Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote durable solutions for displacement affected populations.
DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, currently DRC employs over 800 staff and implements emergency response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors, using direct interventions, support to duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue and adapt its durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context.
DRC is currently looking for a highly qualified Translator for its activities in Kyiv.
This position will be line managed by the Communications Manager.
About the job
The DRC in Kyiv is looking for a translator who would establish communication between the national and international employees of the DRC team and the affected population (IDPs), so that they can respond to urgent needs in a timely and qualitative manner. The translator must provide written and oral translation.
Your main duties and responsibilities will be:
- Provision of interpretation between national and international DRC staff, as well as with government officials as needed.
- Provide accurate interpretation during individual or group counseling sessions and meetings, applying the principles of accuracy, confidentiality and impartiality at all times.
- Act in the interests of the people of concern (PoC). Communicate with PoCs in a sensitive manner, ensuring that their rights are respected.
- Provide written translation of documents from Ukrainian and/or Russian into English and vice versa.
- Participate in trainings and interpret training materials/tools, communications, etc.
- Be prepared to be deployed to field work as needed.
- Respond to occasional and urgent requests for interpretation as agreed with line manager.
- Any other duties that may be assigned by the line manager, related to the achievement of the objectives of the DRC and/or to support the implementation of the activities of the DRC.
- Ensure compliance with the DRC Code of Conduct during the implementation of activities.
About you:
To be successful in this role we expect you to have at least 1 year of working experience in a similar role, experience in NGO will be an advantage. Moreover, we also expect the following:
- Advanced English level (C1 or C2); fluency in Ukrainian (speaking/reading/writing).
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Stress resistance and a positive attitude towards tasks.
- High professional ethics and understanding of privacy policy.
- Relevant university degree/Diploma in English, interpretation, communication, public relations or equivalent professional qualification.
- Proficiency in technical and humanitarian terminology in English and Ukrainian will be an advantage.
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:
- Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
- Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
- Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
- Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
- Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
We offer:
- Contract length: Contract length: 6 months renewable depending on performance and funding.
- Level: H – Non-Management.
- Designation of Duty Station: Kyiv - Full time based.
- Start date: As soon as possible.
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national staff.
Application process
All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English.
Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Closing date for applications: 21st April 2025
We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible, interviews might be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select candidate before the vacancy close date once a suitable candidate has been identified.
Working at DRC
Help applying
DRC as an employer
Founded in 1956, DRC Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest, and a leading international NGO. We have continuously been ranked as one of the best NGOs in the world - and are one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. In over 40 countries, we protect, advocate and build sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities.
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 8000 employees. We pride ourselves on our:
- Professionalism, impact & expertise
- Humanitarian approach & the work we do
- Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
- Culture, values & strong leadership
- Fair compensation & continuous development
DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.
Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants based on individual merit and qualifications, regardless of personal characteristics or attributes. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce, aiming for a 50% balance of men and women in management roles and ensuring that at least 50% of management roles are filled by national staff. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is crucial for achieving our organizational goals and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.