Cultural Mediator- Arabic-tigrinya Speaker

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 more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees delivers 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.

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.

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**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;
- 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 principl