Interpreter/Cultural liaison

The Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing trauma rehabilitative services to survivors of gross human rights abuses, including torture, and works toward a future in which gross human rights violations cease to exist and victims have hope for a new life. We are headquartered in Minnesota, USA with offices in Africa and the Middle East. We work locally, nationally, and internationally through programs that provide trauma rehabilitative services, conduct technical assistance and capacity building to human rights activists, civil society organizations, and local service providers around the world who can prevent and treat gross human rights abuses, and advocate for human rights and an end to gross human rights violations.

This is a full-time position based in Debre birhan, Amhara, Ethiopia. The position holders will report to the Interpreter & Cultural liaisons -Supervisor programmatically, and to the Area Manager administratively. 

General Description of Role 

The Interpreter/Cultural Liaison, based in Debre birhan will report to the Interpreter & Cultural liaisons -Supervisor and the Administration/Human Resources Officer administratively. The Interpreter/Cultural Liaison will provide translation and interpretation support for program and administrative activities in Debre birhan IDP site. 

Main Responsibilities 

• In order to facilitate the communication between expatriate staff of CVT and others, provide interpretation for group, individual, and family counseling activities including assessments, interviews and hiring of staff, supervision of staff, internal and external meetings, logistical coordination, and daily and regular communication among staff, partners, and service providers. 

• Provide written translation of materials including, but not limited to, training materials, meeting handouts and minutes, organizational and program forms, internal and external communications, organizational policies, reports, etc. 

• Coordinate with other Interpreter/Cultural Liaisons and maintain organized filing system for all translated materials for ready use by all staff.   

• Provide oral and written explanations of cultural norms, expectations, and other nuances that may not be immediately apparent to expatriate staff, as necessary and appropriate so as to facilitate appropriate communication between expatriate staff and host/refugee communities. 

• Solicit additional explanation from the expatriate staff, as necessary and appropriate, in order to ensure the recipients, clear and well understand their communications. 

• Participate and learn through training provided by Psychotherapist/Trainer, exercise sensible and accurate interpretation services in a clinical setting, maintain confidentiality of all information and materials handled, and practice sound self-care to avoid/manage vicarious traumatization. 

• Learn about the impacts of torture and trauma on communication and to implement this knowledge when engaging with clients and members of the community. 

General conditions 

• Maintain neutrality regarding any sensitive issues such as religion, ethnicity, disability, minority or political affiliation 

• Strong commitment to serve beneficiaries of CVT’s project regardless their religion, gender, minority affiliation or ethnic/political background 

• Is strictly committed to respect CVT’s confidentiality policy and refrain from using any information that s/he will know about a client outside of CVT 

• Will not approach (potential) beneficiaries for their involvement in non CVT activities without prior approval of CVT supervisor. 

• Keep absolute confidentiality on all information managed. Obligated to report any information to the supervisor when the security of CVT staff and/or of CVT beneficiary might become an issue. 

• This job profile can be adapted and changed according to the evolution of CVT activities. 

Terms of Employment: Initial contract through May 31, 2025(60 business days of probationary period) and with a possibility of continuation thereafter depending on the funding availability.

CVT has a zero tolerance to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of beneficiaries. Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) is everyone’s responsibility and all staff are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct, that enshrines principles of PSEA, always (both during work hours and outside work hours). 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree or above in English language and literature, language studies or related fields and/or relevant professional experiences is preferable. And, should have proven work experience in the Humanitarian context. 

• Must have at least 2 years and above work experience as an interpreter & translator.

• Must be Fluent in Affaan Oromo, Amharic and English Languages.  

• Excellent written and oral interpretation skills in these languages is required. 

• Knowledge and work experience in the humanitarian setting especially knowledge of mental health is a plus.

• Excellent communication skills, including empathetic listening skills, attention to details.

• Ability to remain objective, and communicate professionally with clients, community members, and organizations’ partners. 

• Excellent team player. 

• Excellent organizational, administrative, and problem-solving skills. 

• Self-starter, flexible, and adaptable. 

How To Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should email their CV with application letter, articulating motivations, qualifications, and experiences that are relevant to the post, prepared in English, to 

MTesfahun@cvt.org and copy  cvtethr@cvt.org before 

September 6, 2024, with the subject title “Interpreter/Cultural liaison,[Your Name].” 

Include the names and contact information of three work related references, including your current immediate supervisor and possibly HR persons. 

Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.