Interpreters (Consultants)
Service | Direct Services |
Salary | $280/hour |
Work pattern | Availability as-needed weekdays between 9:30 am – 6:00 pm, out of office hours may be required |
Duration | A minimum of 3 months’ commitment preferred |
Justice Centre is a non-profit organisation that provides legal and social services to refugees, asylum seekers and other displaced people in Hong Kong SAR. We work to support the vision of Hong Kong SAR as a welcoming and inclusive society.
We provide free specialist legal help to people experiencing forced displacement, while offering tailored welfare and psychosocial support to those affected by trauma and destitution. Through strategic casework, research, training and technical assistance and community initiatives, we work to ensure that even the most marginalised members of Hong Kong society have equitable access to essential services and a voice in our society.
At Justice Centre Hong Kong, we strive to foster community engagement and promote the active participation of refugees in Hong Kong society. Our commitment extends to creating a safe and inclusive working environment that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We strongly encourage candidates with personal experiences of forced migration, individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTQ+, and individuals with disabilities and neuro-diversity to apply. To learn more about Justice Centre and our mission, please visit our website at www.justicecentre.org.hk.
Purpose of position
We require interpreters who are fluent in English and selected languages to assist with our work with protection claimants. Most interpreters are paid an hourly rate; some interpreters generously donate their time as volunteers. Interpreters’ responsibility includes providing interpretation assistance during meetings with clients, and translating correspondence and documents.
Work Arrangements
- Interpretation assistance is booked on an “as-needed’ basis. Our interpretation needs can vary widely and there is no guaranteed minimum number of hours.
- Interpretation services usually take place on weekdays between 9:30 am – 6:00 pm, out-of-office hours may be required depending on the nature of the appointment
- We prefer in-person interpretation, but are able to facilitate remote interpretation where needed. Our usual channels for booking appointments and remote interoperate are WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams.
JCHK Language Needs
Justice Centre is in need of interpreters for the following languages:
Urgently Needed
- French
- Arabic
Desirable
- Mandingo
- Amharic
- Kinyarwanda
- Luganda
- Malayalam
- Russian
- Somali
- Wolof
Requirements
Essential
- Oral and written proficiency in both English and the language of interpretation. Proficiency can be demonstrated by being a native speaker, completing or attending a university degree that is being taught in that language, achieving at least C1 (Advanced) Proficiency in English the Common European Framework of Reference[1] or equivalent in other languages.
- Sensitivity towards working with asylum seekers and survivors of torture and trauma.
- Ability to interpret in an impartial manner.
- Ability to maintain all interpretations confidential, and maintain high levels of professionalism in the provision of services.
- Proof of immigration or resident status in Hong Kong (or where interpreting online) relevant country/territory of residence, which permits engaging in paid work outside of any sponsoring employer/institution. (Note: Justice Centre is unable to sponsor work visas.)
Desirable
- Professional certification in interpretation or translation
- University degree in language, translation, interpretation and other related fields, or other relevant formal training or certification
- Demonstrable understanding of forced migrants and asylum issues, especially in the Hong Kong context
- Experience working with people in distressing or vulnerable situations
- Experience working in legal, welfare, medical or community setting, either taking the role of an interpreter, translator or in other professional capacity
If you are interested in assisting us with interpretation, possess language skills but have little or no prior experience, we are still interested in hearing from you. We may be able to provide training.
Benefits
- An hourly rate of HK$280;
- Access to in-house training where available; and
- Flexible working arrangements.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a police background check.
Please e-mail your statement of interest and CV to jobs@justicecentre.org.hk with the subject line ‘Interpreter’. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
[1] See here the requisite test scores: https://www.efset.org/cefr/c1/.