Roving 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 displacement 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 fulfilment 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 organisation with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All 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.

• In coordination with, and at the request of field protection staff, accompany asylum seekers and refugees via bus, metro or taxi from their place of residence to the service provider and back home again afterward if needed.
• Provide clear, understandable and culturally appropriate translation and interpretation services for asylum seekers, refugees and the service providers, as required.
• Support persons of concern to fully express and understand the information being exchanged and take written notes if needed.
• Ensure the confidentiality of the information is preserved and respected
• Provide backup support to the protection teams when not accompanying clients
• Other tasks as required by the Field Protection Manager to support the implementation of DRC’s activities

• Excellent command of written and spoken Greek and at least one of the following:
• Basic written and spoken English is required
• Extensive vocabulary and ability to accurately translate complex ideas and information
• Minimum 1 year working experience; previous experience working in the humanitarian sector is preferred 
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, working with different groups, partners and nationalities 
• Ability to work with vulnerable individuals, from children to elderly
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and values 
• Flexible, enthusiastic and willing to learn from others 
• Experience working in a multi-cultural setting
• Competence with Microsoft Word, basic Excel

• Good organisational skills to work autonomously and organise transportation for a variety of clients
• Empathy combined with a genuine desire to improve the quality of the lives of service users
• Ability to think on your feet and make decisions under pressure
• General administrative skills
• Ability to remain calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
• Flexibility to adapt to new roles, tasks and situations;
• Strong observation, analytical and listening skills;
• The capacity to understand and translate medical, legal and procedural information;
• The ability to negotiate, mediate and interpret on behalf of service users;
• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the DRC values and ethical standards
• Strong analytical skills

• The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework.
• Employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization.
• Employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period.
• Employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization.
• Employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request.

   

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 8th of June 2018.

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