Protection Assistant

Support operations with translation and interpretation activities.

This opening is not available anymore. Do not try to apply for this job.

UNHCR - UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Open positions at UNHCR
Logo of UNHCR

Overview

Support operations with translation and interpretation activities.

You have:

  • 1 year relevant experience with High School Diploma; or Bachelor or equivalent or higher.
  • Fluency in English is required, and working-level proficiency in Dari, Farsi, or Pashto is essential.
  • Knowledge of UNHCR standards and ethical guidelines and ability to maintain confidentiality/impartiality.
  • Knowledge of UNHCR proGres database will be an added advantage.
  • Good computer skills in desktop applications.

Deadline for Applications

March 13, 2026Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

BFamily Type (not applicable for home-based)

FamilyStaff Member / Affiliate Type

UNOPS LICA4Target Start Date

2026-04-01Terms of Reference

• Candidates with experience in professional interpretation, social service, humanitarian sector, and/or data entry, along with familiarity with UNHCR, are preferred.

• Fluency in English is required, and working-level proficiency in Dari, Farsi, or Pashto is essential.

• The candidate should have good computer skills in desktop applications.

• Knowledge of UNHCR standards and ethical guidelines and ability to maintain confidentiality/impartiality.

• Knowledge of UNHCR proGres database will be an added advantage.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.Standard Job Description

Interpreter Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Interpreter Assistant normally report to a higher level local or international staff. The incumbent supports the operation with translation and interpretation related activities.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties - Interprets and/or translates from newspapers, written reports, magazines etc. - Interprets oral conversations, discussions and interviews especially when attending meetings with high ranking officials, diplomats and others. - Travels with international staff on their missions to the field for interpretation and other assistance, as needed. - Arranges meetings, both internal and external, some involving high-ranking officials and takes minutes/notes. - Meets official personnel at the airport and facilitates immigration and customs formalities. - Responds to queries relating to the area of responsibility.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s). - Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level For G4 - 1 year relevant experience with High School Diploma; or Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education Not applicable.

Certificates and/or Licenses Business Administration Secretarial (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience Essential Frequent contacts involving the exchange of a wide range of information, some of which may be complex.

Desirable Not specified.

Functional Skills IT-Computer Literacy (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Required Languages

,

,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

IT-Computer LiteracyEducation

Certifications

Business Administration - Other, Secretarial - OtherWork Experience

Other information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance Remote

No

Potential interview questions

Can you provide an example of a time when you had to interpret for a high-ranking official? The interviewer wants to understand your experience and comfort level in high-pressure situations. Discuss a specific instance, highlighting your role and the outcome.
How do you ensure confidentiality when handling sensitive information? This assesses your understanding of ethical guidelines in the workplace. Pro members can see the explanation.
What techniques do you use to remain impartial during interpretation? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe your experience with data entry and how it relates to your interpreting role. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What languages do you feel most comfortable interpreting, and why? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you handle a situation where you do not understand the content being conveyed? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of a time when you had to manage a conflict during interpretation? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What steps do you take to prepare for an interpretation assignment? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 6 months ago - Updated 5 months ago - Source: unhcr.org