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.
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 concerns in key disembarkation areas as well as in reception facilities and informal settlements in Sicily (including the island of Lampedusa) and Calabria.
**Job Summary**
We are looking for an individual with a strong motivation and a demonstrated ability to work effectively as a Cultural Mediator. In this role, you will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with a team of experts in protection and specific needs, as well as other cultural mediators, to provide exceptional support to newly arrived individuals in Southern Italy.
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**Specific Duties and Responsibilities**
- Conduct outreach activities in key disembarkation areas and reception centers to identify beneficiaries' needs and vulnerabilities, under the guidance of the Protection and Specific Needs Expert and in coordination with UNHCR teams.
- Support the Protection and Specific Needs Expert in identifying persons with specific needs, such as GBV survivors, UASC, and children at risk, and facilitate their referral to relevant services, with a specific focus on GBV services available in different territories.
- Provide Arabic and French cultural mediation during information provision sessions, both in groups and in one-on-one meetings with individuals in key disembarkation areas and emergency reception centers.
- Provide current and precise information on rights and responsibilities to recently arrived individuals, with a focus on women, children, and families, using multilingual informative materials created by UNHCR.
- Offer information on available services according to individuals' specific needs.
- Provide feedback on information materials to the Protection and Specific Needs Expert to ensure constant adaptation to the needs of newly arrived people.
- Support the delivery of psychological first aid (PFA) as needed, under the guidance of the Protection and Specific Needs Expert.
- Assist in updating the service mapping developed by the UNHCR team to ensure accurate and comprehensive information.
- Gather relevant data to support protection monitoring activities.
- Attend capacity building activities to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Complete any other tasks assigned by the line manager.
**Reporting Lines**
Position directly reports to: Program Manager, IRC Italy
**Expected Travel**
As a Cultural Mediator, you will be based in one of the four operative disembarkation border locations of Agrigento, Siracusa, Lampedusa, or Reggio Calabria. Regular travel throughout each respective catchment area will be expected to provide assistance during disembarkation procedures and within reception facilities.
**Requirements**:
- Fluency in spoken and written Arabic and French, with a good command of Italian.
- Previous experience in cultural mediation/interpretation is strongly preferred.
- 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.
- Experience working with GBV survivors and (presumed) victims of trafficking.
- Knowledge of survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches, as well as a child-centered approach.
- Valid driver's license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.
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