Coordinator for Roving Cultural Mediators (RCM) - National Contract

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian, non-governmental and non-profit organization, founded in 1956, that works in 40 countries around the world.

DRC’s mandate is driven by three global strategic objectives within the DRC Assistance Framework: Saving lives and alleviation of immediate suffering among people affected by conflict, Safeguarding, restoration and development of livelihoods, and, Institutional and organizational change that contributes to protection of people’s rights and peaceful handling of conflict.

Background

DRC has been operating in Greece since December 2015, providing support to the Greek Ministry of Migration Policy in ensuring dignified reception conditions for refugees and migrants arriving on Lesvos island. In March 2016, DRC expanded its operations in Athens, in response to the changing context and the build-up of refugee population on mainland Greece.

Purpose

Under the supervision of the Attica Field Protection Manager, the Coordinator for “Roving Cultural Mediators (RCM) will be responsible for the coordination of the movements and scheduling for a team of roving cultural mediators who accompany and/or interpret for vulnerable refugees who need to access medical and other services in the Greek public sector. The RCM Coordinator will work closely with the Protection Monitoring Teams, the on-site medical actors at the various camps, and other stakeholders who request this service. The position is office-based but with regular visits to the sites and hospitals to provide further support and quality control as needed. The RCM Coordinator serves as the direct Line Manager of a team of eight Roving Cultural Mediators.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities will include, but not necessarily be limited, to the following:

Management

• Coordinate the movements and scheduling of appointments for all Roving Cultural Mediators (RCM)
• Allocate the RCM as requested based on language, gender and availability upon receipt of the relevant referrals and follow up on the status of their appointments (completed, cancelled, rescheduled) and prioritize cases based on vulnerability assessment
• Develop and implement an orientation plan for new RCM; ensure that they have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities and that they perform their duties;
• Provide appropriate and relevant information to RCM in regard to refugee and migrant rights in accessing services, provide any new development that will facilitate their access to public services within Greece
• Ensures the team is trained and seeks development and relevant training opportunities
• Regularly organizes and attends team meetings.

Coordination and Representation

• Serve as a focal point between the RCM, the Protection Monitoring Teams in the field, the Field Protection Manager and other actors;
• Liaise directly with external and internal actors to ensure that all the accompaniments are scheduled correctly and handled appropriately
• Supervise, motivates and mentor the team of the RCM
• Coordinate with protection teams and other actors (onsite and offsite) to facilitate access to public services
• Assign tasks to the RCMs and dedicated activities to support other departments (Protection Monitoring, Legal Aid, Site Management Support, Education) at the site only if no appointments are scheduled
• Attend all relevant forums and interagency meetings, with the objective of making positive contributions to coordination and sector-specific fora and committees

Finance and HR

• Coordinate the financial, logistical and other arrangements for the transportation and accompaniment purposes, in compliance with DRC standards and procurement procedures
• Responsible for handling the RCM’s administrative and HR matters and address any changes in shifts in a timely manner, so as not to affect the scheduled appointments of the beneficiaries
• Ensure and maintain all data and reports up to date as well as timely reported
• Conduct administrative duties as required
• Ensure that all RCM understand and comply with DRC Code of Conduct and protection standards of confidentiality, neutrality and impartiality

Reporting and Accountability

• Ensure that all RCM understand and comply with DRC Code of Conduct and protection standards of confidentiality, neutrality and impartiality
• Ensure timely and quality delivery of all organizational and project reports to the Field Protection
• Ensure compliance with internal reporting system and participate in the DRC internal coordination mechanisms as required. 
• Ensure correct and complete update and filing of all Means of Verification according to donor requirements
•  Monitor and analyze trends in the field where RCM are working, in the fields of access to public services and health system in Greece for management, programme and advocacy purposes
• Identify gaps in services provision and opportunities for program development
• Any other duties, as assigned by the Field Protection Manager.

Required Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant field (social sciences, administration, interpretation etc.)
• Minimum 1-3 years working experience in a humanitarian / refugee context; previous working experience with international NGOs will be considered as a strong advantage
• Very good command of verbal and written English and Greek
• Proven track record of staff management, especially of a mobile staff
• Strong computer skills (Word, Excel) and ability to manage basic Excel databases
• Strong professional ethics
• Understanding and sensitivity to the needs of people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures

Skills & Qualities

• Highly organized and able to respond effectively to rapidly changing conditions and competing deadlines with minimal supervision
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork / team-building skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple, completing demands with time constraints
• Strong initiative and self-motivated, with a commitment to teamwork and humanitarian principles
• Excellent communicator
• Knowledge of Greek public services, particularly hospitals, would be a great advantage
• Flexible, enthusiastic and willing to learn from others

Terms and Conditions

The contract will be under the Greek Labor Law, and all allowances will be provided to the employees (Christmas, Easter, Vacation bonus).

DRC provides training opportunities to develop and strengthen the quality of its services as well as its staff members’ professional and personal development.

The position will be based in Attica (Greece) and national terms and conditions apply.

General Regulations

The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework.

The employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization.

The employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period.

The employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization.

The employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request. 

Application Process

Interested? Then apply for this position on line: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies 

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English.  

Applications close on the 8^th of December 2017.

Due to the urgency of the position DRC reserves the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.