Interpreter Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), which was established in 195

• The organization is dedicated to saving lives and protecting the rights of refugees and displaced people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. Its mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR's work is guided by the principles of international protection and humanitarian assistance, focusing on the needs of the most vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly.

Job Overview:
The Interpreter Assistant position is crucial for supporting UNHCR's voluntary returns monitoring and protection activities in Turkey. The role involves providing accurate and impartial interpretation between returnees and UNHCR staff during interviews and counseling sessions. The incumbent will also be responsible for translating written materials related to the voluntary return process and accompanying field teams to border crossings for monitoring activities. This position requires a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, and commitment to UNHCR's protection principles. The Interpreter Assistant will work under the supervision of UNHCR staff and may be required to work during late hours, weekends, and holidays depending on operational needs. The role is based in Adana, with potential travel within the region to support field missions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Interpreter Assistant include:

• Providing accurate and impartial interpretation during interviews and counseling sessions between returnees and UNHCR staff.
• Translating written materials such as information leaflets, consent forms, and return-related documentation from and into relevant languages.
• Accompanying field teams to border crossings to provide interpretation during monitoring activities.
• Maintaining strict confidentiality and professional neutrality, especially when dealing with sensitive protection-related information.
• Reporting to the Associate Field Officer or other assigned UNHCR staff and submitting reports related to duties through established mechanisms.
• Preparing timesheets for any night shifts or overtime hours and submitting them to the supervisor.
• Attending periodic office-wide and team-specific meetings and participating in relevant training as approved by the office.
• Staying up to date with relevant documents and ensuring compliance with UNHCR's operational standards.

Required Qualifications:
The minimum qualifications required for the Interpreter Assistant position include:

• A minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in a similar role.
• A High School Diploma or equivalent; a Bachelor’s degree or higher is preferred.
• Core competencies such as accountability, communication, organizational awareness, teamwork and collaboration, commitment to continuous learning, and client and result orientation.
• Excellent team-working skills and a consistent, positive approach to work.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum. A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent higher education is preferred, indicating a level of academic achievement that supports the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 1 year of relevant experience in interpretation or a related field. This experience should demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position include an excellent command of Arabic and English, both spoken and written. Additionally, knowledge of Turkish at a minimum B2 level is required to effectively perform the duties of the position. Proficiency in Turkish will enable the Interpreter Assistant to communicate effectively with local authorities and other stakeholders involved in the voluntary return process.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a local entry and mid-level support role, with a target start date of April 1, 202

• The contract duration is subject to operational needs and satisfactory service, with no expectation of renewal beyond the expiry date. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, which may include mandatory night shifts and the possibility of work on weekends and official holidays. The incumbent will receive annual leave at the rate of two and a half working days per month, as well as sick leave at the rate of two working days for each month of service. Medical coverage is provided through Cigna Health Insurance, which is also available for eligible dependents. Remuneration will be based on the International Civil Services Commission (ICSC) salary scale at the G4 or G5 level, depending on qualifications and experience. Non-Turkish candidates must obtain clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) before an offer can be made, and they are required to upload valid residence permits as part of their application.