Visiting detainees, re-uniting families separated by conflict, organising emergency relief aid and talking to combatants about their responsibilities under the Geneva Conventions are all in day’s work for the ICRC. As an interpreter, you will be the vital communication link enabling ICRC delegates to carry out these protection-related activities.
Main responsibilities
Oral interpretation: from Amharic to English / Tigrinya to English and vice versa during confidential interviews with people deprived of liberty, ICRC institutional dissemination, ICRC dialogue with authorities, activities to establish the family links which includes delivering Red Cross messages, family tracing and visits to families of detainees.
Written translation: translation of Amharic and Tigrinya (newspaper articles, correspondence, etc.) into written English
Analysis and reporting as required: analysis of conditions of detention, security and other matters relating to the ICRC’s mandate
Desired profile and skills
Excellent command of English, Amharic, and Tigrinya.
2 years of professional experience. Previous interpreter or translator experience is an advantage
Strongly motivated by humanitarian work
Able to work under pressure in a potentially dangerous environment
Open-minded and adaptable
University education/degree in interpretation or translation is an advantage
Our operational & 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 license (for manual transmission vehicles)
Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for at least the first 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
Attractive social benefits
Length of assignment: 12months
Join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere
