Job Title: Cultural Mediator
Main Purpose
Providing MSF with an understanding of local, socio-cultural determinants. Supporting beneficiaries with basic information regarding access to medical treatment, transportation and other actors (legal, social, etc) following MSF’s protocols, standards and procedures, in order to create links with the communities and contribute to the visibility an acceptance of MSF..
Accountabilities
- Making the link between MSF and people in transit, host communities, migrants’ communities, informing patients and communities about MSF and services it provides and the constraints, procedures and opportunities in access of services (e.g. shelter, food) provided by other actors
- Supporting in data collection and research concerning local and international context with regards to medical and humanitarian issues, in order to provide reliable information for further decision-making
- Working closely with the different departments: Medical, Logistic, Humanitarian Affairs, and Administration. Support the log team in organizing the NFIs distribution and maintaining crowd control; the psychologist during mental health group and individual sessions and the HAO in collecting testimonies Informing both MSF staff and the beneficiaries on their respective customs, traditions and cultural codes
- Adapting communication to any circumstances, using appropriate language registry as well as diplomatic and courtesy manners by adapting the messages to the culture of the beneficiaries and developing reading capability of the context in which he should operate. Participating in creation of any material needed for communication
- Accompanying and following up beneficiaries to referrals (health and social care facilities) as needed.
- Report all important information expressed by the communities, ensuring confidentiality at all times
Note:
- This position is on board a ship and can be expected to practice on Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (Rhibs) at high seas. Expats must be “sea worthy” and have spent some time at sea. Be aware that sea sickness can be significant.
- The space being limited in a ship, the daily living condition may not allow privacy and intimacy. It is very likely that bedrooms will be shared with other colleagues throughout the mission, and comfort limited.