Field Interpreter (English/Kurdish-Kurmanji) - Individual Contractor

Job Posting Organization:
The International Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) was established to assist in the investigation and prosecution of individuals responsible for the most serious crimes under law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 201

• The IIIM operates under the auspices of the United Nations and aims to ensure accountability and justice for victims of serious crimes. The organization is dedicated to upholding human rights and providing support to victims and survivors, and it works in collaboration with various stakeholders to achieve its mission. The IIIM is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is composed of a diverse team of professionals committed to the principles of justice and accountability.

Job Overview:
The Field Interpreter position is crucial for facilitating communication during sensitive meetings and interviews, particularly those involving vulnerable victims of serious crimes. The contractor will provide consecutive interpretation from Kurdish Kurmanji to English and vice versa, ensuring that all communications are clear, accurate, and respectful of the sensitive nature of the discussions. This role requires a high level of professionalism and the ability to handle distressing material, as the contractor will be interpreting for individuals who may have experienced trauma. The position is designed to support the IIIM's mandate of pursuing justice and accountability through a victim-centered approach, and it may involve remote work or travel to various locations as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The contractor will be responsible for providing consecutive interpretation during high-level meetings and sensitive investigative interviews. This includes interpreting for traumatized victims and ensuring that all communications are conveyed accurately and respectfully. The contractor must work independently and be prepared to engage with sensitive and confidential information. The role may require travel at short notice to various locations in the Middle East or elsewhere, depending on the requirements of the IIIM. The contractor will also need to maintain a high standard of interpretation that meets the expectations of national or international courts, as the information discussed may be used in legal proceedings. Additionally, the contractor will be expected to adhere to the ethical standards of the profession and the guidelines set forth by the United Nations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must hold a first-level university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in a language-related field. Alternatively, applicants may qualify with a first-level degree and at least 50 days of work experience as an interpreter in English/Kurdish Kurmanji. Certification in Kurdish Kurmanji is desirable. Candidates should possess strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure in sensitive situations. A commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards in interpretation is essential.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in a language-related field is required. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of language interpretation and the nuances involved in translating sensitive information accurately. Additional qualifications or certifications in interpretation, particularly in Kurdish Kurmanji, are considered advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of five years of professional experience in interpretation, specifically in Kurdish/Kurmanji and English. This experience should include consecutive interpretation, particularly in contexts involving witness interviews in Arabic and English. Experience in providing translation services for human rights or criminal law investigations is desirable, as is work experience with accountability mechanisms. Candidates with a background in interpreting for victims and survivors of atrocity crimes will be given preference, as this experience is directly relevant to the sensitive nature of the work.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Kurdish-Kurmanji is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable, as it may be beneficial in certain contexts. Additionally, familiarity with Kurdish-Sorani is also considered a plus, as it may enhance communication with a broader range of individuals involved in the interpretation process. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is one of the working languages within the Secretariat of the IIIM.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position can range from a minimum of 1 day to a maximum of 10 days, depending on the specific requirements of the assignment. The position is classified as an individual contractor role, which may involve remote work or travel as necessary. The United Nations emphasizes that it does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that all candidates have equal access to opportunities without financial barriers. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from various backgrounds regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, or disabilities.