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Cultural mediator

Tamim Elnaggar, an MSF Cultural mediator in Lesvos, Greece. Caption
Tamim Elnaggar, an MSF Cultural mediator in Lesvos, Greece.

Please note, we are currently only accepting application from applicants with fluency in English, French and Arabic.

Cultural mediators are critical in facilitating communication between those we care for and Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) staff.  

You will be the bridge between the psychosocial facilitator/psychologist and our patients with the aim of improving the quality of services offered. You will foster the removal of linguistic and cultural barriers and improve the access to healthcare (including mental health) and other available services.

Responsibilities

Support for the provision of quality services that facilitate communication between our patients and staff by:

  • Creating a relationship of trust between the two parties
  • Translating the doctor/psychologist's words into the patient's mother tongue so that they understand what the medical team is saying, and vice versa
  • Helping MSF staff to understand specific aspects of the patient's culture with whom you have cultural ties, with the aim of improving the delivery of MSF services
  • Exchanging with other cultural mediators and all MSF collaborators in order to approach each person in the best possible way
  • Guaranteeing confidentiality, impartiality and neutrality
  • Actively participating in all parallel activities related to the health and social assistance of patients, including information and advocacy activities

Experience

Essential

  • Significant experience in interpreting and/or intercultural mediation
  • Ability to work well as a part of a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary team
  • Ability to cope in a difficult environment and under pressure
  • Flexible and able to manage stress
  • High flexibility and adaptability
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills

Desirable

  • Experience in the context of migration or related projects
  • Experience with other NGOs or civil society organisations
  • A training/diploma in cultural interpretation or mediation
Myriam Abdel-Basit, an MSF cultural mediator

In their own words

Get eye-witness accounts from MSF cultural mediators on our blogs site.

Language requirements

For cultural reasons and in order to facilitate access to our patients, we are looking for people with fluency in English, French and Arabic.

View full job description >

Application guide

Read our guide on the application process for all overseas roles

Before you apply

Make sure you read our application process guide for an overview of what to expect when you apply for an overseas role with the UK.

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Apply to be a cultural mediator

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I have read and understood the role description, and feel I can fulfil this role

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The UK is my place of residence and I have the right to live and work in the UK

3/3

I am fluent in English, French and Arabic