Protection Interpreter

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian protection and assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

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 and your first assignment will be in Afghanistan.

Accountabilities & Functional Responsibilities

• Oral interpretation: from local language 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 local 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 profile and skills

• Excellent command of Farsi, Urdu, Kurdish or Arabic acquired through studies or emersion
• Basic knowledge of Pashto a strong advantage
• Strong command of English
• Strong interest in learning new languages and cultures; motivation to learn other operational languages with support of the ICRC
• 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 desired. Previous interpreter or translator experience 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 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

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

Our Values

At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.