Interpreters at Medecins Sans Frontieres

Main objective and responsibility of the position

• Perform oral and written translation, from the mission language to local language(s) or vice versa, in order to ensure simultaneous, accurate, friendly, respectful, objective and fluent communication between MSF staff and local population.
• General Accountabilities
• Translate documents from / to mission language into a local one upon request.
• Translate discussions / meetings as requested
• Always keep respect towards patients, collaborators, authorities, military factions and MSF staff participating in discussions.
• Ensure confidentiality of all translation is maintained as directed by the Mission / Project coordination team.
• Ensure neutrality and accuracy when translating.
• Declare any “conflict of interest” when asked to translate (e.g. personal involvement) which would necessitate using other staff members for translation.
• Inform international staff about local customs, tradition, etc., that will help understand better the context and better communicate.

MSF Section / Context Specific Accountabilities

• Support the facilitation of interviews and focused group discussion with community members
• Take notes and ensure accurate transcription into a notepad in the language of respondent (Hausa Language)
• Together with research team members, particicpate in weekly review and tool adaptation session
• Support in obtaining informed consent from research respondents in a respectful manner
• Work with team members to ensure triangulation and consolidation of notes after each working day
• Together with research team members participate in translating interview and FGD transcripts from Hausa Language to English
• Type up notes as required onto the computer.

Requirements (Qualifications / Experience / Knowledge)
Education:

• Essential: Secondary Education.
• Desirable: Official translator degree (Mission working language)

Experience:

• Previous working experience required. Desirable with MSF or other NGOs Previous experience in qualitative data collection is an added advantage.

Languages:

• Mission and local language essential.

Knowledge:

• Computer literacy (word), ability to read and write in both English and Hausa languages.

Competencies:

•  Results, Teamwork, Flexibility, Commitment, Service, Cultural.