About this opportunity
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is recruiting an Amharic, Oromo & Tigrinya Interpreter to support its humanitarian operations. This opportunity is particularly relevant for language professionals who have strong English communication skills and can work effectively in sensitive humanitarian and operational environments.
The position involves interpretation and translation between English and Amharic, Oromo or Tigrinya, as well as supporting communication with affected communities, authorities and other stakeholders.
According to the ICRC vacancy announcement, the role is a mobile position with 100% working time, with a continuous global deployment roster. The current vacancy information lists Ethiopia as the operational location with various possible sites, although the vacancy is posted through the ICRC’s Geneva career system. The assignment is initially for 12 months and may be extended.
About the ICRC
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a humanitarian organization working around the world to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence.
The organization works to promote respect for international humanitarian law and supports people affected by conflict through activities including protection, assistance, family-link services and detention-related humanitarian work.
Position
Job Title: Amharic, Oromo & Tigrinya Interpreter
Organization: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Job Family: Protection / Human Rights / International Humanitarian Law / Humanitarian Diplomacy / Detention
Job Level: B2
Contract Type: Maximum-term contract
Working Rate: 100%
Role Type: Mobile
Assignment Length: 12 months, extendable
Location: Ethiopia, various sites
Deployment: Continuous global deployment roster
Hardship: Variable
What Will the Interpreter Do?
The successful candidate will help facilitate communication between ICRC personnel and people affected by conflict or other humanitarian situations.
Key responsibilities include:
1. Interpretation
The interpreter will provide oral interpretation between Amharic, Oromo or Tigrinya and English.
This may include communication during:
- Confidential interviews with people deprived of liberty
- Visits to detainees
- Discussions with authorities
- Humanitarian dialogue
- Protection activities
- Family reunification and family-link activities
- Delivery of Red Cross messages
- Family tracing activities
- Visits to families of detainees
Because some assignments involve highly sensitive information, confidentiality and professional judgment are important aspects of the role.
2. Written Translation
The position also involves translating written materials from Amharic, Oromo or Tigrinya into English.
Examples may include:
- Correspondence
- Newspaper articles
- Other operational documents
3. Analysis and Reporting
The interpreter may also contribute to analysis and reporting related to matters within the ICRC’s humanitarian mandate.
This can include information concerning detention conditions, security and other operational issues.
4. Support for Protection Activities
Depending on operational requirements, the interpreter may be asked to support additional protection-related activities.
ICRC Interpreter Job Requirements
Applicants should carefully review the following requirements before applying.
Language Requirements
Candidates are required to have:
- Excellent English proficiency at C1 level
- Excellent proficiency in Amharic, Oromo or Tigrinya at C1 level
Knowledge of at least two of Amharic, Oromo and Tigrinya is considered a strong advantage.
Knowledge of other ICRC operational languages, including French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic or Portuguese, is also considered an asset.
Professional Experience
The vacancy requires approximately two years of professional experience.
Previous experience working as an interpreter or translator is considered an advantage.
Education
A university degree or education in interpretation or translation is an advantage.
Applicants should also demonstrate an interest in humanitarian work and the ability to communicate effectively in demanding environments.
Personal and Professional Skills
Candidates should be able to:
- Work under pressure
- Adapt to changing operational environments
- Work in potentially dangerous environments
- Demonstrate cultural awareness
- Maintain confidentiality
- Communicate clearly and professionally
- Work with people from different backgrounds
- Remain open-minded and adaptable
- Demonstrate strong motivation for humanitarian work
Operational Requirements
The ICRC has specific operational conditions for this position.
According to the vacancy announcement:
- In accordance with the ICRC’s neutrality principle, personnel are not assigned to a country of which they are nationals.
- Candidates must complete a medical check-up before deployment to the field.
- Applicants must have a driving licence for manual-transmission vehicles.
- Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied assignments during their first two missions, with each mission lasting at least 12 months, or a combined period of 24 months.
Applicants should therefore carefully consider these conditions before submitting an application.
What Does the ICRC Offer?
The ICRC states that successful candidates can benefit from:
- Work in an international humanitarian environment
- A multicultural working environment
- A two-week orientation programme
- Further in-house training opportunities
- Social benefits
- Opportunities to join the ICRC talent pool for potential future assignments
The organization also states that it values diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity may be suitable for professionals who have strong English and Ethiopian-language skills, particularly those with experience in interpretation, translation, humanitarian work, community engagement or related fields.
Applicants who can communicate professionally in more than one of Amharic, Oromo and Tigrinya may have an additional advantage because multilingual proficiency is identified by the ICRC as a strong asset.
How to Apply for the ICRC Interpreter Job
Interested candidates should apply through the official ICRC careers website.
Before applying, carefully review the official vacancy requirements and application instructions. Make sure your CV clearly demonstrates your language abilities, professional experience, education and any relevant interpretation, translation or humanitarian experience.
Application: Use the official ICRC vacancy page and select “Apply now.”
Important Note for Applicants
This position involves humanitarian field work and may require deployment in challenging environments. Applicants should carefully review all operational, language, driving and deployment requirements before applying.
The information above is a simplified and original presentation of the official vacancy announcement. Applicants should always verify the latest information, requirements and application status on the official ICRC careers website before submitting an application.
ICRC Amharic, Oromo & Tigrinya Interpreter Job – Quick Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) |
| Position | Amharic, Oromo & Tigrinya Interpreter |
| Location | Ethiopia, various sites |
| Working Rate | 100% |
| Role | Mobile |
| Contract | Maximum-term contract |
| Assignment | 12 months, extendable |
| Job Level | B2 |
| English | C1 required |
| Amharic/Oromo/Tigrinya | C1 required |
| Experience | 2 years |
| Driving Licence | Manual transmission required |
| Deployment | Global deployment roster |
| Field Work | Required |
| Application | Online through ICRC Careers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an ICRC job in Ethiopia?
The official vacancy lists Ethiopia, various sites as the location for the assignment. The vacancy itself is hosted on the ICRC’s Geneva careers platform.
Do I need to know all three languages?
The requirement is excellent proficiency in Amharic, Oromo or Tigrinya, while proficiency in at least two of these languages is identified as a strong asset.
Is English required?
Yes. The ICRC specifies C1-level English as a requirement.
Is previous interpretation experience mandatory?
The vacancy requires two years of professional experience, while previous interpreter or translator experience is listed as an advantage.
How long is the contract?
The listed assignment is 12 months and extendable, under a maximum-term contract.
Where can I apply?
Applications should be submitted through the official ICRC careers vacancy page. Always use the official recruitment channel and verify the vacancy information before applying.