Arabic Interpreter - Near & Middle East Field

About the role

The ICRC is looking for an Arabic interpreter to work in the Near & Middle East region, supporting its protection activities. The interpreter facilitates accurate and meaningful communication between ICRC delegates, affected populations, authorities and other stakeholders, in contexts such as visits to detainees, family reunification and dialogue with parties to conflict. The role is mobile, full-time, on a continuous global deployment roster, with a 12-month assignment (extendable).

Key responsibilities

• Oral interpretation between Arabic and English during confidential interviews with people deprived of liberty, ICRC institutional dissemination, dialogue with authorities and family-link activities (delivering Red Cross messages, family tracing and visits to families of detainees)
• Written translation of Arabic texts such as newspaper articles and correspondence into English
• Analyse conditions of detention and other matters relating to the ICRC's mandate, and report as required
• Support other protection activities as needed
• Interact externally with authorities, other organisations and beneficiaries, and internally with staff in other departments

Required profile

• Excellent command of English (C1) and Arabic (C1)
• 2 years of professional experience; previous interpreter or translator experience is an advantage
• University degree in interpretation or translation is an advantage
• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work and able to work under pressure in a potentially dangerous environment
• Open-minded and adaptable
• Must hold a driving licence (manual transmission) and pass a medical check-up before going to the field
• Must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings for the first two missions (minimum 12 months each, or 24 months total); the ICRC does not assign personnel to countries of which they are nationals

Required skills

• Excellent Arabic and English (C1)
• Proficiency in other ICRC operational languages (French, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese) is a strong asset

What we offer

• A rewarding work environment in a humanitarian and multicultural setting
• A two-week orientation course and further in-house training
• Attractive social benefits
• Access to the ICRC talent pool for future assignments