Cultural Mediator (Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam), IPO, Citywest

Call for CVs:

Position Title: Cultural Mediator (Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam).

Duty Station: IPO, Citywest, Dublin.

Classification: Consultant

Type of Appointment: Consultancy Type A, 6 months with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: August, 2025

Closing Date: 04.08.2025

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment.

Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy.

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.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

• 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.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• High School diploma with at least five years of relevant experience; or,
• University degree from an accredited academic institution with at least three years of relevant professional experience.

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 Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam is required.

Required Competencies:

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• 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.

Core Competencies

• 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 action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication.

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

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. Vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for IOM personnel who are hired or otherwise engaged by IOM. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates will be requested to provide evidence of full vaccination.
• 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.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, soon after the closing of the advertisement.

Posting period:

From 21.07.25 - 04.08.25

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to €3,000.00 per month

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Dublin, CO. Dublin: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Language:

• English (required)
• Urdu (required)
• Punjabi (required)
• Hindi (required)
• Tamil (required)
• Malayalam (required)

Work authorisation:

• Ireland (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 17/06/2025
Reference ID: w2025_Call for CVs