The ICC Is Looking for Filipino/Cebuano Transcribers

(SPOT.ph) Are you looking for extra income? Here’s a fascinating job opportunity—you could be working for the International Criminal Court (ICC), the same institution where former President Rodrigo Duterte is currently detained.

Eagle-eyed users spotted a job posting on the ICC’s official website from January 28 calling for freelance transcribers who can work in Filipino, Tagalog, or Cebuano. The best part? No need to be based in The Hague, Netherlands to apply. All you need is to transcribe audio and video recordings remotely for the ICC’s Language Services Unit under the Office of the Prosecutor—on an ad hoc, short-term basis.

Although there’s no promise of a steady stream of assignments, those who make the cut will be placed on a roster for potential work.

“A roster of freelance transcribers will be established as a result of this selection process. Once accredited, freelance transcribers may be offered contracts for the provision of remote transcription services in keeping with the operational needs of the Unit,” it said on the job posting.

Also read: Did the Philippines Really Surrender Duterte to the ICC?

Job requirements to be an ICC transcriber

Interested applicants must have strong listening and writing skills in any of the three languages, as well as a working knowledge of English. Experience in transcription—especially in a legal setting—is preferred but not required. However, attention to detail, adherence to confidentiality, and meeting deadlines are non-negotiable.

Shortlisted candidates will have to pass an accreditation test and security clearance before getting added to the ICC’s transcriber roster.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Does this have anything to do with the ICC’s ongoing investigation into the former president? The timing is certainly interesting, given that Duterte is currently awaiting his pre-trial in September for charges of crimes against humanity as a result of his war on drugs. However, the job listing itself doesn’t explicitly mention the case.

It’s also worth noting that the ICC frequently hires language experts for various investigations and proceedings (see: job postings for Ukrainian and Burmese), so this could be just another routine recruitment effort. All that to say, who knows?

If you think you have what it takes, applications are open via the ICC’s recruitment channels. Just keep in mind: This isn’t your typical transcription work—some of the material could be “upsetting or disturbing”—after all, the ICC deals with serious international crime charges.

Also read: Duterte Is Arrested on ICC Warrant. What Happens Next?