Pashto Interpreter

About the role

The ICRC is looking for a Pashto interpreter to work in Afghanistan on a mobile, 100% field assignment. The role is about more than translating words: it involves facilitating 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 starting date is continuous, on a global deployment roster.

Key responsibilities

• Oral interpretation between Pashto and/or Dari and English, and vice versa, during confidential interviews with people deprived of liberty, ICRC institutional dissemination, documentation of IHL violations, dialogue with authorities, and family-link activities including delivering Red Cross messages, family tracing and visits to families of detainees.
• Written translation of Pashto and/or Dari texts (newspaper articles, diplomatic correspondence, etc.) into English and vice versa when needed.
• Analyse and report on conditions of detention, the security and humanitarian environment and other matters relating to the ICRC's mandate.
• Support other protection activities as needed, and interact with authorities, other organisations and beneficiaries, as well as with colleagues in other departments.

Required profile

• Excellent command of English (C1).
• Excellent command of Pashto and/or Dari (C1), with a preference for Pashto.
• 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 in complex environments, including active hostilities, able to work under pressure in a confined setting, open-minded and adaptable, and able to read cultural sensitivities.
• Candidates must be in good health (medical check-up before departure), hold a driving licence for manual transmission vehicles, and 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; dual nationals may be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Required skills

• English (C1) and Pashto and/or Dari (C1)
• Proficiency in French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic or Portuguese is a strong asset

What we offer

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

Contract: maximum-term contract, 12 months, extendable, hardship H3, job level B2.