Translator/Interpreter (Arabic to English and vice versa)

About Mari Research and Development

Mari Research and Development is a non-for-profit civil society organization operating in northeast Syria. It was established in 2018 and registered in Canada, France and Erbil.

In 2018, a group of educated, dynamic and like-minded youth working in the development sector got together to establish an organization for addressing the most urgent and pressing needs of people in Syria. MRD seeks to build a stable and just society where peace and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms prevail.

In order to promote cohesive and tolerant societies where justice and equality prevail, we seek to promote human rights, and to make them the primary and main drivers of the diverse societies which we target through our work.

Summary of Key Functions

The Senior TI will ensure the efficient and timely interpretation and translation at the very highest level. S/he must be able to translate and interpret to and from English and Arabic. S/he will provide:

1. written translations

2. oral interpretation

3. editing/review of translations generated from the Office or externally to ensure proper quality and reflection of content.

4. Guidance to MRD staff responsible for informal translations.

Specific Duties and Tasks

1. Translation: The incumbent will be expected to:

• Translate documents (including correspondence, reports, and documents) in a culturally appropriate and concise manner from and into Arabic and English.
• Provide translation support to the MRD units and their counterparts including proof reading documents drafted and/or translated by other translators and colleagues.
• Work closely with the Project Officers regarding translation of public information.
• Develop effective filing systems (electronic and physical) and file important documentation on a regular basis;
• Oversee the compilation of all translated materials impacting or relating to MRD’s work (i.e. laws, regulations, decrees, international instruments) for future use and reference. Translate those not yet in English.
• Develop a list of commonly used terminology to be used in all interpretation/translation tasks by MRD staff
• Other translation tasks as needed

2. Interpretation: The incumbent will be expected to:

• Accompany the MRD staff to meetings and field missions and provide interpretation in English, Arabic as required.
• Provide accurate simultaneous interpretation during meetings, trainings, workshops, conferences and other relevant activities and events.
• Other interpretation tasks as needed.

3. Assist and support the MRD Units regarding:

• Provision of any administrative and operational support associated to the translation work as requested;
• Provide general administrative support and related activities.
• Participate in language tests for staff recruitment.
• Oversee translation/interpretation contracts for events, etc., ensuring quality of services provided.
• Oversee the maintaining of soft and hard archiving systems of translated documents from all offices.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required and necessary within the area of responsibility

Corporate Competencies

• Strong organizational and reporting skills.
• Results oriented, strong team player with outstanding interpersonal and coordination skills;
• Ability to work independently, under pressure and meet deadlines with a positive attitude.
• Demonstrated sensitivity, discretion, tact and courtesy in relation to MRD programs, development principles and projects, implementing partners, and national and international personnel of varied nationalities and backgrounds.
• Familiarity with the provinces of Syria.

Technical Knowledge

• Knowledge of legal, technical and gender-related terms.
• Knowledge of processes and working culture of international organizations, government ministries and community based organizations.
• Document organization (including experience working with databases) and prioritization skills.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in English language, literature, journalism, Law, or any other related field with at least 2 years of experience.
• Certificate in translation an asset.

Experience:

• Professional experience in translation/ interpretation, preferably with government, non-governmental or international organizations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite).

Language Requirements:
Fluency in oral and written English and Arabic. Ability to translate to and from them.