Project Assistant (interpreter)

Organizational Context

IOM Türkiye's core activity since 2009 is the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme, facilitating the humane return of migrants to their countries of origin. This involves building national legislation and operations in partnership with the Presidency of Migration Management and other stakeholders. This role, under the National Project Officer (Compliance) and Senior Project Associate (CM), supports the mission's AVRR programme activities.

Job Purpose

The Project Assistant (Interpreter) plays a crucial role in supporting IOM Türkiye's Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme. This program facilitates the orderly and humane return and reintegration of migrants to their countries of origin. The primary purpose of this role is to ensure effective communication between AVRR staff and migrants by providing essential Arabic to English or Turkish interpretation services. The incumbent will also offer vital clerical and administrative support, contributing to the efficient operation of counselling preparations, migrant intake, and general program inquiries. By maintaining neutrality and professionalism, the Project Assistant directly contributes to the program's mandate of assisting vulnerable migrants and upholding IOM's standards of conduct and confidentiality. This role is integral to the smooth execution of AVRR activities, ensuring migrants receive necessary information and support throughout their return process.

Responsibilities

The Project Assistant (Interpreter) will primarily provide crucial interpretation services, translating from Arabic to English or Turkish for IOM AVRR programme activities, ensuring neutrality and accuracy in communication between interviewers and migrants. This includes offering ad hoc support for written Arabic, English, and Turkish translations. The role also encompasses significant administrative and operational support, such as providing clerical assistance to AVRR staff during counselling preparations and assisting with migrant intake as needed. The incumbent will offer general information on the AVRR programme, answering basic queries from migrants regarding procedures. Furthermore, the Project Assistant will contribute to reporting and statistics, as requested, and assist in referring vulnerable migrants with special needs. Upholding IOM's Standards of Conduct and Confidentiality Agreement is paramount, requiring a professional, migrant-friendly demeanour, positive working relationships, and discretion with sensitive information. The incumbent is expected to promptly inform management of issues and suggest improvements for efficiency and client service, performing other related duties as required.

Work Experience

Experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable groups is an advantage. Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government, or government institutions in a multi-cultural setting is also beneficial. Experience in translation within case management processes is desirable. Candidates should possess in-depth knowledge of migration-related subject areas and an understanding of implementing emergency/humanitarian projects.

Skills

Required skills include fluency in Arabic and Turkish or English (oral and written), alongside proficiency in one of IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish). Working knowledge of UN languages or Farsi is advantageous. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is also necessary for reporting.

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