Special Vacancy Notice 20589
Open to Internal and External Candidates
Position Title: Cultural Mediator Hindi and/or Urdu
Duty Station: Nicosia, Cyprus
Classification: Grade G3
Type of Appointment: Special Short Term Graded, with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 15 May 2026
Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As the leading international organization for migration, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration, and; uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.
IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.
Context:
IOM Cyprus is setting up an Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) Hub to provide dedicated, safe and specialized temporary accommodation and pre-departure support for migrants preparing to return voluntarily to their countries of origin, with a focus on individuals and families in vulnerable situations. The Hub supports the completion of pre-departure procedures. The AVR Hub will operate in line with IOM policies and procedures and in close coordination with relevant IOM units, national authorities and partners to safeguard beneficiaries’ rights, address specific needs, and facilitate timely and dignified departures.
Under the overall supervision of the National Project officer and the direct supervision of the Project Associate (AVR Hub) and in close coordination with the AVR team and relevant technical units (e.g., Protection, Health), the Cultural Mediator will have the following duties and responsibilities:
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
1. Provide interpretation and cultural mediation to migrants for effective communication between IOM staff and beneficiaries, including during individual/group sessions and relevant activities.
2. Keep and respect professional confidentiality.
3. Develop and maintain good relations with the beneficiaries, relevant stakeholders and other humanitarian actors to support adequate implementation and coordination of project activities.
4. Support in translating information materials/documents and other needed information used for individual and/ or group activities with beneficiaries.
5. Facilitate communication, through interpretation and/or translation, in a spoken or written language understood by the beneficiaries, between the beneficiaries and the staff, in an objective and impartial way.
6. Perform other duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
High school degree/ certificate with minimum three years of work experience; or
University degree from an accredited academic institution with one year of relevant experience is an advantage.
Experience and Skills
Previous work experience in a similar role;
Process adequate combination of knowledge, education, training experience to perform essential functions of the position;
Experience in working in a multi-cultural environment preferred;
Process adequate skills to perform essential functions of the position;
Computer literacy in standard software applications;
Strong work ethics and commitment to humanitarian principles;
Valid driver’s license.
Languages
Fluency in Urdu and/or Hindi and English (oral and written) is required.
Knowledge of Greek, French, Arabic or any other IOM official language is an advantage.
Required Competencies
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three 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
Notes
1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
8. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
The accommodation facility will operate on a 24/7 basis, including weekends and public holidays. Staffing will be organized through rotating shifts to ensure continuous care and supervision.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies
Οι ενδιαφερόμενοι υποψήφιοι παρακαλούνται να στείλουν το βιογραφικό τους στον Διευθυντή Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού στο sliveras@iom.int.
