of Programs, IRC Italy
Working Environment:
• This position is based in Milan and will involve work in multiple facilities.
• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.
• Occasional domestic (non-local) travel required; up to 10%.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
Requirements:
• Previous experience in cultural mediation / interpretation strongly preferred.
• Fluency in spoken and written Ukrainian and English (or Italian) is required.
• Experience in supporting the delivery of integration activities working with local partners, preferably with a nonprofit in the target region would be considered an asset.
• Experience and demonstrated understanding of working with refugee and vulnerable population.
• Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact, and diplomacy
• Experience in women empowerment, gender-based violence prevention and understanding of gender issues is desirable.
• Be based in Milan.
• Valid driver’s license, and access to a personal, insured vehicle would be preferred
• 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.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
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