About Company
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), known internationally as Doctors Without Borders, is an independent, global humanitarian organization committed to providing medical assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters, and to victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, creed, or political affiliation. Active in over 70 countries worldwide, MSF’s teams are on the ground delivering emergency medical care, responding to epidemics, and providing long-term support in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), MSF has maintained a significant presence for many decades, addressing complex humanitarian crises driven by conflict, displacement, and endemic diseases. Our operations in Maniema Province, including Kindu, focus on delivering life-saving medical care, supporting health facilities, combating malnutrition, and providing crucial services such as vaccinations and mental health support. Joining MSF means becoming part of a dedicated global movement that prioritizes humanity, impartiality, and neutrality, working alongside passionate professionals to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable communities.
Job Description
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is looking for a highly skilled and compassionate Interpreter to join our field missions in Kindu, Maniema Province, DRC. This pivotal role is essential for bridging communication gaps between our international and national staff and the local communities we serve, including patients, their families, and local authorities. Your expertise will directly impact our ability to deliver effective and culturally sensitive humanitarian aid by ensuring accurate, nuanced, and confidential interpretation.
As an Interpreter for Field Missions, you will be deployed to various operational sites within Kindu and potentially surrounding areas, providing both consecutive and simultaneous interpretation in diverse settings. This includes facilitating medical consultations, health education sessions, community meetings, focus group discussions, and sensitive interviews. You will play a crucial role in translating complex medical information, patient histories, and cultural concepts, ensuring that both MSF staff and beneficiaries fully understand each other. Beyond linguistic interpretation, you will serve as a vital cultural mediator, helping our teams navigate local customs, social norms, and community dynamics. This requires not only exceptional fluency in multiple languages but also a deep understanding of the local context, unwavering impartiality, and the ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality in often high-pressure and challenging environments. Your contribution will be instrumental in fostering trust, improving patient care, and enhancing the overall impact of MSF’s humanitarian interventions in Maniema Province.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide accurate and culturally appropriate consecutive and simultaneous interpretation between French, Swahili, and local dialects (e.g., Tetela, Kilega, Lomongo) for MSF personnel and beneficiaries.
- Facilitate effective communication during medical consultations, patient follow-ups, psychosocial support sessions, community outreach activities, and interviews.
- Act as a cultural mediator, assisting MSF teams in understanding and respecting local customs, social norms, and traditions.
- Translate relevant written documents, patient records, health promotion materials, and internal communications as requested.
- Ensure strict confidentiality of all sensitive information, including patient data, personal stories, and organizational communications.
- Actively participate in team meetings, offering insights into local perspectives and cultural considerations relevant to project implementation.
- Maintain neutrality and impartiality in all interpretation duties, conveying messages accurately without personal bias or omissions.
- Report any communication challenges, cultural misunderstandings, or security concerns to the immediate supervisor in a timely manner.
- Contribute to building trust and positive relationships between MSF and the local communities we serve.
Required Skills
- Exceptional fluency in spoken and written French and Swahili.
- Proficiency in at least two widely spoken local dialects of Maniema Province (e.g., Tetela, Kilega, Lomongo).
- Minimum of 3 years of proven experience in interpretation, preferably within a humanitarian, medical, or social work context.
- Excellent active listening, memory retention, and precise note-taking skills.
- Strong cross-cultural communication, interpersonal, and team collaboration abilities.
- Ability to maintain composure, accuracy, and impartiality under pressure in challenging and dynamic field environments.
- High degree of professionalism, discretion, and an unwavering commitment to confidentiality.
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing work priorities, schedules, and field conditions.
- Demonstrated understanding and adherence to humanitarian principles and medical ethics.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience working with international NGOs or humanitarian organizations in the DRC or similar contexts.
- Solid knowledge of medical terminology in French and local languages.
- Experience in written translation of official documents and reports.
- A deep understanding of the specific cultural, social, and political context of Maniema Province.
- Formal training or certification in interpretation or linguistics.
- Proficiency in English is considered a significant advantage.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and local market rates.
- Comprehensive health insurance for the employee and eligible dependents.
- Accommodation and a daily per diem provided during active field missions.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development and training within a leading global humanitarian organization.
- Paid annual leave and designated rest & recuperation (R&R) breaks.
- The profound opportunity to contribute to life-saving work and directly impact vulnerable communities.
How to Apply
To embark on this impactful journey with Médecins Sans Frontières, please click on the application link below. We encourage you to submit your detailed CV and a compelling cover letter that highlights your linguistic proficiencies, relevant experience in humanitarian or challenging environments, and your motivation to join MSF’s mission in Kindu. Only shortlisted candidates who meet the specified criteria will be contacted for further assessment. We appreciate your interest in contributing to our vital work!