SENIOR ARABIC TRANSLATOR/REVISER - BASED IN SYRIA

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 Syria delegation of the ICRC is seeking a senior, expatriate Arabic translator/reviser to manage its translation service. The successful candidate will manage a team of locally recruited translators and will be responsible for ensuring that documents and other materials are translated in accordance with the standards of the profession and of the ICRC.

Main responsibilities 

• To be the oversee all translations (English to Arabic and vice versa) at the delegation, in particular reports and general communications to be submitted to the authorities, as well as publications, presentations, training materials, etc.
• To translate confidential documents and reports produced by the Protection department (in particular for detention-related activities) into Arabic
• To ensure that all documents are translated using the register and style appropriate to the intended audience, taking into consideration local sensitivities
• To ensure terminological and stylistic consistency of texts
• To assist the management of the delegation and the Protection coordination team with interpreting during meetings when sensitive / confidential issues are being discussed
• To assist detention teams during prison visits conducted in various locations in Syria as required

Desired profile and skills

• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work
• Able to work under pressure in a potentially dangerous environment
• Native Arabic speaker with excellent written English & Arabic
• University degree and/or post-graduate qualification in translation
• Minimum of 5 years professional experience in translation, revision and editing
• Proven ability to adapt technical texts for a wide audience

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