Cultural Mediator-dari/pashtu 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 50 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 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.

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

Are you passionate about aiding vulnerable populations and facilitating their access to crucial services? We are looking for a Dari-Pashto-speaking Cultural Mediator to join our team in Southern Italy. Collaborating with a Protection and Specific Needs Expert, you will assist in identifying and aiding individuals in need, provide cultural mediation, and deliver vital information on rights and available services. Your contributions will support our efforts to restore safety, dignity, and hope to those uprooted by crises.

If you're proficient in Dari, Pashto, Italian, and English, possess previous experience in cultural mediation and providing information sessions to migrants, and are committed to IRC values, we invite you to join us in making a difference

Major Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

- Assist Protection Expert in identifying and aiding vulnerable individuals, including GBV survivors and unaccompanied minors, by facilitating referrals to appropriate services.
- Conduct outreach in key areas, providing cultural mediation and delivering accurate information on rights and available services, prioritizing women, children, and families, under the guidance of the Protection and Specific Needs Expert and in coordination with UNHCR teams,
- Provide Dari and Pashto cultural mediation during information provision sessions, both in groups and in one-on-one meetings with people in key disembarkation areas and in emergency reception centers;
- Offer Input for improving informational materials and support in psychological first aid as needed.
- Aid in updating service mapping and gathering data for protection monitoring.
- Participate in capacity-building activities and foster team engagement and cohesion.
- Promote IRC values and adherence to policies through ongoing learning and dialogue.
- Perform any additional tasks assigned by the manager.

Job Requirements:

- Proficiency in spoken and written Dari and Pashto, good command of Italian and English.
- 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.
- Prior involvement in delivering psychological first aid and basic psychosocial support and 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 collaboration, problem-solving, and the ability to build a proactive environment.
- Excellent communication and relational skills.
- Politically and culturally critical with qualities of perseverance, tact, and subtlety

Reporting Lines:
Position directly reports to Program Manager, IRC Italy

Working Environment:
This position will be based in Reggio Calabria.

Standard of Professional Conduct: IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and sever