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.
Background
The Danish Refugee Council initiated its activities in the island of Lesvos in November 2015 due to the unprecedented influx of asylum seekers. Following new political developments and displacement dynamics in early 2016, DRC expanded its activities to the mainland to support the people living in several sites across the country. With offices in Athens, Larissa and Thessaloniki, it currently implements a wide range of activities, including Site Management Support, legal assistance, identification of individual needs and protection of highly vulnerable persons, access to services within and outside the hosting sites through cultural mediation, and non-formal education. DRC works closely with the refugee communities, the Greek authorities and other humanitarian actors to ensure a protective environment for refugees and asylum seekers in Greece.
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 by providing interpretation to those staff members who are responsible for the realization 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
Required Qualifications
Excellent command of written and spoken Greek AND Farsi languages. Additional languages (especially Kurdish languages or French) will be highly appreciated
Basic level in verbal and written English skills will be considered an asset
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
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
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.