About the job:
Cultural Mediator/Interpreter will support displacement-affected population coming from Ukraine to Greece and ensure dignified access to a range of services available (including but not limited to information on transportation, access to services and documentation (residency permits, identification documents etc.) in order for them to make informed decisions and address their immediate needs. S/he will also ensure safe and dignified access to services such as medical, legal, integration and others. In addition, the cultural mediator/interpreter will provide translation and interpretation as well as culturally appropriate, accurate, and smooth communication between the persons of concern, DRC Protection / Legal teams, and Greek service providers. In cooperation with the legal aid officers, the Cultural Mediator/Interpreter will also facilitate the preparation of the asylum interview and assist in legal case management when necessary.
The main responsibilities include:
- Provide precise interpretation during individual counselling sessions with the Social workers, the lawyers or/and other DRC staff and facilitate access to public services including interpretation and cultural mediation during group counselling sessions with DRC staff and public service providers (health care providers, tax services, public administration, etc.) in line with the weekly schedule.
• Assist in organizing and implementing group info sessions and other relevant activities through outreach and info sharing.
• Facilitate information provision through in person sessions and through hotline (groups and individual)
• Support in coordination with DRC staff the issuance of administrative papers/necessary documentation (Including Tax numbers, AMKA etc) through information provision, linking with the authorities, support with relevant applications and accompaniment when needed
• Facilitate data collection through focus group discussions, interpretation, cultural mediation, individual questionnaires and surveys as part of hotline desk and during the needs assessment.
• Support the identification of gaps and barriers prohibiting populations at risk from accessing the full range of services that are available to them. Report on barriers that affect meaningful and safe access to services.
• Provide clear, understandable, and culturally appropriate translation and interpretation services for persons of concern and the service providers, as required.
• Act in the best interest of the beneficiary. Communicate with beneficiaries in a protective manner ensuring the respect of their rights.
• Perform day-to-day administrative tasks as required by the job .
• Be ready to be deployed in the field/ Greek border crossing points/sites/municipal facilities etc. upon need.
• Perform duties of the hotline operator based on provided questionnaire, obtain and structure the gathered data in an appropriate manner as per instructions of the respective line manager
• Be involved in feeding IT unit with obtained data from the hotline in a safe and constructive way respecting confidentiality and GDPR principles.
• Respond to ad hoc and urgent requests for interpretation upon coordination with the line manager.
• Provide interpretation applying the principles of accuracy, confidentiality, and impartiality at all times.
• Actively attend supportive trainings and participate in staff meetings as well as actively participating in skill and knowledge sharing activities with colleagues.
• Ensure the observance of the DRC Code of Conduct including PSEA mechanisms, throughout activity implementation.
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the line manager relevant to the achievement of DRC’s objectives and/or to support implementation of DRC’s activities.About you:
• College or University degree in a relevant field or relevant working experience in the fields of Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Social Work, Psychology, Law, Migration and Refugee Studies is an asset
• Relevant training or certification related to translation or interpretation is desired
• Strong verbal and written Ukrainian and English are required
• Working knowledge of Greek and Russian are desirable
• Experience of community-based or community mobilization work in a humanitarian context is a strong advantage.
• Computer skills in data management (i.e. KoBo) are highly desired.
• Empathy, active listening and capacity to deal with people in need in stressful situations.
• Capacity of tolerance, stress management and pressure deriving from intense working situation.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective working relations with local staff and other stakeholders.
• Ability to live and work in a demanding working environment.
• Excellent negotiation, advocacy and communication skills.
• High professional ethics
• 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
Core Competencies of DRC:
- Striving for excellence
- Collaboration
- Taking the lead
- Communication
- Demonstrating Integrity
We offer:
• Designation of Duty Station: Attica.
• Band: I
• 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.
Application Process
Are you interested? Then apply for this position on line: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies
All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages).
Both must be in English.
DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, colour, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process.
However, applicants must be aware that DRC cannot systemically sponsor non-EU citizen or non-Greek resident for all the steps of legal process to get a work permit and/or a residency permit in Greece.
Applications close on the 2nd of May 2022. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.
