About CVT

The Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing trauma rehabilitative services to survivors of gross human rights abuses, including torture, and works toward a future in which gross human rights violations cease to exist and victims have hope for a new life. We are headquartered in Minnesota, USA with offices in Africa and the Middle East. We work locally, nationally, and internationally through programs that provide trauma rehabilitative services, conduct technical assistance and capacity building to human rights activists, civil society organizations, and local service providers around the world who can prevent and treat gross human rights abuses, and advocate for human rights and an end to gross human rights violations.

This position is related to a program designed to address the mental health needs of torture and trauma survivors living in Alemwatch refugee site, Dabat, Amhara Regional State, and conflict-affected populations in surrounding areas through direct services and capacity building of refugee and national staff.

General Description of Role

The Interpreter/Cultural Liaison, based in Dabat with possible travel to additional CVT field center as necessary, will report to the Expert Psychotherapist/Trainer programmatically and the Zonal Manager administratively. The Interpreter/Cultural Liaison will provide translation and interpretation support for program and administrative activities in Dabat 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 clinical 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 to facilitate appropriate communication between expatriate staff, host and refugee communities.

• Solicit additional explanation from the expatriate staff, as necessary and appropriate, in order to ensure their communications are clear and well understood by the recipients.

• Participate and learn through training and supervision provided by Expert 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 so as to avoid/manage vicarious traumatization.

• Willingness to learn about the impacts of torture and trauma on communication and to implement this knowledge when engaging with clients and members of the community.

• Interpret, transcribe and translate the spoken or written language into another language as required.

• Any other duty assigned by Supervisor.

 Supervisor: Expert Psychotherapist/Trainer

Terms of Employment: Initial contract through August 31, 2023 (60 business days of probationary period) and with a possibility of continuation thereafter depending on the funding availability

Job Requirements

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in English or related fields and/or relevant professional experiences.

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of English, Amharic and excellent written and oral interpretation skills in these languages. Fluency in Tigrigna is preferred.

• Excellent communication skills, including empathetic listening skills.

• Ability to remain objective, and communicate professionally with clients, community members, and organizations’ partners.

• Excellent team player.

• Excellent organizational, administrative, and problem-solving skills.

• Self-starter, flexible, and adaptable.

• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office and applications.

• Ability to interpret mental health concepts and terminology accurately.

• Capable of working under pressure while maintaining the appropriate tone, speed and projection of the speaker.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicant can send their CV to : cvt@ethiojobs.net

Note: Use " Interpreter/Cultural Liaison " as the subject line of your email !