Job Description

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR

Position: LIAISON OFFICER / TRANSLATOR

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an International, independently funded, non-profit, humanitarian medical organization that offers assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural and manmade disasters and to victims of armed conflict without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation. MSFH is pleased to announce the following position in Sanaa:

• Name: LIAISON OFFICER / TRANSLATOR
• Report to: Admin Transit
• Report to functional: HRCO
• Area: Operations
• Location: Sanaa
• Level: 5
• Duration: Until 31 Jan 2025 with possible extension

Main purpose

Give support to external administrative work and to the coordination team in obtaining working/travel permits, as well as all official contacts, procedures and importation of goods, according to local and international laws and MSF procedures, in order to ensure the smooth running of MSF activities.

Accountabilities

• Together with the HR Co, ensure that all MSF staff has applied and obtained on time any visa, stay, travel or working permits in the mission country according to needs, and keep information on legal, administrative procedures.
• Maintain the support travel service in HQ informed about ongoing processes, specific situations or changes in the procedures related to visas, working permits, etc..
• Know all the procedures that MSF needs to follow in order to import goods from any country and assist the mission in following these procedures, in cooperation with the LogCo and the logistic department of the mission.
• Follow up clearances of MSF cargos and informs about any possible planned or extraordinary needs.
• Establish and maintain professional contacts with relevant authorities, depending on the context and the needs of the mission.
• Arrange meetings related to administrative issues for the Head of Mission or the HRCO as well as attend them.
• Keep a complete and updated detailed list of all useful contacts in the Country/Mission with names, telephones, addresses and other relevant details.
• Ensure, together with the MCT members that all MSF activities are running lawfully and in agreement with the Memorandum of Understanding in all administrative or customs related issues and inform about any possible risks or problems.
• Ensure that no illegal money is paid to any authorities or any individual, promoting and sharing MSF principles and values at all levels.
• Keep all documentation and files updated, properly filed and easily accessible for the internal users.

MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities

• Preparation of the paperwork and application for travel permits for passengers and cargoes in the mission. And follow clearance with relative authority.
• Apply for Djibouti evisa and other visas.
• Prepare per diem and accommodation for national staff, and briefing& debriefing for international staff.
• Ensure that Admin Transit are informed promptly about ongoing processes, specific situations (e.g, delays) or changes in the procedures or process of visas, Travel permits, etc.
• Keep information on legal, administrative procedures and keep Coordination informed of specific situations or changes to official procedures.
• Establish and maintain professional contacts with relevant authorities, depending on the context and the needs of the mission.
• Adapt communication to any circumstances, using appropriate language registry as well as diplomatic and courtesy manners and respect.
• Translate documents from English into Arabic and vise versa upon request.
• Provide face to face interpretation, as well as during telephone calls or other means, when necessary.
• Ensure accuracy and neutrality during translations.
• Keep record of all translated documents.
• Look after all equipment provided, i.e. dictionaries or other books that belong to MSF.
• Ensure strict confidentiality of all translations / information received and medical secrecy.
• Immediately declare any possible conflict of interests when asked to translate, which would necessitate using other staff members for translation.
• Reflect and communicate MSF principles, values and activities internally and externally in a positive way with authorities and any local interlocutors, when appropriate.
• Staff are not allowed to chew QAT during working hours.
• Under no circumstances are firearms/weapons allowed in MSF vehicles or on MSF premises.
• The above-mentioned activities and responsibilities are not exhaustive, and staff may be assigned additional responsibilities or tasks as required.

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor degree in translation or Languages or related studies Essential.
• Administration or communication related studies desirable.

Experience:

• Essential previous experience of at least one year in related relevant positions, in MSF or other NGOs.

Languages:

• Arabic and English language essential.

Knowledge:

• Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet).

Competencies:

• Results L1.
• Teamwork L1.
• Flexibility L1.
• Commitment L1.
• Service L1.
• Stress Management L2.