Sudan is currently hosting more than 350,000 refugees and asylum-seekers from neighboring countries mainly Eritrea, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Chad, Syria and a small number from other countries (DRC, CAR, etc). The causes of their flight, legal status and living environment in Sudan are varied and complex. Although, the majority of refugees in Sudan are residing in camps and rural settlements, many stay in urban locations, including an estimate of 66,000 refugees and asylum seekers in Khartoum.

Urban refugees in Khartoum endure the same ordeal as other urban poor, with limited access to basic services and very limited material assistance from UNHCR and other humanitarian organizations. In addition, the majority of refugees residing in Khartoum lack employment opportunities and depend on daily wage jobs. The recent deterioration of the overall economic situation in Sudan has further had an impact on the refugee population, leaving them at heightened risk of exploitation and abuse. Women, children and other persons with specific needs are found to be particularly vulnerable and in need of assistance.

Due to the problems that urban refugees and asylum-seekers face in Khartoum, and the limitations imposed by the Government of Sudan in terms of conducting meaningful outreach activities, UNHCR Khartoum conducts regular counseling sessions with them in the UNHCR refugee reception area. The aim of the counseling is to provide refugees and asylum seekers with accurate and updated information about the services available to them, advise them on their individual situations, identify persons with specific needs to be assisted directly by the office or through UNHCR’s implementing partners. The UNHCR refugee reception is also essential in providing emergency cash assistance to extremely vulnerable individuals, and support to refugees with medical issues, survivors of sexual and gender based violence, unaccompanied minors and others with special needs.

Since the majority of urban refugees in Khartoum originate from Eritrea and Ethiopia and can only speak their local/national languages, the presence of qualified interpreters is crucial for UNHCR to be able to exercise its protection mandate. The aim of this post is to strengthen the support and counseling given to refugees and asylum seekers in the refugee reception area, by ensuring qualified interpreters.

• The interpreter will contribute to strengthening the support and counseling given to refugees and asylum seekers in the refugee reception area, by ensuring interpretation services, through the following activities, tasks and responsibilities:

1.     Interpret, simultaneously and word-for-word, interviews and counseling sessions with  refugees, mainly at the refugee reception area in UNHCR’s office and at the Joint Registration Site at COR, but also during home visits and at other locations, as requested by the Office;

2.     Translate written text from letters, newspapers, written reports, magazines etc.;

• If  required, the interpreter will travel with international staff on their missions to the field for interpretation and other assistance; 

a. Qualifications and Experience

• Secondary Education with post-secondary training/certificate in Business Administration, Secretary Work, Translation or related;
• Previous Job Experience: 1 year;
• Job Experience relevant to the function: 1 year;
• English is essential and an excellent knowledge of the local languages (including Tigrinya, Oromo & Amharic languages of Ethiopia and Eritrea).
• Arabic is an asset

b.     Key Competencies

Professionalism:

Very good knowledge of State/Region of assignment, including the cultural, political and economic dimensions.  Ability to relate humanitarian affairs issues and perspectives, including gender issues, to political and socio-economic. Ability to lead and gain assistance of others in a team endeavor.  Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment.  Very good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian affairs and sound knowledge of the institutions of the UN system particularly UNHCR’s mandate.

Be sensitive to gender, age and diversity. Be neutral in all circumstances and comply with UNHCR confidentiality guidelines at work and in private.

Planning and Organizing:

Proven ability to plan and organize, establish priorities, manage and monitor work plans, coordinate competing demands, and work to tight deadlines. 

Technological Awareness:

Solid computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet applications, and relevant software packages, including e-mail.

Communication:

Proven ability to write in a clear manner and to communicate effectively, including ability to translate reports.

Teamwork:

Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Only short listed candidates will be notified.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Candidate Assessments may include a written examination followed by a Competency Based Interview.