Arabic Translator Intern

Intern to translate, proofread documents for ESCWA.

This opening expired 7 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

UNESCWA - Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

Open positions at UNESCWA / Open positions at UN
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Application deadline 7 months ago: Monday 6 Oct 2025 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Intern to translate, proofread documents for ESCWA.

You have:

  • Must be enrolled in a graduate school programme or final year of a bachelor's degree; or have graduated with a university degree.
  • Must be computer literate in standard software applications.
  • Must demonstrate a keen interest in UN work and commitment to UN ideals.
  • Must demonstrate ability to interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and opinions.
  • Fluency in English and Arabic is required, knowledge of French is desirable.
  • Must provide proof of valid medical insurance coverage for the internship period.

Contract

This is a I-1 contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about I-1 contracts.

Work Location

UN-House ESCWA

Expected duration

2 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background: The internship is located within the Conference Management Section (CMS), Resource Management and Service Development Division (RMSDD) of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The intern reports directly to the appointed supervisor, and/or to senior staff to the CMS with respective or delegated authority, with an overall supervision by the Chief of CMS. Duties and Responsibilities: The intern will be responsible for carrying out the following: • Translate documents covering a broad range of subjects dealt with by the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, i.e. political, social, legal, economic, financial, administration, scientific and technical. • Conduct the necessary research using all available information sources. • Proofread and review documents in English and Arabic for clarity, spelling, grammar, consistency and factual accuracy in accordance with ESCWA guidelines and United Nations manuals. • Copy prepare designed outputs as per the established guidelines and undertakes any other language support function, including but not limited to supervised editing. • Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications/special skills

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met: 1. Applicants must: (a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent); or (c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above); 2. Applicants must: (a) be computer literate in standard software applications. (b) have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter; and (c) have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. No previous work experience is required for this job opening.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.

Additional Information

A completed online application must include, beside the mandatory Personal History Profile, a Cover Note mentioning the following: • Degree Programme (what are you currently studying?). • Graduation Date (when will you graduate or when did you graduate from the programme?). • List of the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in. • List of your top three areas of interest. • Explanation of why you are the best candidate for this specific internship. • Explanation of your interest in the United Nations Internship Programme. In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for the medical insurance of the intern or costs arising from injury, illness or death that may occur during an internship. Therefore, upon awarding an internship, candidates will be required to sign a statement confirming their understanding and acceptance of the conditions of service. Applicants for internship must show proof of valid medical insurance coverage to cover the full period of the internship at the duty station and provide a medical certificate of good health prior to the commencement of the internship. The United Nations accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal effects that may occur during the internship. This position allows for flexible working arrangements, contingent upon written agreement by the receiving entity. Interns under these arrangements must commit to an equivalent of at least two months full-time work and complete their internship within six months.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Potential interview questions

Describe a time you successfully translated a document. What challenges did you face? To assess your translation skills and how you handle difficulties in the process. Focus on a specific example, highlighting your approach to overcoming challenges.
How would you approach proofreading a document in Arabic? To evaluate your understanding of proofreading standards and practices. Pro members can see the explanation.
What interests you about working with the United Nations? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of a cultural misunderstanding you navigated successfully? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What software applications are you proficient in? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Why do you believe you are the best candidate for this internship? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain your understanding of the ideals of the UN Charter. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Discuss your top three areas of interest. How do they relate to this internship? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 9 months ago - Updated 7 months ago - Source: careers.un.org