Background

In response to the increased refugee arrivals into Europe, the IRC established the program initially in Greece, which was expanded with programs in Serbia and wider Balkans and with programs in Germany. Following a first assessment conducted in January 2017 in Italy and another one in July 2017, several critical protection gaps were identified within assistance provided to refugees and migrants in Italy: mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), assistance to unaccompanied children, information provision and legal support. To respond to the identified gaps IRC established a small presence in Italy. The IRC in Italy provides essential safety, empowerment, education, livelihood and health services to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Our programs operate across the country, including in Trieste, Milan, Rome, Turin and various locations in Sicily and Calabria, with a strong focus on supporting the most vulnerable populations, such as women and children.

Context of the Assignment

IRC Italia is implementing WISE, a new European-funded project integrating MHPSS and employment support components across four locations in Italy and Bulgaria. The project pairs a trauma and gender-sensitive approach, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) with employment services enabled by technology driven solutions to create a holistic support system for employable refugee women from Ukraine in Italy and Bulgaria. This project aims to enhance Ukrainian women’s employability, skills-job match, lifelong learning, access and integration in the host-country the labor market, while improving their ability to navigate social and public services, as well as their mental and psychosocial well-being.

In the context of the WISE project, IRC Italy is looking for a Pilates instructor for the HSC in Rome to support the psychosocial activities.

Job Overview

The pilates instructor will be based in Rome and will be responsible for planning, designing and carrying out a weekly class in the context of the Holistic Support Center (HSC) in Termini area. The weekly class is currently on Wednesday afternoon, from 6pm to 7pm and has an average attendance of 7-8 women.

To ensure a trauma‑informed, safe environment within the HSC, which is exclusively accessed by women, children, and non‑binary adults, this role requires staff whose gender identity aligns with the communities served.

SCOPE OF WORK

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, design, and deliver weekly in person Pilates classes.
• Develop tailored materials to meet the different needs of the women attending the HSC.
• Address women’s questions and provide clarification on proper form, alignment, and breathing techniques.
• Provide modifications for varying skill levels, injuries, or special conditions (e.g., pre/post-natal).
• Utilize diverse equipment, including mats, reformers, and small apparatus (e.g., resistance bands, balls).
• Monitor clients during sessions to prevent injury.
• Build rapport and foster a welcoming, supportive atmosphere.
• Track client progress and provide constructive feedback.

Deliverables

• Pilates classes (weekly)

Timeframe

The assignment will end on 31st July 2026. Classes schedule will be decided in agreement with IRC staff – currently on Wednesday afternoon, from 6pm to 7pm, in Rome (Termini area) and will have an average attendance of 7-8 women.

Competencies and Skills:

• Ability to attend in-person activities in the HSC in Termini area, once a week.
• Proven experience teaching Pilates to a diverse range of people
• Proven experience in multicultural work or educational environments
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• Personal qualities: empathy and patience, works well in and promote teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, flexible, communicates clearly.
• Additional knowledge of English, Arabic, Spanish, French, Ukrainian, Urdu, Pashtu, Farsi are an asset.

Application Documentation:

• CV in English OR Italian

Agreement and payment terms:

The specific details of the agreement, including the scope of work, timelines, deliverables, intellectual property rights, and any other pertinent provisions, will be negotiated and outlined in the contractual agreement to ensure clarity, transparency, and mutual understanding between IRC and the consultant/group of consultants.