Cultural Mediator-National Contract

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacment routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Background

DRC has been operating in Greece since November 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 overall supervision of the Field Protection Manager and in cooperation with the protection staff, the Roving Cultural Mediator will ensure that the asylum seekers and refugees access full range of services available for them both on site and outside their accommodation site. S/he will ensure safe and dignified access to medical, legal and other services, and provide translation and interpretation as well as culturally appropriate, correct and smooth communication between the persons of concern and Greek service providers.

Furthermore, the Cultural Mediator will develop and maintain good relations with the persons of concern, relevant stakeholders and other humanitarian actors, to support adequate implementation and coordination of DRC’s activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

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

• In coordination with, and at the request of the field protection staff, accompany persons of concern via bus or taxi from their place of residence to the service provider and back home again afterwards if needed.
• Identifying gaps and barriers prohibiting persons of concern from accessing full range of services that are available for them.
• Advocate on behalf of persons of concern when accessing service providers and public institutions.
• Provide clear, understandable, and culturally appropriate translation and interpretation services for persons of concern and the service providers, as required.
• Support interventions aimed at increasing autonomy of asylum seekers by conveying information on practical aspects of living in Greece.
• Promoting physical and emotional, cultural and leisure activities available to them outside of the site.
• Provide backup support to the protection teams when not accompanying clients.
• Other tasks as required by the Field Protection Manager to support implementation of DRC’s activities.

Required Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant field
• Strong verbal and written Kurdish (Kurmanji or Sorani).
• Working knowledge of English and Greek is an added advantage
• At least one year working experience in a related field; previous working experience with local or international NGOs will be considered as a strong advantage
• Experience of community-based or community mobilisation work in a humanitarian context is a strong advantage
• Strong computer skills
• High professional ethics

  Skills & Qualities

• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, working with different groups, partners and nationalities
• Strong initiative and self-motivated, with a strong commitment to teamwork and humanitarian principle
• Flexible, enthusiastic and willing to learn from others
• Ability to multitask and cope with competing demands under tight deadlines
• Ability to cope with high workload and stress and identify priority activities and assignments, and adjust priorities as required
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships in a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment

Terms and Conditions