Translator (English-Arabic) - Erbil (Home Based)

Context/Reporting line:

The 2014-2017 ISIL conflict displaced more than six million people or 15 percent of Iraq’s total population.

As of September 2021, 4.9 million people have returned to their areas of origin, with approximately 1.1 million still internally displaced. Returnees encounter deep social stabilization challenges including a lack of clear guidance and reassurances from authorities, poor material conditions and infrastructure in areas of return, lack of access to sustainable income, lack of community-based interventions to promote positive social interactions amongst diverse groups, violent and divisive rhetoric from extremist groups, and lack of capacity and awareness to advocate for reparations. Setbacks encountered in 2020-2021 related to the COVID-19 pandemic, collapsing oil prices, and instability have created further obstacles to Iraq’s overall development and economic prosperity.

Destabilization factors in Iraq are complex, with multiple local, national, and international challenges. Communities in areas of return struggle with social cohesion and reintegration, particularly for individuals with perceived affiliation to ISIL and those in secondary displacement, as they cannot return to areas of origin due to security and/or socio-economic reasons. There is a weak social contract between civil society and local and tribal authorities, limiting the effectiveness of existing efforts to promote community

stabilization. COVID-19 further exacerbated these factors in the country because of the related mitigation measures and the additional strain the situation posed on the available services.

There is an urgent need to address barriers to the safe and dignified return of IDPs. Families with a perceived affiliation to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) face complex return and reintegration challenges, including stigmatization, difficulties in accessing civil documentation, rejection by communities in areas of origin, and, in some cases, banishment from communities or tribes. Addressing these barriers is essential to preventing violent extremism across the country and strengthening social cohesion and stem out drivers of conflict that if left unaddressed would once again destabilize these areas.

An important part of IOM’s work is PVE-specific research. This research often involves a high level of technical terminology. Translating these research reports is an essential part of IOM’s effort to ensure access to a wide range of stakeholders, including government and civil society partners. Due to the technical and quality requirements, regular translation services often do not meet the requirements and standards for translation, causing delays and additional resources. Thus, the PVE Program identified a professional translator to work directly with the program team to translate technical and research documents.

Within the framework of broader reintegration and reconciliation programming in Iraq, IOM is currently scaling up its PVE programming.

Under the general guidance of the Head, Peacebuilding and stabilization Division, the overall supervision

of the Programme Manager (PVE), and the direct supervision of the Technical Coordinator-PVE Programme

Officer, the Translator will provide translation services to the PVE Program.

 

Core Functions / Responsibilities

1. Provide Arabic-to-English and English-to-Arabic translation services to the program team, ensuring high-quality standards of translation.

2. Review Arabic and English documents and provide line-editing and revision.

3. As needed, review translated documents and provide written feedback.

4. As needed, transcribe, and Translate audio files.

5. As needed, hold training sessions for staff members on effective written communication in Arabic and English to build staff capacity.

6. Carryout other tasks relevant to translation as needed.

Required Qualifications

Education:

 Bachelor’s degree in linguistics or Translation from an accredited academic university or institute.

Experience and Skills:

 At least 2 years of experience in professional experience in translation

 Background in Social Sciences, stabilization, and development, journalism, project management, or relevant professional experience in research and writing.

 Background in social sciences, peace studies, and/or governance

 Strong background working with Government agencies.

Languages:

 Fluency in English, Kurdish and Arabic is required.