Pashto Interpreter

What we do

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian protection and assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.

Purpose

Language is at the heart of humanitarian action; it enables dialogue, builds trust, and ensures that people affected by conflict can express themselves and be heard.

The ICRC Interpreter plays a critical role in enabling this by facilitating accurate and meaningful communication among ICRC delegates, affected populations, authorities, and other stakeholders. Through interpretation in sensitive and complex contexts, including protection activities, visits to detainees, family reunification processes, and dialogue with parties to conflict, the Interpreter ensures that every conversation can take place with clarity, respect, and confidentiality.

This is a unique, people-centered role that goes beyond translating words. It requires judgment, cultural awareness, and a deep understanding of the humanitarian principles guiding the ICRC’s work, helping build bridges of understanding where communication can make a real difference.

Accountabilities & Functional Responsibilities

• Oral interpretation: from Pashto and or Dari to English and vice versa during confidential interviews with people deprived of liberty, ICRC institutional dissemination, documentation of IHL violations, ICRC dialogue with authorities, activities to establish the family links which includes delivering Red Cross messages, family tracing and visits to families of detainees.
• Written translation: translation of Pashto and or Dari language (newspaper articles, diplomatic correspondence, etc.) into written English and vice versa, when needed.
• Analysis and reporting as required: analysis of conditions of detention, security and humanitarian environment, other matters relating to the ICRC's mandate.
• Can be asked to provide support on other protection activities as needed.

Relationships

• Externally, interacts with the authorities, representatives of other organizations and beneficiaries, both within and outside places of detention. May be called upon to develop a network of contacts related to operational needs.
• Internally, interacts with staff in other departments, notably multidisciplinary teams working in detention.

Required Profile and Skills

• Excellent command of English (C1) required
• Excellent command of Pashto and/or Dari (C1) is required, with a preference for Pashto.
• Proficiency in other ICRC operational languages (French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Portuguese) is considered a strong asset.
• 2 years of professional experience. Previous interpreter or translator experience is an advantage.
• Strongly motivated by humanitarian work, in complex environments, including active hostilities.
• Able to work under pressure in a confined setting.
• Open-minded and adaptable.
• Able to read and adapt to cultural sensitivities. 
• University education/degree in interpretation or translation is an advantage.

Our Operational & Field Constraints

• In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals*. 
• Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field.
• Candidates must possess a driving licence (for manual transmission vehicles only).
• Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for the first two missions (minimum 12 months each) or total of minimum 24 months.

*Dual nationals can be assessed on a case-by-case basis provided they hold the passport of their second nationality.

What we offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
• A two-week orientation course and other opportunities for further in-house training
• Career growth opportunities
• Attractive social benefits
• Join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere

Our values

The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates! At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.

Additional information

• Type of role: Mobile
• Working rate: 100%
• Starting date: Continuous, global deployment roster.
• Location: Afghanistan, various sites
• Hardship : H3
• Job level: B2
• Length of assignment: 12 months, extendable
• Contract type: Maximum-term contract