The Interpreter for English-Somali at Alight: (Deadline 21 April 2022)

The Interpreter for English-Somali at Alight: (Deadline 21 April 2022)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT – INTERPRETER FOR ENGLISH – SOMALI

ALIGHT (formerly American Refugee Committee) works with its partners and constituencies to provide opportunities and expertise to refugees, displaced people and host communities – to better survive conflicts and crisis, and to rebuild lives of dignity, health, security and self-sufficiency. ALIGHT presently works in and with partners in seventeen countries globally. ALIGHT has consistently operated in Rwanda since the year 1994, and today has a strong and committed team of over eight hundred personnel who include full time staff, community mobilizers and incentive workers– implementing programs in Primary Health Care, Reproductive Health, HIV and Nutrition; also Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Shelter and general Infrastructure, Livelihoods/Economic strengthening, and Sexual and Gender Based Violence Prevention/ Protection. Our work in Rwanda currently covers all the refugee locations and their kind Rwandan-host communities. And we are always looking to expand and, jointly with our partners, offer lasting impact with and for the communities we serve! ALIGHT is looking for a qualified, self-driven and committed individual to join its team as Interpreter for English-Somali or vice versa, to be based at ETM- Gashora– Nyamata district. 

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Interpreter English – Somali or vice versa is responsible for handling the interpretation on demand, and renders the meaning of conversations between Somali and English speakers and with appropriate terminology and understands common industry procedures and practices. The interpreter breaks the communication barrier in camps with our customers and other stakeholders.
The interpreter processes information quickly, concisely and recognizes sensitive cultural differences and He/ She may be involved simple or complex, technical or non-technical subjects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Translation of documents from English into Somali, or from Somali into English correctly and in a timely manner;
• Provide general translation and interpretation during meetings, Trainings, workshops and field workshops, community meeting and field work and other related work activities;
• Answer to conduct interpretation in a friendly and professional manner;
• Render correct concepts and meanings according to the conventions of established interpretation protocol, avoiding omissions or additions;
• Speak and write clearly in both Somali and English languages using proper pronunciation, enunciation and polite expressions;
• Maintain a professional demeanor throughout the translation at all times;
• Remain calm during the translation in the event that one of the primary speakers is incoherent or upset, especially in emergency situations;
• Maintain punctuality and availability during scheduled work hours;
• Follow the instructions, in compliance with protocol to ensure customers’ expectations are met with the Limited English-speaking Person (LEP), avoiding interaction with the LEP without customers’ permission;

Understand protocol and terminology for various industries including, but not limited to, Humanitarian industry, SGBV Protocol, Health Sector, and policies and procedures available in a company;

• Demonstrate commitment to cultural sensitivity and working in a diverse environment;
• Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information;
• Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meanings of words, concepts, practices, or behaviors;
• Compile information about the content and context of information to be translated, as well as details of the groups for whom translation or interpretation is being performed;
• Must be available at all the time in a camp when needed and ready to support remotely.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school Diploma or equivalent;
• Previous experience in Interpretation services with humanitarian agencies;
• Work Experience: Minimum of 1year previous experience as translator or interpreter, having demonstrated very good translation skills, with emphasis on translation of documents, and interpretation works in meetings, workshops and trainings;
• Working experience with NGOs Interacting with refugees or displaced population will be an added advantage;
• Computer skills (MS Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access);
• Fluency in Somali and English and skilled in the associated cultural dynamics;
• Ability to speak, read and write in any of the languages specified above;
• Must have the valid work permit;
• Must have the computer skills.

KEY BEHAVIORS & ABILITIES:

• Excellent listening, retention and note-taking skills to maintain a high level of accuracy during interpretation;
• Education or work experience in language-related fields such as teaching, language assessment, translation or interpretation preferred;
• Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information and not guided by emotions
• Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meanings of words, concepts, practices, or behaviors;
• Compile information about the content and context of information to be translated, as well as details of the groups for whom translation or interpretation is being performed;

APPLICATION GUIDELINES:  Interested and qualified candidates should submit 1page Cover letter, and updated CV (maximum three pages) and names, title and contacts of three professional referees, to include most recent or current employer/supervisor, Work certificate from previous Employers.  (all in/as one document) – via email only to: [email protected] with the POSITION applied for clearly indicated in the subject line. The deadline for submission of applications is April 21st 2022 at 16:00hrs.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

American Refugee Committee is an Equal Opportunity Employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.  American Refugee Committee complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment