Role description

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 tasks.

Main responsibilities

• Oral interpretation: from Pashto 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 Pashto language (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 profiles and skills

• 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
• 2 years of professional experience. Previous interpreter or translator experience is an advantage
• Very good command of English and Pashto

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
• Attractive social benefits
• Length of assignment: 12 months
• Join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere