Education Assistant (Interpreter)

Job Description

Description for Internal Candidates    

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. 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, internal candidates are considered first-tier candidates.

Context

IOM supports the United States’ Refugee Admissions Program at a resettlement processing site established in Qatar. IOM implements a wide range of activities to ensure the dignity and well-being of individuals transiting through Doha, in coordination with national and US authorities. In addition to Protection, MHPSS, NFI, and community engagement activities, IOM oversees informal education activities at the site. A dedicated team of over 30 staff delivers informal education to over 1,000 children and adults every day at CAS. The Education Unit coordinates closely with Community Engagement, MHPSS, and Child Protection to implement broader campaigns, engage parents and caregivers, and to ensure that protection, community participation, and accountability are mainstreamed throughout all activities.

Under the overall supervision of the Programme Manager (Education) and the direct supervision of the Programme Officer (Education), the successful candidate will support with non-official written and verbal interpretation/translation between English and either of the target languages (Dari and Pashto) at the Education Center to ensure effective communication to the guests who may have difficulty communicating or understanding English.

Responsibilities

1. Assist in the provision of non-official translatation of written documents from English to either of the required languages (Dari and Pashto) and vice versa. Ensure translations meet strict deadlines, maintain high standards of accuracy, and are clear, accurate and consistent. 
2. Provide oral interpretation to either of the required languages (Dari and Pashto) from English during meetings with guests (such as parents-teacher meetings) and other events at the Education Center. Ensure interpretations are accurate and complete, without paraphrasing, summarizing, omitting, or adding information. Facilitate communication between staff and Afghan guests, ensuring cultural sensitivity and understanding.
3. Support the provision of non-official translation and interpretation to other units (Protection, Community Engagement and MHPSS) during events and meetings held at the Education Center. 
4. Support Education team, M&E and SMS when conducting perception/satisfaction surveys and community feedback from the guests.
5. Safeguard the confidentiality and integrity of all relevant documents and information, adhere to established standards of conduct and data protection, and apply humanitarian principles in all duties, demonstrating a gender-sensitive, age-sensitive, and diversity-sensitive approach.
6. Organize and deliver cultural awareness sessions for staff to enhance intercultural competence. Topics may include respectful terminology, protection of program beneficiaries, and interpreting for international organizations.
7. Provide guidance and support to community volunteers at the Education Center in their translation and interpretation tasks.
8. Participate in relevant trainings and development activities to enhance skills and knowledge.
9. Draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other tools for interpretation within the Education Center. Draft templates to be used by Education Center for translation and printing
10. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications