Cultural Mediation Associate (somali)

Organizational Context

IOM, established in 1951, is the leading UN agency for migration, promoting humane and orderly migration globally. IOM Ireland, operating since 2001, manages various migration services including resettlement, protection, and integration support. The organization fosters an inclusive workplace and supports international protection seekers in Ireland, particularly at the Citywest accommodation facility.

Job Purpose

This role supports the implementation of community mobilization and related activities for international protection applicants at the Citywest accommodation centre. The Cultural Mediation Associate will facilitate communication between service providers and migrants, provide interpretation services, assist in data collection and case identification, and support vulnerability assessments. The position aims to improve the psychosocial well-being and resilience of residents by ensuring effective communication and access to services, contributing to the overall MHPSS objectives within IOM Ireland.

Responsibilities

Provide cultural mediation and interpretation services, facilitating communication between service providers and migrants in their native languages, adhering to neutrality and confidentiality. Offer verbal interpretation for daily communication and data collection within the Citywest accommodation facility. Assist in identifying and referring vulnerable individuals to case management. Support community engagement and awareness-raising activities through logistics and interpretation. Conduct outreach to inform beneficiaries about MHPSS services. Provide interpretation for mental health professionals during individual and group sessions, including remote sessions. Prepare routine documentation and submit basic activity reports. Perform other related tasks as required.

Work Experience

Experience in cultural mediation within migrant assistance frameworks is required. Completion of cultural mediation training for mental health settings and familiarity with MHPSS specialized vocabulary are assets. Previous experience with international organizations, NGOs, EU agencies, or Irish law enforcement/government departments is also desirable.

Skills

Ability to work with migrants and asylum seekers. Strong interpersonal, intercultural competence, and communication skills. Culture-specific knowledge. Capacity to mitigate language barriers objectively. Basic understanding of interpersonal communication and sensitivity to asylum seekers' claims. Knowledge of Irish asylum procedures. Ability to prepare clear reports. Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

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