Somali Interpreter

International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC

Genf

On-site

CHF 33,000 - 58,000

Full time

24 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Two-week orientation course

In-house training opportunities

Attractive social benefits

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Job summary

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) seeks an interpreter/translator to enable accurate communication in sensitive contexts across Somali and English. The role involves direct interviews, detention-related information, and family tracing activities within humanitarian settings.

Required are English and Somali at C1, plus 2 years of experience; additional foreign languages are a plus. Willingness to work in potentially dangerous environments and a relevant

Qualifications

Excellent command of English (C1) required.
Excellent command of Somali (C1) required.
2 years of professional experience; interpreter/translator experience is an advantage.
University degree in interpretation/translation is an advantage.

Responsibilities

Oral interpretation: Somali ⇄ English during confidential interviews and related activities.
Written translation: Somali content into English.
Analysis and reporting on detention conditions and security matters.
Support on other protection activities as needed.

Skills

English (C1)

Somali (C1)

Other languages

2 years exp

Work under pressure

Adaptable

Interpreting degree

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.

What We Do

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 Somali 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 Somali 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 Somali (C1) required
Proficiency in other ICRC operational languages (English, 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).
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