Language Specialist

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose

Language Specialist helps the ICRC communicate clearly and consistently by providing translation and revision services (and, where relevant, interpreting services) from one or more languages into his/her mother tongue and/or editing services in his/her mother tongue.

Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities

• Provides simultaneous interpretation during ICRC events and trainings and prepares the relevant material, when available, as necessary.
• Translates autonomously from and into Arabic and English (as well as French, when necessary) a wide range of ICRC documents, within the agreed upon deadlines.
• Proofreads and edits a wide range of ICRC texts, within the agreed upon deadlines, while ensuring high quality services and ensuring the use of the appropriate terminology.
• Carries out terminological research and works on elaborating a terminological database/terminological tool to be used as a reference and updates them on a regular basis.
• Outsources work to freelance translators/Interpreters, when necessary, reviews their work and trains junior and freelance translators and editors.
• Advises colleagues on linguistic issues and answers their relevant inquiries.
• Advises on sensitivities regarding the use of national languages in the delegation and sub-delegations.
• Develop, implement and/or contribute to SOPs related to translation/interpretation services and review other processes that could affect the work of linguistic services.
• Maintains the interpretation equipment suitcase and liaises with the logistics teams, if necessary, for this purpose.
• Effectively and efficiently keeps track of all linguistic activities (with the support of other colleagues) in a tracking sheet in order to manage the workload and extrapolate needed extra resources.

Certifications / Education required

• Masters’ degree in Conference Interpretation.

Professional Experience required

• 5 years of professional experience in translation and interpretation.
• 2 years working experience with governmental and diplomatic authorities, as well as with international organizations, is an asset.
• Experience in revision and editing is an asset.
• Good knowledge of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is a strong asset.

Desired skills

• Leadership: Expert.
• Accountability: Expert.
• People management: Advanced.
• Team work & Collaboration: Expert.
• Representing the ICRC: Advanced.
• Beneficiary & Client focused: Expert.
• Writing and editing: Expert.
• Results and Quality Focus: Advanced.
• ICRC & IHL terminology: Proficient.
• Public speaking skills: Advanced.
• Creative writing: Proficient.
• Broad general knowledge: Proficient.
• Speed of thought: Advanced.
• Analytical and innovative: Proficient.
• Excellent "real-time" translation: Proficient.
• Listening, retention and note-taking: Proficient.

Language

• Arabic: Fluent.
• English: Full Professional proficiency.
• French: Full Professional proficiency.

What we offer

• Salary Package: 2’897 – 4’047 USD/Month (As per ICRC salary scale, salary setting processes will determine fair setting in coherence with the qualifications of the applicant and the requirements of the job).
• 13th Month of salary paid in December, pro rata basis in accordance with the period worked.
• Annual Leave: 20 calendar working days of paid leave per year, pro rata basis in accordance with the period worked.
• Health Insurance: 90% of premium fees under class B, coverage include: Doctor visits, Medicines, Therapy services, etc.
• International Retirement Saving Plan (IRSP): a contribution valued at 11.5% of your monthly salary, these savings are paid by the end of service as a lump sum.
• Other benefits subject to internal rules and regulations: High Cost of Living Allowance (HCLA), Schooling allowance, eyeglasses, designated personal training budget for learning opportunities.

Additional information

• Location: Beirut, Lebanon.
• Working Schedule: Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm.
• Type of contract: Fixed Term, 1 year (Renewable based on performance and need for position).
• Estimated start date: February 10, 2025
• Application deadline: December 30, 2024

Our Values

• At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this