Consultant - Cultural Mediation Training

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.

Project Context and Scope

The consultant will be responsible for developing a standardised induction training manual for IOM cultural mediators deployed across the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region followed by the delivery of a tailored pilot training in Ireland. The consultant will design a comprehensive, practical and modular induction package that defines the core knowledge, skills, and ethical principles required for cultural mediators in IOM operational contexts, with particular attention to migration management, border procedures, reception settings as well as procedures of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, and other topics identified by the mission in Ireland.

The assignment will include a review of existing IOM guidance, manuals and training materials, as well as relevant good practices from selected country-level cultural mediation projects, in order to identify transferable elements and gaps. Based on this analysis, the consultant will develop a structured induction training manual that can be used as a regional baseline, to be complemented by country specific adaptations where required. In addition to the baseline, the consultant will be required to develop top-up modules specific to the needs of IOM Ireland's cultural mediators, including topics such as trauma-informed communication, protection, referral pathways, professional boundaries, confidentiality, self-care, prevention of vicarious trauma, and deliver a tailored pilot training in Ireland.

The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission in Ireland and the direct supervision of the Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) Head of Unit, with the technical guidance of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) unit in Ireland and the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia. The assignment is deliverable-driven and will result in (1) a validated induction training manual and associated materials, supporting the consistent onboarding and professionalisation of cultural mediators across the region, and (2) a tailored training package and pilot training delivered to IOM Ireland's cultural mediators.

Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing

The consultant will work under the technical supervision of IOM Ireland's IBG and MHPSS units, and in close coordination with the ECA Regional Office and members of the Consultative Group.