Interpreter/Translator

Contract

This is a IICA-1 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-1 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

This position is located in the Political Affairs Section, Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen (OSESGY) in Sana’a. The incumbent will report directly to the Senior Political Affairs Officer/Head of Office.

Functional Responsibilities

General Support:

• Provides simultaneous interpretation from Arabic to English and vice versa for meetings of the Head of Office and other meetings of the Sanaa office as required, maintaining full confidentiality
• Translates from Arabic to English and vice versa a variety of texts covering a broad range of subjects dealt with by the Sanaa office eg., political, economic, gender, administrative, and technical; respecting deadlines and using appropriate terminology.
• Translates social media communications as needed.

Technical advice and quality assurance:

• Resolves translation/editorial issues (i.e. clarification on ambiguities, technical meanings, etc.) through consultation with authors.
• Aims at high standard of accuracy and consistency to the spirit, style and nuances of the original text.

Monitoring and progress control

• Observes the established terminology and usage and ensures, as far as possible, consistency with other translators working on similar documents.
• Uses all sources of reference, information, and consultation relevant to the text at hand and carries out any research required.
• Maintains a certain speed and volume of output, taking into account the difficulty of the text and the specified deadlines.
• Identifies new terminology material for the consideration of lead drafters
• Performs other related duties as required.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - Advanced University Degree (Master's or equivalent degree) preferably in translation, interpreting, languages, social sciences, law or other related fields. A first-level degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may also be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in professional translation and interpreting Arabic-English is required. Experience working in Middle Eastern region is required. Experience in an international organization, non-governmental organization, or within the United Nations common system (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programs) is desirable. Experience in field operations in conflict/post-conflict zones is desirable.

Languages - English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position, fluency in English and Arabic (oral and written) are required.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Functional competencies

Professionalism: Strong communications skills with sensitivity to nuance; high standard of accuracy, consistency and faithfulness to the spirit, style and nuances of the original message/statement or text; good grasp of the subject matter. Ability to use all sources of references, consultation, and information relevant to text at hand. Ability to maintain an adequate speed and volume of output, to interpret meetings and translate text to specified deadlines. Ability to apply judgment, maintain confidentiality and be flexible. Ability to spot errors and inconsistencies in a text. Ability to work under pressure including under tight time constraints. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments and adjusts priorities as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently.

Contract type, level and duration

• Contract type : International ICA
• Contract level :I-ICA1
• Contract duration Three months (with possibility of extension)

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.