Interpreter Assistant

The Protection Unit in Sub Office Hargeisa is headed by a Protection Officer and provides operational support, policy guidance and advice to the field throughout Somaliland. In addition, the Unit maintains close cooperation with the Representative office in Mogadishu, works together with Executive Office and Programme Unit in design, review and implementation of projects, as well as participates in Protection Cluster meetings, representing UNHCR Somaliland position and strategy regarding protection of Persons of Concern (POCs). The Interpreter Assistant in Hargeisa Sub Office is a member of the Protection Unit with specific responsibilities related to translation services.

As of September 2024, Somaliland hosts approximately 19,500 refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from Ethiopia, Yemen, Syria and other nationalities. UNHCR Hargeisa requires a qualified interpreter fluent in the languages spoken by refugee population to facilitate interaction towards solutions. The incumbent will have no supervisory role.

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment
The Interpreter Assistant will work under the overall supervision of Protection Officer and functionally report to the Associate RSD Officer. The Interpreter Assistant will:

- Translate documents and other information from government correspondence, newspapers, written reports, etc. from Somali, Arabic, Amhara, Oromo, into English.
- Assist UNHCR staff with the interpretation of individual interviews, meetings, and workshops with refugees and asylum-seekers and others;
- Travel on missions to field locations for interpretation, registration and other assistance, as needed.
- Keep abreast of UNHCR procedures and guidelines related to interviews, confidentiality, and data protection, to ensure quality services;
- Perform other clerical duties within the Registration unit as required (e.g. filing)
- Respond to queries relating to the area of responsibility.
- Perform any other duties as required.

3. Monitoring and Progress Controls

The Interpreter Assistant will ensure effective recording and retention of information relevant to the protection delivery, focusing on achievement of the following results:
• Provide accurate, truthful and timely translation of reports, minutes, visibility items, official and unofficial communications, other documents and texts for the programme team into the target language. Respecting the source layout when required;
• Note taking at the meetings, their consolidation and drafting minutes of the meetings, discussions, interviews etc.
• Maintaining the organized files of the documentation as instructed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and language
- Minimum Secondary education (completion of secondary school) required.
- Full written and oral proficiency and translation/interpretation skills from and to the following languages: English, Arabic, Somali, Oromo and Amharic.

b. Work Experience
- Minimum two years of previous experience in a similar function (translation and/or reception services).
- Previous experience working with refugees and confidential information would be an asset.
- Experience of working as part of a team in an international and multicultural environment.
- Ability to work under pressure in an organized and systematic way and maintain attention for extended periods while maintaining high-quality results.
- Understanding of UNHCR’s mandate, empathy for refugees and asylum-seekers and willingness to work with them.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, when required.
- IT-Computer Literacy
     
c. Key Competencies
Core competencies:
• Accountability
• Communication
• Organizational Awareness
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Client & Result Orientation

Standard Job Description Required Languages

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Desired Languages

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Additional Qualifications

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Education

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Other information

Shortlisted candidates will be required to have valid Somalia national passport or identification card invited for written test and/or interview.This position doesn't require a functional clearance