Arabic Interpreter

International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC; Genf; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) seeks an Interpreter to facilitate accurate and confidential communication in Arabic-English during high-stakes interviews and briefings. This role focuses on detention-related discussions and family contact activities within humanitarian contexts.

Required are fluency in English and Arabic (C1), an understanding of ICRC languages, and at least 2 years of professional interpretation experience.

Qualifications

• Excellent command of English (C1).
• Excellent command of Arabic (C1).
• Proficiency in other ICRC operational languages is a strong asset.
• 2 years of professional interpretation experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide oral interpretation: Arabic to English and English to Arabic during confidential interviews.
• Translate Arabic material into written English as needed.
• Analyze conditions of detention and related matters for reporting and protection activities.
• Support other protection activities as required.

Skills

English (C1)

Arabic (C1)

Other ICRC languages asset

Job description

What We Do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian protection and 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 is at the heart of humanitarian action; it enables dialogue, builds trust, and ensures that people affected by conflict can express themselves and be heard. The ICRC Interpreter plays a critical role in enabling this by facilitating accurate and meaningful communication among ICRC delegates, affected populations, authorities, and other stakeholders. Through interpretation in sensitive and complex contexts, including protection activities, visits to detainees, family reunification processes, and dialogue with parties to conflict, the Interpreter ensures that every conversation can take place with clarity, respect, and confidentiality. This is a unique, people-centered role that goes beyond translating words. It requires judgment, cultural awareness, and a deep understanding of the humanitarian principles guiding the ICRC’s work, helping build bridges of understanding where communication can make a real difference.

Accountabilities & Functional Responsibilities

Oral interpretation: from Arabic to English and vice versa during confidential interviews with people deprived of liberty, ICRC institutional dissemination, ICRC dialogue with authorities, activities to establish the family links which includes delivering Red Cross messages, family tracing and visits to families of detainees. Written translation: translation of Arabic language (newspaper articles, correspondence, etc.) into written English. Analysis and reporting as required: analysis of conditions of detention, security and other matters relating to the ICRC's mandate. Can be asked to provide support on other protection activities as needed.

Relationships

Externally, interacts with the authorities, representatives of other organizations and beneficiaries, both within and outside places of detention. May be called upon to develop a network of contacts related to operational needs. Internally, interacts with staff in other departments.

Required Profile And Skills

Excellent command of English (C1) required Excellent command of Arabic (C1) required Proficiency in other ICRC operational languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Portuguese) is a strong asset. 2 years of professional experience. Previous interpret