Interpreters Job Vacancies in Nairobi, Kenya - HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya

Position Title: Interpreters – Re-advertisement (Refugee applicants only)

TYPE: JOB

DEPARTMENT: LEGAL PROTECTION

DIVISION: RESETTLEMENT

HIRING MANAGER: LEGAL PROTECTION

SUPERVISOR: RESETTLEMENT COORDINATOR

LOCATION: NAIROBI, NAKURU AND MOMBASA

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS Resettlement department is looking for Refugee Interpreters who shall provide interpretation and translation services to case officers during client interaction.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Facilitate communication between interviewers/ case officers and interviewees/ clients during interviews and other client interactions through interpretation to English.
  • Provide a translation for written documents written in languages other than English.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be a registered refugee in Nairobi, Mombasa or Nakuru with valid refugee documentation.
  • Must be able to read, write and speak English and either of the following languages. Proficiency in Kiswahili is an advantage.
    • Somali
    • Amharic
    • Oromo
    • Kinyarwanda
    • Kirundi
    • Kinyamulenge
    • Dinka
    • Nuer
    • Tigrinya
  • Previous working experience as an interpreter with a refugee organization is preferred.
  • Must not work for HIAS in any other capacity.
  • Must uphold the highest integrity and professionalism.
  • Must be committed and available for interpretation when required.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Basic counselling skills.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Knowledge of Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP).
  • Knowledge of Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.

SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a Human Resources staff person.

Step 3: Interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Reference check.

Step 6: Offer and background check.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • הכנסתאורחים (Hachnasat Orchim)

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • צדק (Tzedek)

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • חסד (Chesed)

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • חברותא (Chevruta)

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • אומץ (Ometz)

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • רוח (Ruach)

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience.

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae with at least 3 names and contact of referees, updated valid refugee certificate/ alien card and Proof of Registration (POR) to rstkenya@hias.org quoting the position title: HIAS INTERPRETERS on the subject.

Deadline for applications: Wednesday, 1st June 2023

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Important: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

HRTK is an equal opportunity employer, does not charge candidates for recruitment and dissociates itself from any entity defrauding candidates.**