Project Associate (Cultural Mediator)

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Operations Officer and direct supervision of the Senior Project Associate (Cultural Mediator/Interpretation), the incumbent will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the Assistance Programme by facilitating communication and cultural mediation following functions and responsibilities:

1.  Provide interpretation in Dari and/or Pashto and English to facilitate communication between IOM Assistance Programme Staff to communicate with Afghan evacuees at CAS.

2. Accompany guests to appointments or meetings (e.g. medical visits), where required, to provide interpretation/translation support.

3. Carry out informal written translations for the Assistance Programme from English to Dari and/or Pashto (and vice versa), often working to a tight deadline with high standards of accuracy.

4. Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of all relevant paperwork in line with standards of conduct and data protection rules.

5. Apply humanitarian principles in all duties, as well as a gender, age and diversity-sensitive approach.

6. Contribute to strengthening intercultural understanding among Protection/MHPSS and partner staff by organizing and delivering cultural awareness sessions.

7. Provide inputs for daily, quarterly and annual reports through the use of the SMART CAMP SYNC App to track appointments and requests logged by protection/MHPSS staff.

8. Assist the Complaint and Feedback Mechanism team, when required, with interpretation and / or written translation.

9. Perform such other related duties as may be assigned.

• High school diploma with five years of relevant experience; or,

• Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or related fields from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience.

• Experience working with at-risk community members and individuals with specific needs.

• Experience in the field of migration, including assistance.

• Experience working in a transit centre and/or on a resettlement programme.

• Experience working in a fast-paced, multicultural environment; and

• Prior interpretation and/or translation experience.

• Excellent knowledge and skills in translation and interpretation between the target language(s).

• Demonstrated ability to draft and edit translations in the target language(s).

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in a multicultural setting.

• Strong work ethics and commitment to humanitarian principles.

• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt within the Organization.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software packages.

• Availability and flexibility to work beyond the normal working schedule and on day/evening/night shift duties.

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in English and Dari or Pashto are required (oral and written).

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

Female candidates are strongly encourage to apply.

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.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies