Somali Interpreter

About the role

The ICRC is looking for a Somali interpreter to work in Somalia or Nairobi, Kenya, on a 12-month maximum-term contract (extendable) with continuous global deployment. The interpreter facilitates accurate and meaningful communication between ICRC delegates, affected populations, authorities and other stakeholders, in sensitive contexts such as protection activities, visits to detainees, family reunification and dialogue with parties to conflict. The role is mobile and full-time.

Key responsibilities

• Oral interpretation between Somali 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 Somali newspaper articles, correspondence and similar texts into written English.
• Analyse and report on conditions of detention, security and other matters relating to the ICRC's mandate as required.
• Support other protection activities as needed.
• Interact externally with authorities, representatives of other organisations and beneficiaries, and internally with staff in other departments.

Required profile

• Excellent command of English (C1) and Somali (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.
• Good health, confirmed by a medical check-up before departure; a driving licence (manual transmission) is required.
• Willingness to accept unaccompanied postings for the first two missions (minimum 12 months each, or 24 months total).
• Candidates cannot be assigned to a country of which they are nationals.

Required skills

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

What we offer

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