Translator

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency established with the mission to protect, advocate for, and promote durable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Since its inception, DRC has been dedicated to addressing the needs of displaced individuals and communities. The organization has been operational in Ukraine since 2014, and it currently employs over 800 staff members. DRC implements emergency responses across various sectors, including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding, which encompasses humanitarian mine action. The organization utilizes direct interventions, supports duty bearers, collaborates with civil society organizations (CSOs), and forms partnerships with CSOs to achieve its objectives. DRC is committed to adapting its durable solutions portfolio to meet the evolving context of the humanitarian landscape in Ukraine.

Job Overview:
The DRC in Kyiv is seeking a highly qualified Translator who will play a crucial role in facilitating communication between national and international employees of the DRC team and the affected populations, particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs). The primary objective of this position is to ensure that urgent needs are addressed promptly and effectively. The Translator will be responsible for providing both written and oral translations, thereby establishing a vital link between various stakeholders. This role requires a deep understanding of the cultural and social dynamics at play, as well as the ability to communicate sensitive information in a respectful and accurate manner. The Translator will report directly to the Communications Manager and will be expected to engage in fieldwork as necessary, responding to urgent requests for interpretation and supporting the overall mission of DRC.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main duties and responsibilities of the Translator include:

• Providing interpretation services between national and international DRC staff, as well as with government officials when required.
• Ensuring accurate interpretation during individual or group counseling sessions and meetings, adhering to principles of accuracy, confidentiality, and impartiality.
• Acting in the best interests of the people of concern (PoC) and communicating with them in a sensitive manner that respects their rights.
• Delivering written translations of documents from Ukrainian and/or Russian into English and vice versa.
• Participating in training sessions and interpreting training materials, tools, and communications.
• Being prepared for field deployments as needed.
• Responding to occasional and urgent requests for interpretation as agreed upon with the line manager.
• Performing any other duties assigned by the line manager that relate to achieving DRC's objectives or supporting its activities.
• Ensuring compliance with the DRC Code of Conduct during all activities.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this position, candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• A minimum of 1 year of working experience in a similar role, with experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO) being an advantage.
• Advanced English language proficiency (C1 or C2 level) and fluency in Ukrainian, including speaking, reading, and writing skills.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to handle stressful situations effectively.
• A positive attitude towards tasks and a commitment to high professional ethics and understanding of privacy policies.
• A relevant university degree or diploma in English, interpretation, communication, public relations, or an equivalent professional qualification.
• Proficiency in technical and humanitarian terminology in both English and Ukrainian will be considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have a relevant educational background, which includes a university degree or diploma in fields such as English, interpretation, communication, public relations, or any equivalent professional qualification. This educational foundation is essential for effectively performing the duties of the Translator role, as it ensures that the candidate possesses the necessary linguistic skills and understanding of communication principles.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 1 year of relevant working experience in a similar role. Experience within the NGO sector is particularly advantageous, as it provides insight into the unique challenges and dynamics of humanitarian work. Candidates should demonstrate their ability to navigate complex situations and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including vulnerable populations.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirements for this position include advanced proficiency in English (C1 or C2 level) and fluency in Ukrainian, encompassing speaking, reading, and writing skills. Additionally, proficiency in Russian may be beneficial, as it can enhance communication with certain populations. Candidates who possess knowledge of technical and humanitarian terminology in both English and Ukrainian will have a competitive advantage.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is initially set for a duration of 6 months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. The position is classified at Level H, which is a non-management role. The designated duty station for this position is Kyiv, and it is a full-time role. The start date for the position is as soon as possible. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national staff. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV (not exceeding four pages) in English. Applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is 21st April 2025, and candidates are encouraged to apply promptly, as interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select a candidate before the vacancy closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.