TITLE: Program and Interpretation Assistant (Farsi)

SUPERVISOR: Croatia Program Manager

LOCATION: Zagreb, Croatia

CLOSING DATE: Ongoing

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS seeks a Program and Interpretation Assistant...

To perform all fundamental administrative processes from the time refugee applicants arrive in Croatia until departure to the United States, including ensuring the completeness and correctness of all documentation and procedures and interpreting applicant interviews, and other RSC matters, in line with the Interpreter Code of Conduct.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct quality checks of files to ensure accuracy and completeness
• Update necessary information in the US Government secured database
• Attend and participate in team meetings and training sessions
• As needed, scan and upload documents into the US Government secured database, collect missing documents from applicants, and copy documents
• Update the applicant schedule as necessary for any appointments throughout the processing cycle
• Any other tasks as assigned by Croatia Program Manager

Interpreting (Farsi to English - English to Farsi)

• Interpret for and assist registration and casework interviews
• Interpret for a variety of case processing and programmatic scenarios including USCIS interviews and at the Panel Physician
• Translate documents and messages as necessary

Pre-screening

• Register applicants upon arrival in Zagreb by photographing them and enter bio-data into the US Government secured database
• Create HIAS RSC photo I.D. cards for all applicants during the registration process
• Conduct document verification checks
• Assist with registration process as required
• Conduct final quality check of cases to ensure accuracy and completeness to USCIS

Out processing

• Review individual applicant electronic files for USCIS interview to ensure completeness
• Ensure appropriate security checks are complete by checking in the US Government secured database
• Create refugee travel packets for IOM according to processing guidelines

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent interpretation and translation skill, to and from English
• Strong command of English (written and verbal)
• Excellent command of Farsi (verbal & written)
• Working knowledge of Armenian/ Assyrian/Arabic would be an asset
• Enthusiastic and motivated with a positive attitude
• A flexible, mature and professional attitude to work
• Uses initiative to ask questions and make suggestions
• Able to maintain consistently high standards of work
• Able to focus intensively for extended periods
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Proven interpersonal skills and cross-cultural sensitivity
• Able to work with Microsoft Office applications, the internet and other databases to create documents, access information and prepare reports
• Able to work both in a team and independently

All applicants should have the legal right to live and work in Croatia without additional support.

This position is 100% in office and remote work is not possible.

This position is subject to the availability of donor funds.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.

SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a Human Resources staff person.

Step 3: Interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Reference check.

Step 6: Offer and background check.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

The HIAS Austria office as the Resettlement Support Center (RSC) processes refugee cases for resettlement to the US through a contract with the US State Department. HIAS RSC Austria oversees a new sub-office in Zagreb, Croatia.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • ????? ?????? (Hachnasat Orchim)

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • ??? (Tzedek)

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • ??? (Chesed)

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • ?????? (Chevruta)

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • ???? (Ometz)

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • ??? (Ruach)

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.