Temporary Interpreter Support Assistant at Church World Service

Primary Purpose

The position is responsible for increasing and maintaining quality standards in the proper use of Interpreter Management System (IMS) Database, Interpreters in both Prescreening and USCIS interviews, in pre-departure orientations, and translating written materials into the key languages of our refugee populations.

Supervision

This position supports all interpreters (both contract and volunteer interpreters) used by CWS RSC Africa. This position reports to the Prescreening Manager.

Essential Duties

1. Updates and maintains the RSC Africa Interpreter database.
2. Develops resources for use by Interpreters and RSC staff to further improve the efficient and effective use of Interpreters.
3. Conducts training, testing, support and supervision of the Interpreters, both in the field and in Nairobi on a regular basis.
4. Participates in Prescreening, USCIS, and Cultural Orientation Circuit Ride (CR) briefing and debriefing to provide expertise on Interpreters.
5. Provides in-house training to RSC staff on how to effectively working with Interpreters. Submits monthly reports on the status of activities.
6. Interprets into/from English in/from at least one of the following languages: Amharic, Congolese Swahili, French, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Oromo, or Somali.
7. Translate materials as required/ requested.
8. Coordinate with Date Integrity to develop reports related to Interpreters.
9. Work closely with Program Integrity Specialist to ensure RSC Program Integrity Guidelines on Interpreters (both required and recommended) are implemented, adhered to, and reported appropriately.
10. Maintains a current knowledge of the United States Refugee Admissions Program.
11. Travels periodically to field locations throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
12. Performs other duties that may be assigned to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of the operation.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or four (4) years of directly related experience in lieu of a Bachelor’s Degree

Experience:

1.5 years experience as an Interpreter or as a Coordinator of Interpreters preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver quality training programs.
• Demonstrated computer skills for Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet.

Abilities:

The Interpreter Support Assistant must have the ability to:

• maintain the integrity of official records;
• travel throughout Sub Saharan Africa as required;
• analyze and solve complex problems and make sound decisions;
• communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• follow instructions from the Supervisor with a positive and receptive attitude;
• deal effectively and courteously with a large number of associates, outside agencies, refugees and members of the general public;
• conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner to represent the best interests of RSC Africa and CWS/IRP;
• maintain a high performance standard with attention to detail;
• carry out all of the duties of the position efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision;
• work independently and contribute to overall operations of RSC Africa;
• manage a large and diverse workload under pressure with competing priorities;
• work well as a team in a multi-cultural environment while maintaining a high level of motivation;
• effectively manage RSC Africa’s resources;
• actively participate in the implementation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).

Working Conditions

Physical: This position requires sitting, standing, walking, pushing/pulling, handling objects (manual dexterity), using fine finger movements and lifting/carrying light loads.

Environmental: Incumbents in this position will be exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity, dust and infectious diseases and harsh weather climates.

Special Requirements

Background check which includes references and an educational criminal check is required before the start of employment. A valid passport and the ability to maintain a valid passport throughout the entire appointment is required, which includes having enough passport pages for travel. The candidate should be of good health, willing and able to travel extensively in often difficult conditions, and have a high degree of flexibility. Must be legally eligible to work and obtain a work permit in Kenya. Must have proof of Yellow Fever vaccination before traveling for RSC Africa. Employee will be entrusted with the receipt, custody and payment of money.

Licensing/Certification

None

Competencies

Communication

Ensure effective exchanges of information with others. Examples of skills and behaviors include speaking to others respectfully; expressing ideas in a logical, organized way; sharing information appropriately; and clarity and conciseness in written communication.

Relationships

Ensure constructive and supportive interactions with others. Examples of skills and behaviors include being positive and supportive when working with others; sharing information and resources freely; resolving conflict constructively; and proactively working to remove obstacles to success for others.

Job Knowledge

Utilize and apply job related knowledge to complete job tasks at a level that meets or exceeds expectations. Examples of skills and behaviors include utilizing job knowledge to solve problems or develop new approaches; maintaining or enhancing skills through continuing education; and taking on projects that will develop or enhance skills.

Teamwork

Work effectively and contribute as a member of a team. Examples of skills and behaviors include supporting other team members by sharing information; covering the work of others during absences, vacations etc.; and actively participating in developing ideas for ways to increase team effectiveness.

Problem Solving

Analyze information and develop solutions to challenges that arise during the course of performing a job. Examples of skills and behaviors include researching and collecting facts; defining the issues and the parties affected; formulating options/solutions for addressing the problem; and engendering support for and implementing the solution.

Operational Leadership

Successfully lead a group to achieve operational goals. Examples of skills and behaviors include priority setting; timely decision making; planning and organizing; delegation; and managing and measuring work.

Building and Leading Effective Teams

Earn the respect of team members, create strong morale and spirit on the team and utilize the unique skills of all team members. Examples of skills and behaviors include managing diverse relationships; flexibility; being open and receptive; running effective team meetings; and exhibiting integrity and trustworthiness.

Strategic Leadership

Accurately anticipate future consequences and trends and translate them into the fulfillment of workable strategies and plans. Examples of skills and behaviors include problem solving; dealing with ambiguity, creativity; innovation management and business acumen.