Arabic-English Translator and Interpreter

SAWSAN M. ALDAWODI

EMAIL: ******.******@*****.***

Tel: +1-732-***-**** Cell: +1-732-***-****

Skype: sawsandawodi

**** ****** ***

Round Lake Beach, IL 60073

SUMMARY:

Bilingual (Arabic/English) with all Arabic Dialects recognizes four major dialect groups: Arabian Peninsula Colloquial, Egyptian Colloquial, Levantine Colloquial (Mashriqi), and North African Colloquial (Maghribi), qualified to fulfill the specialized Conferences and Meetings interpreting, teacher, administrator, engineer and manager in public and educational sectors in Iraq and Egypt. Professional experience includes Chemical Engineering, Education, Training, Management and Development, Translating/Interpreting with special interest in Media, Self-motivated leader, quick learner, with exceptional organizational and managerial skills and the ability to communicate well with all levels, from staff to top business, military and government officials. Authorized to work in the U.S. (US Citizen).

EXPERIENCE:

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Name and Numbers) “Specialized Technical Interpreter”, “Arabic Expert & Lead Interpreter” Aug.2012 – Present

Serving ICANN’s rational, large-Scale, specialized technical periodical meetings at the global meeting sites. These meetings are held three times each year. Core of the role is to ensure that ICANN’s public meetings run smoothly by providing real-time translation services throughout the meeting, for all necessary events. Documents, blogs, announcements and other materials translation.

Language Experts – Head Interpreters are in charge of maintaining an updated data base of ICANN’s TMs and Glossaries for the language each of them represent. Head Interpreters and the Manager of the ICANN Language Services Department. This is coordinating closely with the team, to ensure that technical and other arrangements are in place.

JVS (Jewish Vocational Service), Bilingual Case Manager & Coordinator Feb.2012-Dec.12, 2013

The Darfur Resettlement Project with cooperation with HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society). Performing Core services by carrying out activities in accordance with contractual requirement with the Government of the United States. Accompanied refugees from Sudan to medical, social services and other appointments and provided comprehensive interpretation services as necessary. In addition:

Bridge to a Brighter Future Program: Technology-Driven Services for Cuban and Haitian Refugees (BBF) with Cooperation with New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Family Development (NJDHS, DFD) and Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to provide a comprehensive network of services to Cuban and Haitian refugees in NJ.

Freelance Translator/Interpreter and Cultural Consultant Mar 2010 - Present

Irregular Arabic interpreting and document translating assignments for domestic and International organizations, HRGJC at law school-NYU, several international organizations and law firms in New York, UK and Canada on cases of Resettlement, Anti-terrorism, Human Rights, Medical, Legal and Business, Media Documentaries and websites reports translation services.

NYU-Law School, Arabic Tutor. NY 4 hrs/week April 2012, Present

Arabic Language tutoring for Law School Students.

The IRC (International Rescue Committee), Case Manager, 40hrs/week US-NJ March 2010- October2010

Temporary assignment carrying out activities in accordance with contractual requirement set by the Department of State and Department of Health and Human Services, as well as internal policies and procedures as defined by IRC headquarters. Worked with diverse groups of newly arriving refugees in a multi cultural, fast-paced environment. Worked under pressure and within prescribed timelines, able to identify challenges, and provide recommendations and solutions. Tracked cases and updated data base on daily basis. Accompanied refugees to medical, social services and other appointments and provided comprehensive interpretation services as necessary.

Iraqi Information Office, Case Director & Office Mgr. (Volunteer), Cairo, Egypt, Feb 2008–Dec 2008 and beyond. (Part of The American University In Cairo’s, Center of Migration & Refugee Studies) 40hrs/week

Advocated Iraqi refugee re-settlement cases with UNHCR and International Organization for Migration. 'My tasks were to receive clients, interpret when required for a group of paralegals preparing cases for resettlement and managing the database of cases. Utilized and maintained electronic and paper archives of documents related to the general administration of the project. Detailed oriented, well-organized, and flexible in working under stress.

America’s Development Foundation, Consultant, Cairo, Egypt 40hrs/week Dec.2006–Apr. 2007

Ensured quality and timely translation of training materials. Developed educational materials related to women’s rights, national reconciliation, federalism, and civic education. Delivered training materials to the Iraqi Civil Society Program after reviewing and editing materials prepared by Egyptian translators. Provided technical support to the senior editor responsible for the final quality review.

America’s Development Foundation, Resource Center Director and Acting Regional Director, (ADF- USAID), Baghdad, Iraq 40hrs/week Aug. 2005 – Sept. 2006

Provided overall strategic planning and technical expertise on democracy project implementation and project cycle management in unstable and post conflict areas in Iraq. Analyzed and resolved complex problems and found creative solutions for many demanding situations. Negotiated with government authorities, met with representatives of national and international agencies, conducted monitoring and evaluation exercises, fulfilled comprehensive reporting requirements. Ensured transparency of the grants program in the Baghdad Region. Monitored and reported on program quality to representatives of national and international agencies.

Nahrain University. Engineering College, Director-Scientific Affairs, 40hrs/week Baghdad, Iraq Feb. 2005 – Aug. 2005

Supervised scientific scholarship programs for the Engineering College. Documented issues for the Research Assessments Committee and assisted in proceedings.

Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, Acting General Director - Employment & Vocational Training Center, Baghdad, Iraq 40hrs/week Aug. 2003 -Feb. 2005

Under the supervision of the CPA’s (Coalition Provisional Authority) senior advisor, analyzed and resolved complex problems while managing multiple day-to-day responsibilities. Provided overall strategic planning and established 18 regional employment centers on schedule and within budget despite deteriorating security environment and variety of challenges. Managed financial and administrative assets and resources and overseeing re-construction projects.

Al-Amen Institute., Director of Planning And Procedures Department 40hrs/week

Baghdad, Iraq Feb2002 –Aug. 2003

Supervised and monitored project implementation of governmental institutions and foundations. Scheduled scientific curriculum and courses for technical staff affiliated with private industry. Developed annual educational plans, staff training materials, student curricula and budgets.

Al-Mo’atasim Mechanical & Chemical Training Center, Director-Chemical Department Baghdad, Iraq 40hrs/week Dec. 1993 –Feb. 2002

Directed twenty teachers and staff in the day-to-day affairs of this 400+ high school dedicated to the sciences. Developed curriculum and evaluated teacher effectiveness.

Industry High School, Baghdad, Ministry of Education - Iraq 40hrs/week Assistant Director of Student Affairs + Teacher Feb. -1985 – Dec. 1993

Responsible for resolving academic and social issues between students and their families and/or the faculty at this 600 student vocational high school. Looked for ways to improve communication and the learning environment. Taught Science, Physics, Math, ESL, Engineering Concepts and Physical Labs.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

University of Baghdad, B.S. - Chemical Engineering, 1984.

American University – Cairo (Egypt) Seminar on “Refugees and Migrants, and a Rights Based Approach to Development”, 2008

Rutgers University- NJ/USA, Course on “Community Interpreting”, 2011

Extensive management training in administrative leadership, negotiation, contracts and budgeting.

Engineering training in computer-based industrial processing, workplace safety and ISO standards.

Middlesex County College-NJ/USA, Intensive course of “Management Certificates” and “QuickBooks Applications”, 2011.

LANGUAGES AND COMPUTER SKILLS:

Fluent in Arabic and English: Speak, Read, Write. Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint

American Translators Association (Member)

REFERENCES

Excellent references are available upon request.

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