Interpreter (Dari/Pashto)

Mission and objectives

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM – UN Migration) is a related organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM’s operations cover diverse thematic areas such as: Humanitarian Relief Assistance, Protection (including Gender based Violence and Child Protection), Shelter and Non-food items, Health and Psychosocial Support, Resettlement, and Movement Management.

Context

This UN assignment is part of IOM’s Country Office in Germany, and based in our sub-office in Kaiserslautern, where IOM is engaged in a humanitarian project, carried out with different partners on the ground.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Senior Project Associate (Interpretation and Translation) or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Interpreter (Dari/Pashto) will:

• Support accurate communication 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;

• Provide interpretation services in the preferred language of the beneficiaries without paraphrasing, summarizing, omitting or adding information;

• Maintain strict confidentiality during interpretation sessions and follow designated program procedures regarding the destruction or maintenance of written notes within the required timeframe (e.g. immediately after each interpretation session);

• Remain objective, unbiased, impartial and neutral when providing interpretation services. Treat all parties to the conversation with courtesy, dignity and respect, regardless of their age, ethnicity, religion, political opinion, sex characteristics, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability or any other factors;

• Have an appropriate understanding of and sensitivity towards cultural practices and language differences that may exist between the parties to the conversation. Respect the use of proper pronouns that are preferred by the beneficiaries, when applicable;

• Participate in relevant 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;

• Be available to be evaluated on the quality of your interpretation by a third party;

• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);

• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;

• Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities;

• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;

• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. Results/expected outputs:

• As an active IOM team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to IOM and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

• Process reliable communication between beneficiaries and IOM Personal o Contribution to smooth processes in the assigned project;

• Support trustful relationships between the beneficiaries and the organization;

• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment.

• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in, and capacities developed.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor degree or equivalent in Translation, Languages, Political Science, International Relations or a related field from an accredited academic institution, with at least three years of relevant professional experience, preferably in similar roles, or

• High School degree from an accredited academic institution, with at least four years of relevant working experience, preferably in similar roles;

• 3 years of experience in interpretation and/or translation 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.

• Demonstrated ability to draft and edit translations in writing in the target language;

• Excellent communication skills;

• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups is an advantage.

UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances

The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service For more information on entitlements please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos).

For information specific to your assignment please see below:

Monthly Living Allowance (Per month): EUR 3206.5

Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 400

Exit allowance (for each month served, paid on completion of contract): EUR 267.21

Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance

Leave entitlements:

Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month

Certified sick leave: UN Volunteers are entitled to up to 30 days of certified sick leave based on a 12-month cycle. This amount is reset every 12-month cycle.

Uncertified sick leave: 7 days for 12 months and 4 days for shorter assignments Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months (shorter assignments are prorated)

Maternity Leave: 16 weeks

Paternity Leave: 10 days