Consecutive Interpreter (Kurdish Sorani to English)

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 atrocities. The organization is committed to a victim and survivor-centered approach, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and sensitivity in its operations. The IIIM is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and engages with various stakeholders to fulfill its mandate.

Job Overview:
The position of Consecutive Interpreter is critical within the Operational Support Section (OSS) of the IIIM. The contractor will be responsible for providing clear and accurate verbatim consecutive interpretation during high-level meetings and informal discussions, particularly in sensitive contexts involving vulnerable victims. The role requires the contractor to interpret sensitive and confidential information, ensuring that the nuances of language are preserved. The contractor may work remotely or may be required to travel at short notice to various locations in the Middle East or elsewhere, depending on the needs of the IIIM. This position is not a traditional job opening; rather, it is a Generic Job Opening (GJO) that allows for the creation of a global candidate pool for future opportunities as they arise. The contractor's work will directly contribute to the IIIM's mission of pursuing justice and accountability for victims of serious crimes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary duties and responsibilities of the Consecutive Interpreter include:

• Providing consecutive interpretation from Kurdish Sorani to English and vice-versa during high-level meetings, interviews, and discussions.
• Ensuring the accurate and clear transmission of sensitive and confidential information, particularly in contexts involving traumatized victims.
• Engaging with material that may be distressing, requiring a high level of professionalism and sensitivity.
• Collaborating with other team members and stakeholders to facilitate effective communication during investigative interviews and meetings.
• Adapting to various working conditions, including remote work and potential travel to different locations as required by the IIIM.
• Maintaining confidentiality and adhering to ethical standards in all interpretations provided.
• Participating in training and capacity-building activities as needed to enhance interpretation skills and knowledge of relevant legal and human rights frameworks.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include:

• Academic Qualifications: A first-level university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in a language-related field is required. Alternatively, applicants must hold a first-level degree and have at least 50 days of work experience as an interpreter in English/Kurdish Sorani.
• Certification in Kurdish Sorani is desirable, indicating a recognized level of proficiency in the language.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of five years of professional experience in interpretation, specifically in Kurdish Sorani and English, is required.
• Experience in consecutive interpretation, particularly in sensitive contexts such as witness interviews, is essential.
• Experience providing translation services related to human rights or criminal law investigations is desirable, as is work experience with accountability mechanisms.
• Experience interpreting for victims and survivors of atrocity crimes is also highly valued.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in a language-related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the interpreter has a solid foundation in language skills and comprehension necessary for effective interpretation. Additionally, candidates who do not have a degree but possess significant work experience (at least 50 days) as an interpreter in English and Kurdish Sorani may also be considered. Certification in Kurdish Sorani is an added advantage, demonstrating a recognized level of expertise in the language.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in interpretation, specifically focusing on Kurdish Sorani and English. This experience should include consecutive interpretation, particularly in sensitive contexts such as witness interviews. Candidates with experience in providing translation services for human rights or criminal law investigations will be preferred. Furthermore, experience working with accountability mechanisms and interpreting for victims and survivors of atrocity crimes is highly desirable, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to handle sensitive situations with care and professionalism.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Kurdish Sorani is mandatory for this position, as these are the primary languages used in interpretation tasks. Additionally, fluency in Arabic is desirable, as it may enhance communication in certain contexts. Knowledge of Kurdish Kurmanji is also considered a plus, as it may be beneficial in understanding the linguistic nuances of the Kurdish language.

Additional Notes:
This position is categorized as a Generic Job Opening (GJO), meaning that applications will be pooled for future job openings rather than for immediate hiring. The expected duration of assignments can range from a minimum of 1 day to a maximum of 10 days, depending on the specific requirements of the IIIM. The United Nations emphasizes that it does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not subjected to financial burdens during their application. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, or disabilities.