Special Vacancy Notice CY2023-50

Open to Internal and External Candidates

Position Title: Cultural Mediator
Duty Station: Nicosia, Cyprus
Classification: Grade G3
Type of Appointment: Special Short term, until 31st March 2024, with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 26 January 2024

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As the leading international organization for migration, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration, and; uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.

In Greece, IOM is focusing on responding to the Mediterranean migrant’s crisis, in support of the Greek Government and in cooperation with all other agencies involved. IOM currently implements interventions within the areas of emergency, preparedness and response, disaster risk reduction, livelihoods, healthcare and psychosocial assistance, assisted voluntary return of migrants, migration and development, resettlement and repatriation, family reunification, counter human trafficking, assistance to vulnerable migrants.

In Cyprus, IOM Seat Agreement was ratified in Parliament in 2014 and in 2015 IOM inaugurated a fully functional office in the country. Complementing Government of the Republic of Cyprus policies, the IOM’s Cyprus Office runs targeted programmes on capacity building for children, on a voluntary solidarity mechanism.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Context:
In the framework of the Solidarity Declaration agreed by European Union Member States (EUMS) and associated countries and in view of the Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism (VSM) which has been established from the five first-line Mediterranean countries for the relocation of asylum applicants towards EUMS and associated countries, IOM will be responsible for ensuring that beneficiaries are adequately prepared for and subsequently transferred on a voluntary basis to the Member State of Relocation (MSR) in safety and dignity by also receiving comprehensive support throughout the entire process.

In view of the above-mentioned project and under the general supervision of the Head of Office, the direct supervision of National Project Officer ( Voluntary Relocation scheme ), the Cultural Mediator, is responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

• Provide interpretation and cultural mediation to migrants for effective communication between IOM staff and beneficiaries, including during individual/group sessions and relevant activities.
• Keep and respect the professional confidentiality.
• Develop and maintain good relations with the beneficiaries, relevant stakeholders and other humanitarian actors to support adequate implementation and coordination of project activities.
• Support in translating information materials/documents and other needed information used for individual and/ or group activities with beneficiaries.
• Facilitate communication, through interpretation and/or translation, in a spoken or written language understood by the beneficiaries, between the beneficiaries and the staff, in an objective and impartial way.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• High school degree/ certificate with minimum three years of work experience; or
• University degree from an accredited academic institution with one year of relevant experience is an advantage.

Experience and Skills

• Previous work experience in a similar role;
• Process adequate combination of knowledge, education, training experience to perform essential functions of the position;
• Experience in working in a multi-cultural environment preferred;
• Process adequate skills to perform essential functions of the position;
• Computer literacy in standard software applications;
• Strong work ethics and commitment to humanitarian principles;
• Valid driver’s license.

Languages

• Fluency in Arabic and English (oral and written) is required.
• Knowledge of Greek, French, Farsi or any other IOM official language is an advantage.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Other:

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.

Appointment will be subject to the provision of requirements relevant to the position including academic degree(s), professional licenses, criminal record certificate and declaration of relatives in the Organization.

This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for Cyprus will be eligible for consideration.

How to apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications (CV and Cover Letter) in English, to SMCYPIOMHR-Applications@iom.int email address, quoting the vacancy number SVN CY2023-50 and full name in the subject line of the email, by 26 January 2024 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Posting period:
From: 12 January 2024 to 26 January 2024