Arabic Interpreter

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a neutral, independent humanitarian organisation that protects and assists people affected by armed conflict and internal violence worldwide. Its mandate, rooted in the 1949 Geneva Conventions, drives a broad range of activities from emergency response to the promotion of international humanitarian law. The vacancy is for an Arabic Interpreter who will enable clear, respectful communication between ICRC staff, detainees, families, authorities and other stakeholders in highly sensitive environments. Each day the interpreter will provide oral translation from Arabic to English and back during confidential interviews with detainees, ICRC briefings, dialogues with authorities, and family‑link activities such as delivering Red Cross messages and conducting visits to relatives of prisoners. The role also includes written translation of Arabic documents, newspaper articles and correspondence into English, as well as analysis and reporting on detention conditions, security issues and other matters linked to the ICRC's mandate. The interpreter may be called upon to support additional protection tasks as operational needs arise, requiring flexibility and a solid grasp of humanitarian principles. The position demands fluency in both English and Arabic at a C1 level, at least two years of professional experience, and a clean bill of health confirmed by a medical examination before deployment. Candidates must hold a manual‑transmission driving licence and be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings for the first two missions, each lasting a minimum of twelve months (or a total of twenty‑four months). The role also requires the ability to work under pressure in potentially dangerous settings and a strong personal motivation for humanitarian work. Additional assets include prior experience as an interpreter or translator, and proficiency in any of the ICRC's other operational languages (French, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese). A university degree in interpretation or translation is advantageous but not mandatory. The assignment is mobile, covering various contexts across the Near and Middle East region, with a twelve‑month contract that can be extended. The position offers a two‑week orientation, further in‑house training, attractive social benefits, and the chance to join the ICRC talent pool for future missions. What the role asks for: - English C1 proficiency - Arabic C1 proficiency - Minimum two years professional experience - Manual‑transmission driving licence - Willingness for unaccompanied 12‑month missions (total 24 months) - Good health with pre‑deployment medical examination - Nice‑to‑have: Previous interpreter or translator experience - Nice‑to‑have: Proficiency in additional ICRC operational languages