Cultural Mediator

Context:

Ukrainian displaced persons arriving in Belgium can register themselves to receive temporary protection. Those who wish to do so may request accommodation. For Ukrainian displaced persons who need a place to stay, the Ghent municipality has identified IOM Belgium and Luxembourg as a partner to support the day-to-day operation of temporary accommodation centres. This would ensure effective functioning of safe places from which the affected population can further look for sustainable options, by integrating into the regular housing market and find income generating activities for the duration that temporary protection remains granted. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, and direct supervision of the Centre Coordinator, the successful candidate will be responsible for interpreting conversations from Dutch or English to Ukrainian and vice versa, participate in daily activities of the centres and identify needs among the residents.

Core functions:

• Work closely with Coordinator, Coordination Assistant and Social Worker to understand where interpretation needs are.
• Support reception desk by interpreting questions or information into Ukrainian or vice versa.
• Contribute to conducive living environment for the residents in the centers.
• Provide ad hoc interpretation support in the centres.
• Participate and propose joint activities in the reception centres.
• Support identification of the needs among the residents in the centre and refer them to social services in the region (school; leisure activities; medical care, among other services) based on existing and available referral mechanisms;
• Always ensure that the Accommodation Centers are safe protection-sensitive environments and that appropriate referral pathways are respected in case of any harm caused to residents.
• Escalate any sensitive issues following the appropriate referral pathways.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Education

• Minimum high school degree with three years of relevant experience

OR

• Education background in social work; pedagogy; cultural mediation; or languages/interpretation studies with 1 year of relevant experience

Experience and skills

• Experience in assisting displaced persons and vulnerable groups;
• Understanding of social services in the region is desirable;
• Experience working in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage;
• Background working with refugees or migrants, and experience in emergency response settings would be a distinct advantage;
• Training or previous work experience on MHPSS is an asset;
• Motivation and willingness to support people in the Ukrainian response is highly appreciated.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, personal commitment, efficiency and flexibility;
• Computer literacy in standard software applications;

Languages Fluency in English and Dutch (oral and written). Working knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian is desirable.