Senior Project Assistant (Cultural Mediator)

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Protection Coordinator and the direct supervision of the Project Officer (Cultural Mediator/Interpretation), the incumbent will be responsible for supporting the MHPSS and Protection Division activities by performing the following functions and responsibilities:

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the supervisor in planning and coordinating the work of the interpreter teams, including assigning interpreters and scheduling activities;
• Lead a team of interpreters and directly organize the team’s activities;
• Supervise communication during interpretation services is carried out in a common language during interviews and other meetings conducted in-person, by telephone, and/or by video conference by providing verbatim (word for word) interpretation services;
• Oversee and provide interpretation services in the preferred language of the beneficiaries without paraphrasing, summarizing, omitting or adding information;
• Monitor appropriate understanding of and sensitivity towards cultural practices and language differences that may exist between the parties to the conversation;
• Carry out spot checks to maintain quality of interpretation and translation services;
• Provide feedback to the supervisor to review and adapt Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other tools for interpretation;
• Organize training sessions on such topics as interpreting for international organizations, respectful terminology and the protection of program beneficiaries, and contribute to terminology lists as requested;
• Supervise and administer subordinated staff members; plan absences of staff; monitor, analyse and evaluate the staff/team performance; provide guidance to staff members; administer financial resources of the team, and coordinate resource deployment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelors’ degree (or higher) in Translation, Languages, Political Science, International Relations or a related field from an accredited academic institution, with at least four years of relevant professional experience, preferably in similar roles;

OR

Completed High School degree from an accredited academic institution, with at least six years of relevant working experience, preferably in similar roles.

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

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

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;
• Excellent communication, facilitation, presentation and writing skills;
• Leadership skills;
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with persons of diverse cultural and national backgrounds;
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Languages

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

REQUIRED

For this position, fluency in English, Dari and Pashto is required (oral and written).

DESIRABLE

Working knowledge of Arabic is an advantage. 

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three 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 â€“ 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 â€“ 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.