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International Organization for Migration

Cultural Mediation Associate (Somali)

Dublin, IrelandGrade G-5Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)IOM
14 days leftPosted Jul 31, 2026

Introduction

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.

Organizational Context and Scope

IOM Ireland has been operating in Ireland since 2001, currently in following areas of migration management: Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration, Resettlement, Family Reunification, Counter-Trafficking, Protection, Integration Support to Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, Integrated Immigration Governance and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).

IOM provides mental health and psychosocial support to international protection seekers residing in the Citywest accommodation facility with the aim to improve their psychosocial well-being and to strengthen their overall resilience.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission in Ireland, the Head of MHPSS Unit, the Cultural Mediation and Community Engagement Coordinator and direct supervision of Senior Cultural Mediation Associate, the incumbent will support the implementation of activities related to community mobilization and pertinent activities for international protection applicants hosted in Citywest accommodation centre.

  • Provide cultural mediation and interpretation support by facilitating communication between service providers and migrants (from English into different migrants’ mother tongue and vice versa), while always respecting the principles of neutrality, accuracy, impartiality, confidentiality.
  • Provide verbal interpretation support to the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) staff in Citywest to support day-to-day communication with beneficiaries from English into different migrants’ languages.
  • Assist through interpretation during the collection of routine information and data and case identification and referrals.
  • Support the beneficiaries in contacting service providers within Citywest by providing interpretation and mediation support in an impartial and neutral manner.
  • Support the identification of vulnerabilities from the initial reception into the centre and throughout the continued communication with beneficiaries and refer them to the Senior Case Management Associate for case management.
  • Support IOM partners in the implementation of community engagement and awareness-raising activities by assisting with logistics, interpretation, and beneficiary outreach.
  • Conduct outreach activities to inform beneficiaries about available MHPSS services and scheduled activities, in coordination with MHPSS team.
  • Provide interpretation assistance to mental health professionals during scheduled group and individual counselling sessions, focus group discussions and psycho-education activities, including remote interpretation (phone or online), when required.
  • Prepare routine documentation related to the project and submit basic reports to the Project Management Team on activities performed in Citywest.
Any other related task, as required

Education

  • High school diploma with five years of relevant experience; or,
  • Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Social Sciences, International relations or related fields from an accredited academic institution with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

  • Completion of trainings in cultural mediation for mental health settings, and competence in the MHPSS specialized vocabulary would be an asset.
  • 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 misunderstandings due to language barriers by facilitating communication in an objective and impartial manner.
  • Basic understanding in interpersonal communication and sensitivity in addressing the asylum-seekers’ claims.
  • Knowledge of the procedures related to the asylum application in Ireland.
  • Ability to prepare clear and concise routine reports and basic written summaries.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Languages

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 is required (oral and written).

Fluency or mother tongue in Somalian is required.

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

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
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.
Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 1
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 actions and delegated work.
Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2, if with direct reports
Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

Notes

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

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.

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.
As the right to live and work in Ireland is required, the contract issued may be shorter that the period mentioned in the advertisement, in order to align with the expiry date of the work permit.

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 official source link). 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

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