Senior Interpreter Services Officer (National Position)

The Resettlement Support Center Asia (RSC Asia), funded by the US State Department Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), assists persons throughout Asia seeking permanent resettlement in the United States. Responsible for a portfolio of 37 countries, RSC Asia: prepares refugee applications for the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) using START (a State Department–managed data system that supports the arrival and resettlement of refugees through technology); provides information to resettlement agencies about arriving refugees and offers cultural orientation training to refugees bound for the United States.

Job Overview/Summary:

Senior Interpreter Services Officer is an essential role responsible for supporting the efficient delivery of high-quality language interpretation services for USCIS Officers, RSC staff, and US Refugee Admissions Program applicants. This position involves assisting in interpreter training, monitoring and evaluation, interpreter management, and fostering relationships with partners like UNHCR and IOM. The Senior Interpreter Services Officer will provide direct support to the Interpreter Services Manager in overseeing the RSC Asia's Thailand Interpreter program.

Major Responsibilities:  

•  Oversee the scheduling of Interpreter Services Team in all Thailand locations in coordination with Interpreter Services Manager.
•  Maintain electronic administrative records related to Interpreter Services activities including prescreening, USCIS, Culture Orientation, attendance records, and other related documents.
• Verify interpreters' compliance with assignment requirements, focusing on punctuality, time management, and thoroughness.
• Maintain accurate interpreter records, including security checks and interviews, showcasing organizational skills.
• Assist Interpreter Services Manager with partner agencies, including UNHCR and IOM, demonstrating strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Work together with the team in delivering training on the effective use of interpreters to staff and feedback opportunities for staff and contract interpreters, underscoring commitment to their professional development.
• Cultivate enthusiasm for acquiring new skills and techniques within the interpreter team, setting an example for continuous improvement.
• Support the Interpreter Services team with tasks related to administration and finance.
• Keep track of document translation tasks using START and plan for arranging translators for document translation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including being back up to ISM when required.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Interpreter Services Manager

Position directly supervises: N/A

Indirect Reporting: Program Support Coordinator, Thailand and the Region

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: RSC Asia Staff

External: UNHCR, IOM, and other partners

Job Requirements:

Education:

•  University degree preferred in social science, mass communication, human resources, OR two years of equivalent relevant professional experience will be considered.

Work Experience:

•  Experience working in resettlement processing is preferred.
•  Minimum two years’ working experience in program management or training in a multicultural setting is preferred.
• Experience in coordination and management of foreign language interpretation is preferred.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

•  Strong ability to work independently, organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, prioritize, coordinate, multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail.
•  Display a strong work ethic and genuine eagerness to learn about the process, illustrating dedication to continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate the ability to quickly grasp new concepts and contribute effectively to the team.
• Build and maintain a good rapport with team members, encouraging a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Exhibit the ability to lead the team when the manager is not present, ensuring the smooth operation of processes and maintaining a sense of unity among team members.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in supporting the team in Thailand and regional in any assigned duties.
• Proficiency in database management, Windows and Microsoft Office applications including Outlook and Excel.

Language Skills:

•  Excellent spoken and written Thai and English language skills; other languages such as Mandarin, Khmer, Burmese, Hmong, Rohingya is desirable.

Certificates or Licenses:

•  Not applicable, unless required by law and/or organization to carry out official duties.

Others:

•  Ability and willingness to travel when required.

Working Environment:

The position is located at the RSC office in Bangkok, Thailand. The position will require domestic travel to support interpretation service delivery of USRAP processing throughout Thailand, including to remote border areas. Limited international travel should also be expected. A valid passport and the ability to acquire US and other visas, as necessary, is a requirement.

Application Deadline: 1 February 2024