Settlement Cross Cultural Worker

New Zealand Red Cross; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks annual leave

Discounts on Southern Cross health

Job summary

New Zealand Red Cross is seeking five casual Settlement Cross Cultural Workers for Dunedin to support Afghan and Arabic-speaking arrivals under the refugee quota programme. You will provide cultural and linguistic assistance, connect families with services, and work with a team to help newcomers settle in.

Applicants should clearly state languages spoken, with Arabic or Persian languages prioritized. Roles are casual with flexible arrangements and opportunities to join diverse, supportive

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate cross-language with Afghan and Arabic-speaking people.
• Proficiency in Persian (Dari/Farsi/Pashto), Arabic and English at least Intermediate.
• Knowledge of confidentiality and privacy act practices.
• Knowledge and experience of the refugee journey and settlement process.

Responsibilities

• Provide cultural and linguistic support to Afghan and Arabic-speaking refugee arrivals in Dunedin.
• Assist with linking clients to service providers and settlement pathways.
• Advocate for former refugee clients within NZ social contexts.
• Collaborate with the Dunedin Pathways to Settlement Manager, Settlement Lead, Caseworker and volunteers.

Skills

Persian language

Arabic language

English language

Job description

Settlement Cross Cultural Worker

5 x Casual positions available

Dunedin

We are looking for five casual Settlement Cross Cultural Workers to support Afghan and Arabic-speaking people arriving in Dunedin through the refugee quota programme. We are seeking applicants with the following language capabilities:

• Two Persian-speaking positions
• Two Arabic-speaking positions

Providing cultural and linguistic support, you will work alongside the Dunedin Pathways to Settlement Manager, Settlement Lead, Caseworker, and volunteer team to help newly arrived families settle into their new community.

Please clearly state in your cover letter and/or CV which language or languages you speak.

In this role you will:

• Ensure that former refugee families are able to communicate in the NZ environment.
• Facilitate understanding of NZ society for former refugees, and the culture of the former refugees for those supporting them in NZ.
• Ensure that appropriate linkages are made to service providers.
• Advocate for former refugee clients in the NZ social context.

We encourage you to apply for this role if you:

• Speak either Arabic, Persian (Dari/Farsi/Pashto), Kurmanji Kurdish and English with a proficiency of at least Intermediate level.
• Can provide competent and accurate cross language support both verbally and written.
• Have knowledge of confidentiality and privacy act practices
• Have knowledge and experience of the refugee journey and resettlement experience.

About New Zealand Red Cross

New Zealand Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian network, with over 13,000 members and employees dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity and increasing community resilience.

Guided by our Fundamental Principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality, we support people in times of need and help strengthen their resilience.

We are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We encourage all qualified persons who share our values and want to contribute to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace to apply.

Why work with us?

At New Zealand Red Cross, you’ll join a passionate and diverse team that values your contributions and shares your commitment to making a difference.

We are committed to represent the communities we serve, increasing diversity throughout our people and leadership, and creating a flexible and healthy work environment. Many roles offer flexible virtual/hybrid options to help our employees balance their personal and professional priorities.

Our benefits include:

• Five weeks annual leave
• Discounts on Southern Cross health insurance

We also encourage employee networks, including Takatāpui and Rainbow Network, Rōpū Hāpai Māori and the Sustainability Network, to foster connection and collaboration across our diverse workforce.

Note: We reserve the right to close applications before the closing date, so please register your interest early.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this job.

Applications close at 05:00 pm on 21/10/2026