Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profit-making, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

1. Background

DRC has been operating in Greece since December 2015, providing support to the Greek Ministry of Migration Policy in ensuring dignified reception conditions for refugees and migrants arriving on Lesvos island. In March 2016, DRC expanded its operations in Athens, in response to the changing context and the build-up of refugee population on mainland Greece.

2. Purpose

Under the overall supervision of the Community Service Team Leader, and in support of DRC field staff, the Cultural Mediator will provide translation and cultural mediation services, to ensure appropriate, correct, and smooth communication between the persons of concern and DRC staff.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide translation and cultural mediation services for all DRC field staff, as required
  • Contribute to maintaining and strengthening DRC’s relations with the site population
  • Provide advice to DRC staff, in order to make sure that DRC activities are culturally appropriate for the target population
  • Contribute to raising cultural awareness both within the PoC community, as well as DRC staff
  • Contribute to the continuous efforts for increased communications with persons of concern throughout DRC units, duty bearers and other humanitarian actors
  • Support NFI distributions, verification exercises and other SMS activities, including the exit strategy, by providing interpretation to those staff members who are responsible for the implementation of such activities
  • Support the Help Desk operation by providing interpretation and basic information to PoC
  • When necessary, support the Site Operations team, external contractors and other actors with interpretation and cultural mediation in the sites where DRC operates as an SMS actor
  • Other tasks as required by the SMS team, to support DRC’s activities implementation

4. Required Qualifications

  • Excellent command of written and spoken Farsi and/or Dari.
  • Working knowledge of Greek or English is required.
  • Relevant training or certification related to translation or interpretation will be appreciated
  • General administrative skills are needed, including competence with Microsoft Word, basic Excel
  • Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, working with different groups, partners and nationalities
  • Ability to work with vulnerable individuals, from children to elderly
  • Commitment to humanitarian principles and values
  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the DRC values and ethical standards
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

5. Required Skills & Qualities

  • Core Competencies of DRC:

    • Striving for excellence
    • Collaboration
    • Taking the lead
    • Communication
    • Demonstrating Integrity
  • Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment
  • Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration
  • Strong initiative and self-motivated, with a strong commitment to humanitarian principle and high sense of ethics
  • Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are needed
  • Ability to cope with high workload and stress and identify priority activities and assignments, and adjust priorities as required
  • Multi-tasking and organizational skills is a must, and a good sense of humor

6. Terms & Conditions

  • The contract will be under the Greek Labor Law (this is a national position)
  • All allowances will be provided to the employees (Christmas, Easter, Vacation bonus)
  • DRC provides training opportunities to develop and strengthen the quality of its services as well as its staff members’ professional and personal development.
  • The position will be based in Attika (Greece) and national terms and conditions apply

This vacancy is archived.

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