Interpreter Lead

Background/IRC Summary:  The mission of the IRC’s Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration (RAI) department is to create opportunities for refugees, asylees and other immigrant populations to survive and thrive in America. The US has evacuated thousands of Afghan evacuees who are hosted at military bases around the country. The IRC is providing support on multiple military bases across the country to facilitate the processing and resettlement of this population.

Job Overview/Summary:  The Interpreters Lead for Afghan Evacuees Operations will be coordinating highly demanding interpreter services to ensure that all interpreter is providing efficient services to clients. The Interpreters Lead will be coordinating with HR Officer in ensuring interpreter service is adequate and appropriate trainings and key message are shared with all interpreters. The role is expected to work on day-to-day management of the interpreters in one of the eight Operation Allies Welcome locations across the US.

Major Responsibilities:

·Model, promote and uphold a culture of values as reflected in the IRC way: Standards of Professional Conduct – Integrity, Accountability, Service and Equality and the Respect at work policy

·Coordinate with all interpreters and ensure adequate interpreter service provision for operations, including developing weekly schedules and daily assignments

·Approve Interpreters’ weekly time sheets

·Forecast, identify and communicate interpreter gaps and needs

·Liaise with Deputy Program Lead and HR Officer for setting up priorities for the interpreters including liaising with different Govt institute and agencies as necessary

·Ensure interpreters maintain strict confidentiality

·Maintain constant communication channel with all interpreters e.g. Create a WhatsApp group

·Provide effective guidance and support to all interpreters and share any concerns to the HR Officer

·Elevate to HR Officer any performance or code of conduct concerns

·Manage onsite orientation and training of interpreters on IRC policy and procedures

·Share and communicated IRC ‘s safeguarding policies including those developed for interpreters

·Ensure the safety and wellbeing interpreters

·Ensure that interpreters are informed and aware of all duty of care available resources within the organization

·Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: HR Officer

Position directly supervises:Interpreters

Indirect Reporting: N/A
Other Internal and/or external contacts: Position requires close collaboration management team on site (Staff Manager, Travel Coordinator, Supply Chain Officer, deputy program lead) and at IRC headquarters. 

Job Requirements:

Education: Education in linguistics or related field preferred

Work Experience:

§At least three years of experience managing staff

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

§Ability to perform well in a fast based, emergency response environment

§Experience working in a multicultural environment

§Must be a team player, detail oriented and reliable

§Ability to productively interact with a wide range and level of staff and stakeholders

§Ability to work independently, self-starter and maintain responsibility for multiple tasks

Language Skills: Fluent in written and spoken English is a must and proficiency in written and spoken Farsi/Dari/Pashto is desirable

Working Environment:

• It is expected that post holder will perform duties within the military base and occasionally some work being done from the temporary housing/hotel
• Considering the response nature it is expected that post holder will perform duties 6 days a week including evening work (as necessary) however, working days and schedule will be notified upon hiring

IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity.  We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity.  We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.