Interpreters at Médecins du Monde

Line Manager: Medical SupervisorLine reports: N/A
Length of contract: 6 months Possibility for extension: YES

JOB TASKS
Under the supervision of the Medical Supervisor, the Mobile Clinic Interpreter will be responsible for the following main activities in order to ensure the quality of care in the mobile clinics:

• To translate documents English, Hausa, Kanuri and Marghi and visa versa as directed by expatriate staff or clinical supervisor
• To translate discussions/meetings (Community) as requested by expatriate staff and for other MdM as require
• To ensure neutrality and accuracy when translating
• To declare any “conflict of interest” when asked to translate (e.g. personal involvement) which would necessitate using other staff members for translation.
• Assist MdM team in everyday activities of the project including meetings with Community groups and leaders.
• Conduct basic language courses to medical staff working in the facilities.
• Performs additional duties as per the request of immediate supervisor or project coordinator in other associated project activities.
• To strengthen MdM’s relations with local community.
• To ensure a clean and safe environment in the health facility.
• rnEnsure confidentiality at all times
• Take care the translation between the beneficiaries and the clinical team provide visitors with health education along with the community workers if require, provide leaflets and perform a non-threatening relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
• Advice visitors regarding the Medical services in the facility.

I. TASKS DESCRIPTION:
He/she is expected to:

• Have an extensive vocabulary of the 4 major languages spoken in Damboa i.e English, Hausa, Kanuri and Marghi.
• He/she must make sense of a message composed in one language while simultaneously constructing and articulating the same message in another language.
• rnHave a very good knowledge of healthcare and medical terms. Also have ability to learn and retain new terminology.
• Be a very good listener and be able to pick up on every word, every intent and every meaning.
• Interpret with highest degree of accuracy and completeness: interpreting the exact meaning of what is being said without editing or deleting anything.
• Have knowledge, skills and techniques to provide an accurate interpretation of all communication (verbal and non-verbal) between the Doctor/Midwives/MHPSS Counsellors, the patient and other individuals involved in the care and the treatment of the patients.
• Behave and present him/herself in a professional manner always, regardless of the familiarity or unfamiliarity with the individuals involved.
• Understand and abide by medical ethics on patient confidentiality and non-discrimination.
• Communicate any special needs of the patient to the Doctors/Midwives/MHPSS Counsellor’s.

PROFIL REQUIRED:

• Completed Secondary School Education, diploma in linguistics studies.
• Command of written and spoken English, Hausa, Kanuri and Marghi
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to organise & prioritise workload independently, using initiative when appropriate.
• Ability to be flexible & use common sense to develop appropriate solutions to regular project problems.Experience in working in community setting activities would be an advantage.
• Caring, compassionate and confident: willing to be a strong advocate for the improved the quality of the services to the patients.
• Pleasant and polite attitude at all times; ability to reflect the professional standards of MdM
• Interest in and commitment to MdM’s activities and values.