Interpreter, Ankara, Türkiye

General

Description of assignment title: Interpreter

Assignment country: Türkiye

Duty stations: Ankara

Work location: Remote

Expected start date: 07/31/2026

Duration: 4 monthsLong-term benefits and allowances

Sustainable Development Goal: 10. Reduced inequalities

Host entity: IOM Türkiye

Modality: Onsite

Type: National

Volunteer category: Associate UCoS from Apr2026

Work schedule: Full-time

Number of Assignments: 1

Details

Mission and objectives:

• Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. IOM is part of the United Nations system, as a related organization. IOM supports migrants across the world, developing effective responses to the shifting dynamics of migration and, as such, is a key source of advice on migration policy and practice. The organization works in emergency situations, developing the resilience of all people on the move, and particularly those in situations of vulnerability, as well as building capacity within governments to manage all forms and impacts of mobility. The Organization is guided by the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including upholding human rights for all. Respect for the rights, dignity and well-being of migrants remains paramount.

Context:

• "Integrated and Scalable Approach to the Mixed Migration Flows by the Borders of Türkiye - Phase I Project" aims to contribute to the Government of Türkiye's evidence-based enhancement in border management and existing mechanisms of processing migrants in vulnerable situations in the context of mixed migration flows. The project is implemented by IOM and the main beneficiary of the project is Ministry of Interior, Presidency of Migration Management (PMM).
• Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Associate under IBG Unit, the incumbents will be responsible for providing interpretation services at the Ä°stanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport to PMM and to the beneficiaries assisted. The incumbent will also be responsible for performing other related duties as assigned. The incumbent will undertake the assigned tasks and responsibilities in close communication with PMM's relevant departments.

Task description:

• Under the IBG Unit the national UN Volunteer will perform the following tasks:
• Provide support to PMM and relevant beneficiaries, with a flexible work schedule totaling 40 hours per week. This may include workdays exceeding 8 hours, as well as night shifts and weekend work, depending on operational needs.
• Provide interpretation services between Arabic-Turkish (and vice versa) to the relevant department within the PMM, while ensuring accurate and complete communication between the interviewer and the beneficiary and maintaining strict impartiality throughout the process by refraining from altering the message or adding personal opinion. Deliver all interpretations in a professional, neutral, and confidential manner.
• Preferably, provide interpretation services between Farsi-Turkish or Urdu-Turkish (and vice versa) to the relevant department within PMM, while ensuring accurate and complete communication between the interviewer and the beneficiary and maintaining strict impartiality throughout the process by refraining from altering the message or adding personal opinions. Deliver all interpretations in a professional, neutral, and confidential manner.
• Assist with on-demand written translations between Arabic and Turkish, as required.
• Adhere to the IOM Standards of Conduct and the Confidentiality Agreement, consistently presenting a professional appearance and a respectful, migrant-friendly attitude. Ensure the privacy and confidentiality of beneficiaries' medical and personal information are upheld at all times with discretion and care.
• Promptly notify management of any challenges or concerns arising during daily tasks, and proactively offer suggestions to enhance efficiency and improve the quality of client services.
• Carry out additional tasks or responsibilities as assigned when needed.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 18 - 80

Required experience: 1 month

Nationality: There are no nationality requirements for remote assignments. Successful candidates will need to provide proof of citizenship, residency and/or right to work in their remote work location. In the case of refugees, candidates need to provide proof of their protected status in the country. Proof of address will also be required.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience:

• 3 years

Languages:

• Arabic, Level: Fluent, Required
• Turkish, Level: Fluent, Required
• Farsi, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable
• Urdu, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level:

• Bachelor's degree in Translation and Interpretation or Linguistics, or related fields from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience.

Competencies and values:

• Values:
• Inclusion and respect for diversity:
• Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency:
• Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism:
• Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Core Competencies - behavioral indicators level 1
• Teamwork:
• Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering Results:
• Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge:
• Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability:
• Takes ownership for achieving the Organization's priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
• Communication:
• Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Skills and experience:

• Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups; is an advantage, and,
• Proven knowledge on integration and relevant national/international policies is an asset.
• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
• Proven analytical, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Good level of computer literacy.
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national / international institutions.
• Fluency in Turkish and Arabic is required. Knowledge of Farsi or Urdu is an asset.

Area(s) of expertise:

• Translation and interpretation

Driving license:

• -

Other information