Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal candidates are considered first-tier candidates.
Context Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Ireland and of the Head of the Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) Unit, under direct supervision of the Senior Project Associate, and in collaboration with relevant units at Headquarters and the Administrative Centres, the successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for providing assistance with the implementation of the cultural mediation activities under the IBG Unit. The project aims to assist International Protection Applicants (IPAs) in Ireland with their application through IOM Cultural Mediators (CMs) and thus support the International Protection Office (IPO) in the management of the International Protection applications daily flow.
- Provide cultural mediation and interpretation support to International Protection Applicants (IPAs) by providing information and facilitating communication with the International Protection Office (IPO) (from English into beneficiaries’ mother tongue and vice versa) during their application process, either in person or online, always respecting the principles of neutrality, accuracy, impartiality, and confidentiality
- Provide administrative and linguistic support to IPAs during the various stages of their application for international protection. This could include, when needed, assistance in the completion of relevant forms.
- Contribute to identifying potential vulnerable cases and signs of exploitation among the beneficiaries assisted and to their onward referral to appropriate services in Ireland.
- Be available to travel from/to sites in the area of the assigned duty station as requested by the Project Management Team (PMT).
- Provide regular reporting as requested by the Project Management Team.
- Assist through interpretation in collection of information and data, case identification, and referrals.
- Assist the Project Management Team with the preparation of all relevant documentation, surveys, and statistics related to the project and regularly report to the PMT on the activities performed.
- Any other related task, as required. Education
- High school diploma with at least five years of relevant experience; or,
- University degree with at least three years of relevant professional experience. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Experience
- At least 2 years of experience in cultural mediation in the framework of migrants’ assistance.
- Previous experience with international organizations, NGOs, EU Agencies and/or Irish law enforcements or Government’s Departments would be an asset Skills
- Ability to work with migrants and asylum seekers
- Interpersonal skills (i.e. empathy and emotional resilience)
- Intercultural competence and communication skills
- Culture-specific knowledge
- Capacity to prevent and mitigate conflicts and bridge gaps due to language misunderstandings in an objective and impartial manner between the beneficiaries and the authorities
- Psychological understanding in interpersonal communication and sensitiveness in addressing the asylum-seekers’ claims
- Knowledge of the procedures related to the asylum application in Ireland
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and work with statistics
- Good experience with Microsoft Office Languages
- For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
- Fluency or mother tongue in Somali is required.
- Working knowledge of Arabic would be considered as an advantage. IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. Required Competencies IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process. Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- 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.
- Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
- Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 1)
- 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 actions and delegated work. Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way. Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 1) (applicable only if position is with direct reports)
Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential. Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential. Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty. Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction. Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings. Notes
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months. This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for the country where this position is based will be eligible for consideration. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies