ThaiNGO

 Do you want to help refugees, develop your language skills and learn about human rights? Boat People SOS (BPSOS) is now offering exciting opportunities for Vietnamese speakers interested in working directly for the protection of refugee and human rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Interpretation/Translation for refugees and asylum seekers:
The Program Officer will work closely with BPSOS’s legal aid center, which provides free legal assistance to refugees and asylum-seekers. The Program Officer will provide interpretation and translation assistance for asylum seekers and refugees during client intake, legal workshops, client meetings, and in emergency health/protection situations or when other needs arise. The Program Officer will also assist in conducting research from Vietnamese-language sources.

Support for human rights projects, civil society activists, and human rights defenders:
The Program Officer will also assist in projects that seek to support vulnerable human rights defenders and independent civil society organizations (CSOs) with limited English language ability.  Activities may include writing emergency assistance applications, capacity building and training initiatives with CSOs, connecting CSOs to international organizations and doing advocacy work, conducting language exchange, material translation and interpretation related to human rights issues, and English instruction and support.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Excellent oral and written fluency in English and Vietnamese required
• Prior experience with interpretation/translation or a willingness to train and develop quickly
• A first degree in any discipline completed
• Excellent teamwork, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to multitask, effectively prioritize, respond to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines
• Good attitude and exceptional problem-solving skills
• Prior experience in an service-provider setting a plus
• Commitment to living in Bangkok for 1 year, (flexible for exceptionally qualified applicants)

Compensation:
The Program Officer will receive thorough training on interpreting, refugee issues, and universal human rights. The Officer will receive a competitive compensation package, including a monthly allowance, medical stipend, housing allowance, paid personal leave, initial airfare to Bangkok, and a visa and work permit. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and qualified applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. 

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and 3 academic/professional/personal references to “Khun Lei” at lepakorn.ph@bpsos.org indicating “APPLICATION – PROGRAM OFFICER” in the subject line.