Lead Interpreter
Reports to: Interpreter Training Specialist
Division: Cultural Orientation
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Grade: 7 (N)
Starting Salary: KES 60,000 (gross / month)
Status: Non-Exempt
CWS Africa
The mission statement of Church World Service is to work with partners to eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice around the world. CWS Africa provides services to sub-Saharan Africa to fulfill its mission.
The mission statement of Church World Service is to work with partners to eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice around the world. CWS Africa provides services to sub-Saharan Africa to fulfill its mission.
The Resettlement Support Center (RSC) Africa is a division of CWS Africa and operates a US refugee resettlement program in sub-Saharan Africa through a Cooperative Agreement with the Department of State/Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration. RSC Africa is responsible for the preparation of refugee case files for adjudication by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers, as well as the out-processing and cultural orientation of all approved cases.
Benefits
CWS Africa offers a total compensation package. The total compensation package includes life insurance, comprehensive health insurance, dental coverage, vision coverage; CWS Africa offers 10% retirement contribution with a 5% employee match, 22 vacation days a year, 30 sick days per year at full pay and 15 days sick a year at half pay, compassionate leave, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EEOC
CWS Africa offers a total compensation package. The total compensation package includes life insurance, comprehensive health insurance, dental coverage, vision coverage; CWS Africa offers 10% retirement contribution with a 5% employee match, 22 vacation days a year, 30 sick days per year at full pay and 15 days sick a year at half pay, compassionate leave, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EEOC
Church World Service does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or veteran status in employment or the provision of services.
Due to the volume of applications that we receive, only those individuals shortlisted will be contacted.
To Apply:
Please click the below link to apply directly online to this position.
This position is open to national applicants.
Please note CWS Africa does not accept resumes for positions that are not posted. All applicants are required to submit their resume using the on-line applicant tracking system.
Skills Testing
The candidates who are shortlisted will be required to participate in a skills testing. This skills test will be the development and delivery of a 15 minutes training on a topic related to Interpreting.
Eligibility List
The eligibility list established as a result of this job posting will be used for a minimum of six months or until the list is exhausted. This list will be used to fill any current and immediate future vacancies. Individuals who are interested in this position should submit their application materials now.
Communication
Please note CWS Africa uses e-mail for all recruitment contacts. Please be sure to check your e-mail regularly.
Application Materials
Your application materials should clearly indicate how you meet the requirements of the position. Be sure your resume is in an easy to read format. Dates of employment on your resume should be in mm/yy format.
Primary Purpose
The Lead Interpreter will primarily assist the Interpreter Training Specialist (ITS) with preparation of training materials, conducting training, updating the Interpreter Management System and interpreting. The position works closely with other members of the Cultural Orientation (CO) Division.
Supervision
This position reports directly to the Interpreter Training Specialist
Essential Duties
- Assists in all aspects of interpreter training.
- Interprets in Somali for Field Teams in Nairobi.
- Travels throughout the Africa region occasionally to assist the ITS.
- Translates materials in Somali.
- Develops materials related to interpreter training in collaboration with the ITS.
- Contributes towards the development of interpreter training curricula.
- Utilizes developed assessment tools to assess interpreter progress and development.
- Maintains a current knowledge of RSC Africa Standard Operating Procedures, the interpreter training curriculum, training techniques and populations to be trained.
- Participates in interpreter circuit ride briefings and debriefings.
- Shares recommendations regarding project improvement with the ITS.
- Assists in the development of reports related to the interpreters.
- Performs other duties that may be assigned by the ITS.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in translation and interpretation, cross-cultural education, linguistics or four years related work experience in lieu of a degree.
Experience:
- At least two years interpreting in Somali for RSC Africa preferred.
- At least six months work experience in an office environment in Nairobi required.
Knowledge / Skills:
· Fluent in both spoken and written Somali
· Excellent verbal and written English skills
· Demonstrated training skills
· Demonstrated computer skills
· Excellent interpreting skills
· Excellent interpersonal skills
Abilities:
The Lead Interpreter must have the ability to:
- work as a team member in a multi-cultural environment;
- maintain the integrity of official records;
- work in harsh conditions;
- travel in sub-Saharan Africa on short notice and often under sometimes difficult conditions to meet demands of a dynamic operational program;
- follow instructions from supervisor with a positive and receptive attitude;
- conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner to represent the best interests of RSC Africa and CWS/IRP;
- maintain a high performance standard with attention to detail;
- manage a large and diverse workload under pressure with competing priorities;
- work well as a team in a multi-cultural environment while maintaining a high level of motivation;
- actively participate in the implementation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program in Africa.
- carry out all of the duties of the position efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision;
- maintain strict confidentiality with RSC Africa administrative and operational information.
Working Conditions
Physical:This position requires bending, kneeling, sitting, standing, walking, pushing/pulling, handling objects (manual dexterity), reaching above shoulder level, using fine finger movements and lifting/carrying light loads.
Environmental:Incumbents in this position will be exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity, dust and infectious diseases and harsh weather climates.
Special Requirements
Background check which includes references and an educational criminal check is required before the start of employment. Certificate of Good Conduct is required before the start of employment. A valid passport and the ability to maintain a valid passport throughout the entire appointment is required, which includes having enough passport pages for travel. The candidate should be of good health, willing and able to travel extensively in often difficult conditions, and have a high degree of flexibility. Must have proof of Yellow Fever vaccination before traveling for RSC Africa. Employee will be entrusted with the receipt, custody and payment of money.
Licensing/Certification
None.
Competencies
Communication
Ensure effective exchanges of information with others. Examples of skills and behaviors include speaking to others respectfully; expressing ideas in a logical, organized way; sharing information appropriately; and clarity and conciseness in written communication.
Relationships
Ensure constructive and supportive interactions with others. Examples of skills and behaviors include being positive and supportive when working with others; sharing information and resources freely; resolving conflict constructively; and proactively working to remove obstacles to success for others.
Job Knowledge
Utilize and apply job related knowledge to complete job tasks at a level that meets or exceeds expectations. Examples of skills and behaviors include utilizing job knowledge to solve problems or develop new approaches; maintaining or enhancing skills through continuing education; and taking on projects that will develop or enhance skills.
Teamwork
Work effectively and contribute as a member of a team. Examples of skills and behaviors include supporting other team members by sharing information; covering the work of others during absences, vacations etc.; and actively participating in developing ideas for ways to increase team effectiveness.
Problem Solving
Analyze information and develop solutions to challenges that arise during the course of performing a job. Examples of skills and behaviors include researching and collecting facts; defining the issues and the parties affected; formulating options/solutions for addressing the problem; and engendering support for and implementing the solution.
Program Planning and Management
Organize work and/or plan projects and ensure timely completion and/or successful implementation. Examples of skills and behaviors include identifying and analyzing program options; identifying the tasks and deliverables required for successful completion; managing one’s time; monitoring the resources involved and ensuring that they are directed most effectively; and working with all involved to ensure successful completion.
Leadership
Guide and direct oneself or other individuals and groups toward a desired outcome. Examples of skills and behaviors include taking the appropriate level of initiative to resolve problems or remove obstacles, bringing individuals together around a common goal; evaluating information and making decisions; navigating conflict and obstacles; and ensuring that communication takes place between all parties involved.
Resource Building and Stewardship
Balance the acquisition or investment of organization resources with responsible use of those resources in line with the organization’s mission. Examples of skills and behaviors include taking advantage of all opportunities to cultivate potential donors; evaluating situations to identify the best use of resources; and making responsible investments of resources that increase organization effectiveness.
HOW TO APPLY:
To Apply:
Please click the below link to apply directly online to this position.
This position is open to national applicants.
Please note CWS Africa does not accept resumes for positions that are not posted. All applicants are required to submit their resume using the on-line applicant tracking system.