Field Interpreter (English/Kurdish Sorani)

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, focusing on inclusivity and justice. It employs a diverse workforce and promotes equality and non-discrimination in its hiring practices.

Job Overview:
The Field Interpreter position is crucial for facilitating communication during high-level meetings and sensitive discussions involving vulnerable victims and witnesses. The contractor will provide consecutive interpretation from Kurdish Sorani to English and vice versa, ensuring that all communications are clear and accurate. This role requires a high level of professionalism and sensitivity, as the interpreter will be dealing with confidential and potentially distressing information. The position is designed to support the IIIM's mandate by ensuring that victims' voices are heard and understood in the pursuit of justice. The contractor may work remotely or may be required to travel to various locations, particularly in the Middle East, depending on the needs of the IIIM. The assignment duration can vary from a minimum of 1 day to a maximum of 10 days, based on the specific requirements of the meetings or interviews.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of the Field Interpreter include providing accurate and clear consecutive interpretation during high-level meetings and investigative interviews. The contractor will interpret sensitive information, ensuring that the nuances of language and context are preserved. This role involves working with traumatized individuals, requiring a compassionate and professional approach. The interpreter must be prepared to engage with distressing material and maintain confidentiality at all times. The contractor will also be expected to collaborate with other team members and contribute to the overall objectives of the IIIM, ensuring that the rights and needs of victims are prioritized in all interactions. Additionally, the contractor may need to adapt to changing circumstances, including travel at short notice to fulfill the requirements of the position.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) in a language-related field. Alternatively, applicants can qualify with a first-level degree and at least 50 days of work experience as an interpreter in English/Kurdish Sorani. Certification in Kurdish Sorani is considered desirable. The position requires five years of professional experience in interpretation, specifically in Kurdish Sorani and English. Experience in consecutive interpretation, particularly in witness interviews, is essential. Desirable qualifications include experience in human rights or criminal law investigations, work with accountability mechanisms, and interpreting for victims of atrocity crimes.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree in a language-related field is mandatory for this position. This educational background ensures that candidates have a solid foundation in language skills, which is critical for effective interpretation. Additional qualifications, such as certification in Kurdish Sorani, are advantageous and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in interpretation, specifically between Kurdish Sorani and English. Candidates should have a proven track record of providing consecutive interpretation in sensitive contexts, including witness interviews. Experience in human rights or criminal law investigations is highly desirable, as is familiarity with accountability mechanisms. The ability to work effectively within a team and adapt to challenging situations is also important for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Kurdish Sorani is mandatory for this position, as these are the primary languages used in interpretation tasks. Proficiency in Arabic is considered desirable, as it may facilitate communication in certain contexts. Knowledge of Kurdish Kurmanji is also seen as a beneficial asset, enhancing the interpreter's versatility and effectiveness in various situations.

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 selection. The United Nations emphasizes that it does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring that all candidates can apply without financial barriers. The role may involve remote work or travel, depending on the specific needs of the IIIM. The contract duration can range from 1 to 10 days, providing flexibility based on the assignment requirements.