Interpreter/Cultural Liaison Supervisor

Internal/External Vacancy Announcement 

About CVT:

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 towards 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, 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.

General Description of Role

The Interpreter/Cultural Liaison supervisor, based in Debrebirhan with daily travel to Debrebirhan IDP camps will report to the expert Psychotherapist/Trainer programmatically and the Area Manager in Debrebirhan administratively. The Interpreter/Cultural Liaison supervisor will provide translation and interpretation support for program and administrative activities in Debrebirhan as well as for CVT Ethiopia as a whole.

Main Responsibilities

1. In order to facilitate the communication between expatriate staff of CVT and others, provide interpretation for group, individual, and family clinical 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.

2. 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.

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

4. 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 to facilitate appropriate communication between expatriate staff, host and refugee communities.

5. Solicit additional explanation from the expatriate staff, as necessary and appropriate, in order to ensure their communications are clear and well understood by the recipients.

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

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

8. Interpret, transcribe and translate the spoken or written language into another language as required.

9. Any other duty assigned by Supervisor.

Supervisory role:

Interpreter/Cultural Liaison Supervisor will supervise Interpreter/Cultural Liaison and incentive Interpreter/Cultural Liaison 

Terms of Employment: Initial contract is from October 07, 2024 through to May 31, 2025 with 60 business days probationary period. Possibility of continuation thereafter will be dependent 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

1. Must have a Bachelor’s degree in English or related fields and/or relevant professional experiences.
2. Excellent knowledge and understanding of English, Amharic, Oromifa and excellent written and oral interpretation skills in these languages. 
3. Excellent communication skills, including empathetic listening skills.
4. Ability to remain objective, and communicate professionally with clients, community members, and organizations’ partners.
5. Excellent team player.
6. Excellent organizational, administrative, and problem-solving skills.
7. Self-starter, flexible, and adaptable.
8. Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office and applications, including ability to type Nuer.
9. Ability to interpret mental health concepts and terminology accurately.
10. Capable of working under pressure while maintaining the appropriate tone, speed and projection of the speaker.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• Required: Computer literacy in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook). 

• Required: Fluency in English and Amharic is must. Knowledge of Afaan oromo is an added advantage. 

• Required: Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability to work in challenging areas, changing conditions, procedures and/or policies and required tasks.

• Required: Good communication, organizational, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

• Required: Should be a self-starter and consistently uphold ethical practice. 

• Required: Ability to work independently and in a team member. 

• Required: Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in the implementation of project activities, including a commitment to confidentiality, diversity, equity and inclusion and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.  

• Preferred: Experience working in the Amhara Region, with a strong preference for candidates who have lived and worked with the IDPs in Debre Birhan.

General 

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

2. Is committed to respect CVT’s confidentiality policy and refrain from using or sharing any information regarding CVT operations or beneficiaries without prior approval. 

3. Isobligated to report to the supervisor any information concerning the security and safety of CVT staff and/or of CVT beneficiary. 

How To Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should email a copy of their CV and application letter, clearly articulating in English motivation for applying, qualifications and experiences that are relevant to 

the position to EMbatha@CVT.ORG and copy cvtethr@cvt.org, with the subject title “ICL Supervisor, [Your Name].” CV should include the names and contact information of three work related 

referees.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview process.

Closing date for applications: September 18, 2024, before 5:00pm

Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.