Burmese Interpreter

International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC; Genf; On-site; CHF 9,694 - 14,541; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

In-house training

Social benefits

Job summary

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) seeks an Interpreter to facilitate accurate and meaningful communication in sensitive contexts in Myanmar. You will provide Burmese-English oral interpretation and Burmese-English translation for detainee-related interviews, family tracing, and confidential dialogues, ensuring clarity, respect, and confidentiality.

The role requires 2 years of interpretation/translation experience, fluency in English and Burmese (C1), and openness to humanitarian

Qualifications

• Excellent command of English (C1) required.
• Excellent command of Burmese (C1) required.
• Proficiency in other ICRC languages (French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Portuguese) is an asset.
• 2 years of professional interpretation/translation experience.
• Able to work under pressure in potentially dangerous environment.
• Open-minded and adaptable.
• University education in interpretation/translation is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Oral interpretation from Burmese to English and vice versa during confidential interviews with people deprived of liberty and other ICRC contexts.
• Written translation from Burmese to English (newspaper articles, correspondence, etc.).
• Analysis and reporting on conditions of detention, security, and other matters related to the ICRC mandate.
• Support on other protection activities as needed.

Skills

English proficiency

Burmese proficiency

Other ICRC languages

Education

University degree in interpretation/translation

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.

Accountabilities & Functional Responsibilities

• Oral interpretation: from Burmese 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 Burmese 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 Burmese (C1) required
• Proficiency in other ICRC operational languages (French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Portuguese) is a strong asset.
• 2 years of professional experience. Previous interpreter or translator experience is an advantage.
• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work.
• Able to work under pressure in a potentially dangerous environment.
• Open-minded and adaptable.
• University education/degree in interpretation or translation is an advantage.

Our operational & field constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals.
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field.
• Candidates must possess a driving licence (for manual transmission vehicles only).
• Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for the first two missions (minimum 12 months each) or total of 24 months.

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
• A two-week orientation course and other opportunities for further in-house training
• Attractive social benefits
• Join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates!

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 page.

Additional information

• Type of role: Mobile
• Working rate: 100%
• Starting date: Continuous, global deployment roster.
• Location: Myanmar
• Hardship : Variable
• Job level: B2
• Length of assignment: 12 months, extendable
• Contract type: Maximum-term contract