Internal/External Vacancy Announcement

The Center for Victims of Torture works toward a future in which torture ceases to exist and its victims have hope for a new life. We are an international nonprofit dedicated to heal survivors of torture and war trauma. We provide direct care for those who have been tortured, train partners around the world who can prevent and treat torture and war trauma, research and advocate for human rights and end the practice of torture. We are headquartered in Minnesota, USA with offices in Africa and the Middle East.

This is a full time position based in CVT Healing Centers in Shire, Ethiopia. Travel to additional CVT field centers as necessary. The position holders will report to the Psychotherapist/Trainers and Associate Psychotherapist/Trainer clinically, and to the Admin/HR Officer administratively.

General Description of Role

The Interpreter/Cultural Liaison, based in Shire will report to the Psychotherapist/Trainer programmatically and the Administration/Human Resources Officer in Shire administratively. The Interpreter/Cultural Liaison will provide translation and interpretation support for program and administrative activities in Shire as well as for CVT Ethiopia as a whole.

Main Responsibilities

• In order to facilitate the communication between expatriate staff of CVT and others, provide interpretation for group, individual, and family counseling activities including assessments, interviews and hiring of staff, supervision of staff, internal and external meetings, logistical coordination, and daily and regular communication among staff, partners, and service providers.
• Provide written translation of materials including, but not limited to, training materials, meeting handouts and minutes, organizational and program forms, internal and external communications, organizational policies, reports, etc.
• Coordinate with other Interpreter/Cultural Liaisons and maintain organized filing system for all translated materials for ready use by all staff.
• Provide oral and written explanations of cultural norms, expectations, and other nuances that may not be immediately apparent to expatriate staff, as necessary and appropriate so as to facilitate appropriate communication between expatriate staff and host/refugee communities.
• Solicit additional explanation from the expatriate staff, as necessary and appropriate, in order to ensure the recipients clear and well understand their communications.
• Participate and learn through training provided by Psychotherapist/Trainers, exercise sensible and accurate interpretation services in a clinical setting, maintain confidentiality of all information and materials handled, and practice sound self-care to avoid/manage vicarious traumatization.
• Learn about the impacts of torture and trauma on communication and to implement this knowledge when engaging with clients and members of the community.

Location: CVT Healing Center in Shire, Tigray, Ethiopia. Travel to additional CVT field centers as necessary.

Terms of Employment: the contract is effective from February 2022 through January 2023 depending on funding availability.

Number of Individuals Recruited: 2 (Two)

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in English or related fields and/or relevant professional experiences.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of English, Saho, Amharic, and Tigrigna, and excellent written and oral interpretation skills in these languages
• Excellent communication skills, including empathetic listening skills
• Self-starter, flexible, and adaptable
• Excellent team player
• Ability to remain objective, and communicate professionally with clients, community members, and organizations’ partners
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and problem-solving skills

General conditions

• Maintain neutrality regarding any sensitive issues such as religion, ethnicity, disability, minority or political affiliation
• Strong commitment to serve beneficiaries of CVT’s project regardless their religion, gender, minority affiliation or ethnic/political background
• Is strictly committed to respect CVT’s confidentiality policy and refrain from using any information that s/he will know about a client outside of CVT
• Will not approach (potential) beneficiaries for their involvement in non CVT activities without prior approval of CVT supervisor.
• Keep absolute confidentiality on all information managed. Obligated to report any information to the supervisor when the security of CVT staff and/or of CVT beneficiary might become an issue.
• This job profile can be adapted and changed according to the evolution of CVT activities.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants are invite to submit their applicants in person at The Center for Victims of Torture Mekelle ZOA Office, located on the road from Amdna Hotel to Adi-Hawsi Saint Marry Church, two corners then left or in Shire, Aksum and Mai-Tsebri or Mai-Tsebri Branch Offices or in Sheraro/Shire at Action for Needy in Ethiopia (ANE) Office, located in Sheraro town, next to ELPA Office or via Email: CVTETHR@CVT.ORG (E-mails with attachments should not exceed a total of 1MB.)

NB: Submit applications with the subject title “Interpreter/Cultural Liaison Application [Your Name]”. Please write an English letter of application stating clearly, what motivates you to apply for the above position and how your qualifications and experience are relevant to the post. Include a copy of your CV, application letter, and the names and contact information of three references. Do not bring original documents, as these will not be returned to you. Submitting false information will result in your application being disqualified. Exam date: written and interview exams will be administered the weeks of January 17 and 24 respectively. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a written exam and/or interview. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.  

Closing date for applications: January 10, 2022 before 5:00pm