Position:                               interpreter Assistant  (1 position)

Duty Station:                          Hargeisa, Somaliland

Duration:                                One Year (possibility of extension)

Start Date:                              04  January  2025

Issue Date:                             26 December 2024

Closing Date:                         02 January  2025

Background

The University of Hargeisa was founded in 1998 and became operational in 2000. Today, it holds a paramount role in the educational landscape of Somaliland as the national university, established under a presidential charter. As a publicly chartered institution, it operates under the legal framework provided by this charter, signifying its magnitude and authority within the nation’s higher education sector.

The main objectives established at the university include teaching, research and community outreach services.  The Legal Clinic, Human Rights Unit which is under the umbrella of the university of Hargeisa, was established in 2002 by the UNDP and today is the leading department that provides, university community outreach services, especially Legal aid services, GBV, Child protection  and community-based protection services to the Forcibly displaced persons , Host community and people with specific needs.

Legal Clinic was become a Partner for UNHCR in 2006. Since from that period Legal Clinic works with UNHCR as partner. This makes Legal Clinic, Human Rights Unit one of the oldest local partners of the UNHCR Somaliland office today.  During that period, the Legal Clinic , Human Rights Unit have been committed to the community-driven protection throughout the regions of Somaliland.

In 2025, the Legal Clinic, Human Rights Unit in partnership with UNHCR will implement the “Strengthening the Protection Environment for Refugees through Targeted Assistance” project. The project will focus on GBV, child protection, justice (legal assistance), community-based protection, and support for individuals with specific needs. This project aims to improve the protection environment for refugees, asylum seekers, returnees, IDPs (forcibly displaced persons), and stateless persons.

The University of Hargeisa Legal Clinic, Human Rights Unit, seeks applications from competent and experienced candidates for the following positions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Interpreted languages required: English,  Afaan Oromoo/ Oromiffa, Amharic, Arabic, Somali

Under the direct supervision of the Peaceful Co-existing Centre (PCC)  Coordinator  and the overall supervision of the Program Manager  of the project,  the incumbent will undertake the following responsibilities:

• Written translation: translation of interpreted language (correspondence, identity and educational documents, etc.) into written English within set deadlines.
• Compile and update technical glossaries and terminologies in an interpreted language and its dialects, as and when requested by the office.
• The incumbent may be asked to support other project team members in Somaliland as required, for both translation and interpretation-related matters.
• Performs oral interpretation by assisting Refugees and asylum seekers who encounter local language barriers during the Legal Clinic desk client interview and counseling desk/room.
• Provide oral interpretation services from  Amharic, Oromo, Arabic to Somali and vice versa at the meetings, conferences, workshops, and seminars organized by the LC human rights unit
• Support and assist the office with community outreach services, including mediation, home visits, and case follow-up actions or referrals.
• Translate Arabic/Aymeric/ Oromo documents to national Language such as notaries, official correspondence, papers, etc. in a concise manner from Arabic/ Amharic and Oromo to local language as requested.
• File all translated documents properly in both hard and soft copy.
• Assisting the project personnel with their project activities like training activities linked to community awareness and presentations.
• Assists and supports the project staff on substantive issues.
• Performs written translations in case of requirement
• Translate educational or awareness materials from Somali to Arabic, Amharic, and Oromo or vice versa.

• To fulfill other duties, as required by the supervisor.

Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the Legal Clinic Human Rights unit values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the Legal Clinic Human Rights Unit;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability.

• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education & Experience: 

• 3+ years of experience as a professional Somali-Arabic-Oromo-Amharic interpreter;
• Should be able to translate legal documents
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills;
• Excellent computer skills, with MS. Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Language Requirements: 

• Fluency in Arabic, Amharic, Oromo, and Somali is required.  The ability to translate from Arabic, Amharic, and Oromo into the local language (Somali) , and vice versa is required.
• Proficiency in the English language is an added advantage.

Application Procedure

Qualified and interested applicants are encouraged to submit curriculum vitae, testimonials and a letter of interest stating suitability for the position to vacancies.hr@uoh.edu.so with the subject heading “Interpreter Assistant ” before or on 1 January , 2025.