Education Assistant (Interpreter)

Position Title : Education Assistant (Interpreter)

Duty Station : Doha, Qatar

Classification : General Service Staff, G-5

Type of Appointment: One Year Fixed Term, with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 18 September 2024

Established in 1951, IOM 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 is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. 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, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates

2. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo

(the); Cook Islands; Dominica; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See;

Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People's Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar;

Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru;

Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas;

Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.

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 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.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

• Assist in the provision of non-official translation 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Support Education team, M&E and SMS when conducting perception/satisfaction surveys and community feedback from the guests.
• 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.
• 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.
• Provide guidance and support to community volunteers at the Education Center in their translation and interpretation tasks.
• Participate in relevant trainings and development activities to enhance skills and knowledge.
• 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
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Translation, Interpretation, Linguistics, Political Science, International Relations or a related field with at least three (3) years of relevant professional experience, preferably in similar roles, or
• Completed High School diploma from an accredited academic institution, with at least five (5) years of relevant working experience, preferably in similar roles.

Experience

· Proven experience in Interpretation and supporting informal translation of English language into either Pashto and Dari.

· Strong adaptability, agility, and innovative teaching methodologies to cater to diverse learning needs.

· Experience working with at-risk community members and individuals with specific needs.

· Experience working with international organizations or in a humanitarian context is an asset.

· Strong work ethics and commitment to humanitarian principles.

· Experience working in a transit centre and/or on a resettlement programme.

· Proven experience in working with individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

· Familiarity with US geography and cultural aspects relevant to newcomers to the United States.

Skills

· Proficiency in English and either of the target languages of Dari and Pashto.

· Demonstrated ability to support drafting and editing informal translations in either of the target language(s)

· Excellent written and oral communication skills.

· Strong cultural awareness and sensitivity.

· Strong work ethics and commitment to humanitarian principles.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office software packages.

· Availability and flexibility to work beyond the normal working schedule and on day/evening/night shift duties.

· Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

· Strong organizational and coordination skills.

Languages

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

REQUIRED

For this position, fluency in English and fluency in one or both of the desired languages (Dari and Pashto) is required.

DESIRABLE

Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.

Notes

*Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies

Values

·Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

·Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.

·Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

· Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.

· Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 1

· Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.

· Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.

· Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.

· Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.

· Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

No Fees: IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training, or other fee).

Posting period:

From 04 September 2024 until 18 September 2024

Eligibility:

This position is open to all nationalities. IOM Qatar will facilitate the work visa and residency permit requirements for the selected candidates.

Other

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment.