KURDISH TRANSLATOR/INTERPRETER - BASED IN ERBIL

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law.  We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Role description

The Kurdish translator/interpreter is based in Erbil Sub-delegation but assists ICRC structures in the North of Iraq according to the needs. Formally part of the Erbil Protection team, the translator/interpreter reports directly to the Protection Team Leader.

In addition, the translator/interpreter supports the Head of Sub-Delegation of the various structures in North of Iraq in their oral or written sensitive dialogue with the local authorities. It is understood that most of this sensitive dialogue is Protection-related.

Main responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Protection Team Leader in Erbil or other ICRC structures in the North of Iraq, the Kurdish translator/interpreter assumes the following responsibilities: 

• Acts as the focal point for unrevised written translations, from English to Kurdish and vice-versa, of confidential and/or sensitive documents produced by or addressed to the Protection Department, in particular those related to protection activities
• Assists the management of the ICRC structures in the North and the respective protection teams with interpretation during meetings with mid to high-level authorities when sensitive / confidential issues are being discussed
• Occasionally, the Kurdish translator/interpreter may assist detention teams during visits conducted in various AoRs in Northern Iraq upon request (depending on Arabic skills)

Main tasks

The list of tasks below is not exhaustive, but represents the main activities carried out by the interpreter/translator.  ICRC delegates and interpreters are asked to be flexible and available for any tasks based on operational priorities and requirements.

In close cooperation with the protection teams and the management of the ICRC structures in Northern Iraq, the interpreter/translator is responsible for:

• Translating to/from Kurdish and English all relevant confidential texts including, working papers, diplomatic letters, notes verbales, and reports on protection activities
• Translating orrespondence received from the Kurdish authorities in response to the Protection Department’s interventions into English
• Provides interpretation in meetings with mid-to-high level authorities where protection-related, confidential or sensitive issues are discussed
• When necessary and in coordination with the Protection Team Leader or the management of the sub-delegation, contacts external interlocutors for protection related issues
• Together with the detention delegate(s) in charge, s/he develops and maintains a network of contacts in the place of detention relevant for ICRC security and operations in the region
• Receives beneficiaries and/or families of detainees as appropriate
• Participates in relevant reporting as required

Desired profile and skills

• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work
• Able to work under pressure in a potentially dangerous environment
• Native Kurdish (Sorani) speaker with English spoken and written ability
• Arabic and/or French language skills would be an asset
• 2 years of professional experience as interpreter or translator is an advantage
• Clear ability to work effectively within a team as well as comfortable working autonomously

Our operational and field constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field
• Candidates must possess a driving licence (for manual transmission vehicles)
• Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for the first two missions (minimum 12 months each)  or total of 24 months

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
• A two-week orientation course and other opportunities for further in-house training
• Generous social benefits
• Length of assignment:  12 months
• The opportunity to join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
• A two-week orientation course and other opportunities for further in-house training
• Generous social benefits
• Length of assignment:  12 months
• The opportunity to join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere