Project Officer (Interpretation & Translation)

Position Title : Project Officer (Interpretation & Translation)

Duty Station : Kaiserslautern, Germany

Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P2

Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : 10 October 2023

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates
2. Candidates from the following non-represented member states: Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Dominica; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second-tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.

Context:

IOM’s operations cover diverse thematic areas such as: Humanitarian Relief Assistance, Protection (including Gender based Violence and Child Protection), Shelter and Non-food items, Health and Psychosocial Support, Resettlement, and Movement Management.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office, the direct supervision of the Assistance Programme (AP) Coordinator, and in collaboration with relevant teams onsite, the Project Officer (Interpretation & Translation) will be responsible and accountable for the following:

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate the assignment and scheduling of interpreter teams, in close coordination with thesupervisor.
2. Assist IOM case workers and partner staff to communicate with affected populations, and vice versa, by interpreting accurately during activities, such as workshops, individual discussions, recreational or educational activities.
3. Monitor the activities of the interpreters/cultural facilitators.
4. Contribute to the review, development and adaptation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other tools for interpretation.
5. Within delegated authority, consolidate and take action on the different interpretation and translation requests from various units/staff, such as Protection, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), and Non-Food Items (NFI).
6. Check that interpreters provide appropriate and relevant services to IOM staff, and bring issues to the immediate attention of the supervisor.
7. Check that interpreters are trained on protection, confidentiality and data protection, child friendly communication and safeguarding, Psychological First Aid (PFA), Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), and recommend remedial action as required.
8. Translate documents, correspondence and other materials from two or more languages into the target language, acquiring where necessary information on the subject matter concerned needed to provide a complete, highly accurate and clear rendition of the original version, and often working to a tight deadline.
9. Accompany affected populations to appointments or meetings where necessary (e.g. medical visits). Provide interpretation, often on sensitive topics. Promptly inform the supervisor about vulnerable cases.
10. Draft briefings, statistical/narrative reports, background information and regular reports covering interpretation/translation activities as required; as appropriate, respond to specific information requests from governments and other entities.
11. Uphold data protection principles of case files at all times.
12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Translation, Linguistics, Social Sciences, International Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution, with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Demonstrated interpretation and/or translation experience for international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organizations.
• Experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups is an advantage.

Skills

• Excellent knowledge and skills in translation and interpreting between the target languages.
• Demonstrated ability to draft and edit translations in writing in the target language.
• Proven work ethics and commitment to humanitarian principles.
• Proven leadership skills and proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with persons of diverse cultural and national backgrounds.
• Demonstrated organizational, facilitation, communication, writing and presentations skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

For all applicants, fluency in Englishis required (oral and written). Working knowledge in Dari and/or Pashto is highly desirable.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

1 Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p df

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.