Project Assistant (Cultural Mediation)
Organizational Context
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Italy seeks a Project Assistant for Cultural Mediation. This role operates under the Coordinating Office for the Mediterranean and Chief of Mission for Italy and Malta, supporting the National Labour Inspectorate. The position aims to assist outreach to migrants and overcome language barriers during inspections and information sessions.
Job Purpose
The Project Assistant (Cultural Mediation) will provide essential clerical and language support to IOM's project activities in partnership with the National Labour Inspectorate. The primary purpose is to facilitate communication and understanding between labour inspectors and migrant workers, thereby supporting efforts to combat labour exploitation. This role is crucial for ensuring migrants receive accurate information about their rights and available protection mechanisms, and for enabling effective and impartial labour inspections. The position contributes directly to IOM's mandate of protecting and assisting migrants, particularly vulnerable populations, by overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers in a sensitive operational context.
Responsibilities
Provide cultural mediation and language support during labour inspections and information sessions to facilitate communication between Italian authorities and migrants, ensuring impartiality. Assist project staff by offering general information on national laws and administrative procedures concerning recruitment, irregular work, labour exploitation, and trafficking. Contribute to awareness-raising activities focused on protection mechanisms for victims of labour exploitation and trafficking. Accompany inspection taskforces to various sites, aiding communication with migrants. Perform other related clerical duties as assigned to support project activities and operational needs.
Work Experience
Requires experience in clerical or administrative support functions (e.g., filing, record-keeping, data entry). Experience in cultural mediation, especially with migrants or vulnerable groups, is advantageous. Previous support experience with community initiatives, international organizations, NGOs, or EU Agencies is considered an asset.
Skills
Fluency in Italian and native-level Arabic (oral and written). Ability to provide clear and impartial cultural mediation. Good organizational skills for clerical tasks and documentation. Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication with diverse cultural backgrounds. Driving license required.