Interpreter Assistant - UNHCR

Organizational Context:

Following an outbreak of violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state on 25 August 2017, an influx of Rohingya refugees began fleeing over the border into Bangladesh. The Rohingya minority from Myanmar fled their country of origin, sought refuge, and found shelter in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh resulting in the current presence of over 940,000.00 refugees (including around 36,000 previously registered refugees). The Rohingya have faced statelessness, systematic discrimination, and targeted violence in Myanmar for decades before fleeing to Bangladesh.

As of 31 August 2022, over 940,000 Rohingya refugees reside in 33 camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf Upazilas of Cox's Bazar District and on an island Bhasan Char in Noakhali District.  UNHCR, together with other UN agencies and partners, has been assisting the Government of Bangladesh to provide basic humanitarian assistance and services. 

It is in this context that the unit urgently requires three interpreter assistants who will assist to interpret between Rohingya language, English, Bangla, and vice versa where necessary during confidential protection interviews and contribute to the work of UNHCR.

Responsibilities:

• Provide accurate and professional word-for-word interpretation between the Rohingya language and English and vice versa during confidential protection interviews. Translate Bengali into English and vice versa where necessary.
• Assist with translation for visiting delegations or during training and briefing sessions.
• When instructed by the immediate Supervisor, interpret telephone inquiries made by refugees/phone callers in the language assigned.
• Assist the unit by carrying out support functions such as organizing transport for the unit, contacting refugees to obtain additional information as requested by the interviewers/scheduling them for interviews.
• Maintain current knowledge of refugee situations and the population served in Bangladesh.
• Actively participate as a member of the UNHCR team; and comply with UNHCR's security requirements.
• Perform other interpretation and translation functions as requested by the supervisor.
• The interpreter assistant is required to read and understand the Undertaking of Confidentiality and Impartiality and understands that he/she shall be expected to respect the principle of confidentiality and remain impartial in his/her work.
• The Interpreter assistant must observe total confidentiality regarding information obtained in the performance of his/her duties.
• The Interpreter Assistant is required to travel to the refugee camps in Cox's Bazar as and when instructed by the supervisor.

Minimum Qualification:

a. Education: Completion of a High school Diploma is required. Additional interpreter education/training is desirable and preferred.

b. Work Experience: 1-year relevant experience with High School Diploma, Prior experience in interpretation/translation is desirable.

Accountability and Authority:

Required: Diverse field experience. Experience in interpreting in various contexts in the required languages.

Desirable Skills:

• Familiarity with UNHCR's work.
• Field experience – particularly with NGOs or UN agencies working with refugees in countries of refuge.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in teams.
• Ability to work in stressful situations and in hardship locations.

Language Requirements: Fluency in Rohingya or Chittagonian, Bengali, and English.

Key Competencies:

• Proven skills in communicating proficiently from the assigned language to English and vice versa. This means accurate listening, speaking, reading, and writing, reporting in both languages in a verbatim and efficient manner.
• Possess high standards of professional conduct and ethics in the course of performing interpretation and translation services.
• Knowledge of computer applications, including Microsoft Office packages (Word and Excel).
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and respect diversity.

Core Competencies:

• Accountability
• Communication
• Organizational Awareness
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Client & Result Orientation

Cross-Functional Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking
• Political Awareness
• Stakeholder Management

Eligibility: Candidates must meet the essential minimum requirements of the position and candidates not citizens of the country must comply with all eligibility requirements for employment in line with the prevailing legislative prerequisites in the country.

Remuneration: A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, please visit the portal of the International Civil Service Commission at: http://icsc.un.org

Submission of Applications: Interested candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to submit their applications online via UNHCR Bangladesh Job Portal https://bgdco.unhcr.org/Apps/jobportal/jobs. Candidates must comply with the below mandatory requirements. Non-compliance with any of the below points will immediately disqualify the candidacy of the applicant:

• Submit fully updated, completed, and signed Personal History Form (PHF/P11) and Supplementary forms in PDF format. P11 (PHF) should always be in PDF format, and in UNHCR template. Any other formats will not be accepted
• Submit your updated Fact Sheet with P-11 (applicable for internal applicants)
• When applying, interested candidates must clearly indicate the Position Title, Position Number and Vacancy Notice number in their application.

Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the Assessment Exercises for the recruitment of the position, which may include Written/Technical tests and/or Interviews, as applicable for the recruitment of the position.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing or any other fees).

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted during the application. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern is subject to proof of full vaccination, independently of contract type and duration, unless the candidate is based in a location with documented lack of access to COVID-19 vaccines or as applicable. 

UNHCR strongly encourages qualified female applicants for this position. UNHCR seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities. UNHCR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

UNHCR has a zero-tolerance policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). SEA is unacceptable behaviour and prohibited conduct for UNHCR personnel. It constitutes acts of serious misconduct and is therefore grounds for disciplinary measures, including dismissal. Any concerns or suspicions about a possible case of SEA should be reported immediately to the Inspector General's Office (IGO) at [email protected] or through the online complain form at https://www.unhcr.org/php/complaints.php or by confidential fax: +41 22 739 73 80.

Submission of Applications: Before applying to Jobs, Please login your account first and make sure you have completed and updated your online resume and signed ↓ PHF Form.   In case if you have more than three experiences, please complete ↓ Supplementary Sheet as well.  

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