Mission and objectives

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950, by the United Nations General Assembly. UNHCR provides protection and assistance to refugees worldwide. UNHCR currently works in more than 120 countries and helps over 43 million people worldwide; refugees or those uprooted within their own countries. The UN Refugee Agency also cares for asylum seekers, returnees, and stateless persons. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).

Context

The Refugee Interpreter will report to the UNHCR Head of Field Office in Azraq, in all the relevant tasks that are described in below section. The incumbent works with a considerable degree of independence, ensuring the smooth functioning and continuity of the projects/programmes; receives directions from supervisor on technical matters and and seeks guidance/information from available sources. Policy matters must be brought to the attention of the supervisor. Availability that his/her likeness appears on media, social media, photos and videos as it will be impossible for UNHCR to prevent such appearances on the public or external occasion s/he will interpret. S/He will need to understand that her/his picture will possibly be seen on the internet. Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply. Additional information: Refugee UN Volunteers in Jordan are entitled to: • Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of JOD 1,101.58; • Annual and learning leaves; • Free Medical and life insurance; • Free access to different learning platforms.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of UNHCR Head of Field Office in Azraq, the Refugee UN Volunteer will: • Offers translation and interpretation services to support UNHCR personnel, partners, or missions in Azraq Camp, as well as any interviews deemed necessary by UNHCR to fulfill its responsibilities. • Provides interpretation services for individuals or groups of concern during their personal or collective meetings and discussions. • Assists in interpreting during various occasions such as meetings, workshops, and other unplanned requirements. • Undertakes field missions to provide interpretation and other forms of assistance whenever necessary. • Translates a variety of materials including documents, reports, videos, etc., between Arabic and English languages. • The Interpreter must observe total confidentiality regarding information obtained in the performance of his/her duties and understands that she/he shall be expected to respect the principle of confidentiality and remain impartial in his/her work. • Performs any additional tasks as directed or assigned by the supervisor, which are related to the role. Furthermore, Refugee UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UNV programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities during their work. As such, they should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and taking an active part in UNV activities; • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end-of-assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results, and opportunities. • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever possible.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Living conditions and remarks

Azraq town is the administrative capital of Azraq district of Zarqa governorate and is located approximately 34 Kilometers east of Azraq Refugee Camp. Azraq refugee camp was opened by the Government of Jordan on 30th April 2014. The office was established in August 2013. – Compared to other governorates, working conditions in Azraq are harsh. The camp environment is semi-desert where the winters are very cold (with heavy snowfalls and torrential rains at times) and very hot/dry with extreme daily temperature fluctuations during the summer. – The basecamp hosts UNHCR’s camp management and the associated organisational units as well as implementing and other camp partners. Azraq refugee camp is the largest camp in size, but it is second to Zaatari camp in terms of number of refugees. Azraq camp registered 45,000 people of concern and hosts approximately 40,000 refugees (as of July 2023). The position is based in Azraq camp, presently a B category duty station. Compared to other governorates, working conditions in the north of Jordan are harsh. Azraq and Za’atari are hot and dry desert, dusty environments with extreme daily temperature fluctuations. UN Security Phase – Level 2 in both Azraq camp and Zaatari camp The UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. A candidate living inside or very close to the camps is a plus as this will help us to achieve fast response times in case of emergencies or any urgent works.