CWS/Bosnia Refugee/Migrant Program Cultural Mediator

JOB DESCRIPTION

CWS BACKGROUND/SUMMARY

• Church World Service (CWS) is a not-for-profit organization working for the world where all have food, voice and a safe place to call home. CWS has a mandate to stand with – and for – the world’s most vulnerable people. Too often, they are children and their mothers. Regardless of the context, our goal is empowerment. The people we meet are determined to rise above their circumstances and CWS is committed to providing them with support to attain self-sufficiency, dignity and security.
• CWS Europe’s programming includes literacy training for and the empowerment of Roma women, education and empowerment for Roma children, and Renewable Energy Technology for the Rural Poor across the region (Georgia, Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia). CWS is also responding to the needs of refugees and migrants on the road to beginning a new life, serving them where they are, and helping them find safety in both urban and camp locations around the world.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• Under direct supervision of the CWS/Bosnia Refugee/Migrant Program Supervisor, the Cultural Mediator will primarily provide linguistic and cultural mediation supporting the provision of quality program services and facilitating the communication between our beneficiaries and CWS staff. Furthermore, the role will require provision of general support during field activities, and developing activities with and for refugees/migrants (educational, creative, sports, etc.), general office support, translation services and other ad-hoc duties as required. The Cultural Mediator will work in close collaboration with CWS/Bosnia program team.
• The Cultural Mediator will be based in Bihac, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The employment period is 12 months, including a 3-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Working in the refuge/migrant center/s and engaging in program activities for 6 consecutive days during the week, from Monday to Saturday, 6 hours a day;
  
• Providing support to the team in establishing and maintaining communication with refugees/migrants, ensuring that team interventions are adapted to the cultural context from which refugees/migrants come from;
  
• Enhancing cultural awareness of CWS staff through orientation activities and mediation;
  
• Providing translation and interpretation applying the principles of accuracy, confidentiality and impartiality;
  
• Providing written translations of documents when needed;
  
• Assisting in developing, organizing and implementing program activities;
  
• Advising team members on the specifics of culture and customs;
  
• Identifying the most vulnerable beneficiaries, especially those with health and safety risks;
  
• Providing necessary information to refugees/migrants related to the improvement of safety, risk prevention, health, travel, procedures, etc.;
  
• Referring refugees/migrants to other services (medical and legal assistance, food, clothing, internet communication, etc.) in accordance with the referral mechanism created for that location;
  
• Carrying out and developing activities on the ground in accordance with the needs of refugees/migrants and program schedule;
  
• Ensuring a safe, positive and stimulating atmosphere for the refugees/migrants during the planned activities;
  
• Ensuring that children, young people and adults feel comfortable, safe and respected;
  
• Serving as a positive role model and demonstrating desirable behavior in conflict resolution situations, never acting independently in a conflict situation, but engaging and consulting the Supervisor and, where appropriate, directly CWS Europe Refugee/Migrant Officer;
  
• Participating at team meetings with the Supervisor and other members of the team;
  
• Keeping records and compiling reports on a weekly basis in the form and manner defined by the CWS Europe Refugee/Migrant Program Officer;
  
• Notifying the Supervisor of important changes and observations in the field;
  
• Participating in the trainings organized by CWS Europe in order to improve refugee support programs;
  
• Reporting to the Supervisor on a weekly basis;
  
• Performing other duties in accordance with the additional instructions of the Supervisor and the CWS Europe Refugee/Migrant Program Officer.
  

WE OFFER:

• Successful candidate will enjoy good working conditions in a friendly and creative work environment, an open organizational culture, good benefits and compensation, and opportunities for training and development.
  
• Accommodation and transport for all team members.
  
• You can find information about us and our work on our website: www.cwsglobal.org
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Languages: We are looking for people with proficiency in primarily Pashtu and/or Farsi, Urdu, Arabic. Spoken and written proficiency in English required; French will be considered an asset.
• Experience: The candidate has at least one year of experience with an international or local NGO or related organization. Any practical and academic experience on humanitarian issues, intercultural mediation and experience in working with vulnerable populations is desirable.
• Education: Certificate of education, higher level of education desirable.
• Driving license: Clean driving record and license preferred (B category).
  

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates are encouraged to send a cover letter and Curriculum Vitae to cwseuropeoffice@gmail.com by 4 May 2019.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.