Interpretation/Translation Specialist

Overview & Responsibilities

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO) enables governments and empowers people to reform laws and strengthen institutions to promote peace, justice, sustainable development, and economic opportunity. We contribute to creating stable and inclusive societies where every person can live free from fear and want, in dignity and under the rule of law.

Reporting to the Translation Team Manager, the Interpretation/Translation Specialist will support the work of the IDLO translation team, undertake interpretation/translation assignments, ensure accurate translations are produced on a timely basis, and ensure competent interpretation is provided to managers and staff when needed.

Summary of Functions:

1. Provide accurate, efficient, and quality interpretation during bi-lateral and multi-lateral meetings with high officials.
2. Deliver quality interpretations at workshops, dialogues, and small and large events in Pashto, Dari and English.
3. Provide accurate and timely translation of the legal and legislative documents, including decrees, reports, letters, legal texts and other similar documents.
4. Ensure quality standards of Translation Team outputs by taking part in peer review of documents.
5. Support knowledge creation and management.
6. Be passionate about IDLO’s work in Afghanistan.
7. Perform any other relevant duties as requested by the supervisor.

Key results expected:

High Quality Interpretation

• Must deliver high quality consecutive and/or simultaneous interpretation in three languages – Pashto, Dari and English at small and large events and in meetings, including high level meetings with national and international officials.
• Ensure professional conduct and appearance when participating in meetings and events.

Accurate and Timely Translation

• Translate documents between English, Dari and Pashto languages. These will include legal, legislative, and judicial documents, such as decrees, bylaws, judicial texts, manuscripts, official correspondence, publications and more.
• Ensure accuracy and authenticity of the original text while delivering a coherent and comprehensible in the translated language.
• Take part in peer review of each document.

Coordination and Collaboration

• Work closely with Core and Project teams to ensure timely and quality delivery.
• Take initiative in addressing challenges and identifying solutions.
• Be ready to participate in last-minute events as an interpreter for the Country Manager and other senior staff.
• Be a team player.

Participate in Knowledge Management and Maintenance

• In collaboration with the Translation Team Manager, undertake research related to the texts and/or subject matter and contribute to the development and preparation of multilingual glossaries, thesauruses, and reference tools that contain the accurate legal, technical, scientific, and other phraseology.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of multilingual glossary of key Rule of Law and Justice terminology and technical terms to ensure consistency and mainstreaming of usage across the organization.
• Learn and be enthusiastic about IDLO’s work in Afghanistan.

Job Requirements

The Interpretation/ Translation Specialist will be a key member of Translation Team and is expected to support day-to-day delivery of tasks while ensuring the quality standards of outputs in an effective, efficient, and timely manner. The key results have an impact on the overall performance of the IDLO Country Office and success in implementation of the IDLO projects.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to perform simultaneous and/or consecutive interpretation of English, Pashto and Dari.
• Written and spoken mastery of Pashto, English and Dari.
• Impeccable typing skills in all three languages to allow delivery of average 1,000 words per day of legal text translation.
• Ability to relay clear and concise messages to high officials in a professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to translate highly technical documents into Pashto, Dari and English.
• Familiarity of Afghan legal concepts, terminology and language and knowledge of their equivalent in English.
• Excellent editing and proofreading skills.
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, flexibility, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Proven ability to see through tasks set and deliver results.

Competencies:
• Works well with others and actively participates.
• Shows good judgment prioritizing assignments, planning work and manage multiple deadlines.
• Shares information, contributes, encourages, and motivates others to become involved in team activities.
• Provides constructive feedback and willingly helps others. Contributes to a fair environment that fosters collaboration and cooperation.
• Acts as a role model and offers guidance to colleagues.
• Takes initiative to share knowledge, experiences, and information with others.
• Accepts and gives constructive feedback (up, down, and across) to develop and motivate others.
• Self-motivated and dynamic with a willingness and ability to use initiative to assist the organization to achieve its objectives.
• Asks questions, listens to others, and tailors language and tone to environment.
• Keen sense of ethics, integrity, and commitment to IDLO’s mandate.

Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in law; Sharia Law, literature; social sciences, or journalism; gender studies; or a related field. Advanced university degree (masters or equivalent) in related field would be an advantage.

Experiences:
• At least five years of experience working in professional legal translation, editing, and simultaneous or consecutive interpretation field preferable in Pashto language.
• At least one year of supervisory and management experience.
• Experience translating or interpreting in a legal setting or gender program is preferred.
• Experience as a legal practitioner would be an advantage.

Language Requirements:
• Professional proficiency in written and spoken Pashto, Dari and/or English is essential. Fluency in all three languages is desired.

Location:
• The position will be based in Kabul and requires the ability and willingness to travel within Afghanistan.

Terms & Conditions

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in all areas of its operations. We welcome applications of qualified and diverse candidates.

IDLO is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance at all levels within its workforce. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature, or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

The application deadline is 23 March 2023 (23.59 Hrs. Kabul time)