Cultural Mediator Interpreter-National Contract

DRC Greece is looking to recruit a qualified and enthusiastic professional to work in North Greece as Cultural Mediator-Interpreter. Under the supervision of the direct line manager/supervisor, in cooperation with the protection and legal team, the Cultural Mediator/Interpreter will ensure that the asylum seekers and refugees access full range of services available for them both on site and outside their accommodation site depending on needs and priorities decided by the team leader and the Protection Manager. S/he will ensure safe and dignified access to information as well as 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 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.

About the job

Cultural Mediator-Interpreter responsibilities will include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:

• In coordination with, and at the request of the field protection staff, accompany persons of concern via bus or taxi from their place of residence to the service provider and back home again afterwards if needed.
• Support the identification of gaps and barriers prohibiting persons of concern from accessing full range of services that are available for them.
• Provide clear, understandable, and culturally appropriate translation and interpretation services for persons of concern and the service providers, as required.
• Provide precise interpretation during individual counselling sessions with the social workers, the lawyers or/and other DRC or public service providers (hospitals, tax services etc) in line with the weekly schedule.
• 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.
• Assist in organizing and implementing group info sessions and other relevant activities through outreach and info sharing.
• Support interventions aimed at increasing autonomy of asylum seekers and refugees by conveying information on practical aspects of living in Greece.
• Support in coordination with DRC staff in 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
• Strong analytical skills.
• Provide backup support to the protection teams when needed and in exaptational cases to other DRC’s staff.
• Report to the line manager barriers that affect meaningful and safe access to services inside and outside the site.
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the line manager, relevant to the achievement of Protection objectives.
• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the DRC values and ethical standards.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and values.
• Other tasks as required by the Team Leader or/and the Protection Manager to support implementation of DRC’s activities.

About you

• Strong verbal and written in Kurdish (Kurmanji/Sorani) with Arabic, or Farsi/Dari or French language skills is required.
• At least one year working experience in a related field in the refugee context in Greece is required.
• Working knowledge of English is required
• Working knowledge of Greek is a strong advantage.
• Previous working experience with local or international NGOs as well as particular experience in cultural mediation or interpretation will be considered as a strong advantage.
• Experience of community-based or community mobilization work in a humanitarian context is a strong advantage.
• University degree in a relevant field (Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Social Work, Psychology, Law, Migration and Refugee Studies) is desired
• Relevant training or certification related to translation or interpretation is desired
• Computer skills are desired.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

• Designation of Duty Station: Central Macedonia-North Greece (Thessaloniki Sub-Office)
• Position available conditional upon funding
• 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.