Language Assistant

Enhance communication with local community and provide translation services.

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UNTSO - United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation

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Application deadline 4 months ago: Thursday 15 Jan 2026 at 04:59 UTC

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Overview

Enhance communication with local community and provide translation services.

You have:

  • High school diploma is required.
  • Certificate in Translation or in related field is desirable.
  • A minimum of five (05) years of work experience in providing translation/interpretation services is required.
  • Geographical knowledge in the Area of Separation (AoS) South–West of Golan area in Syria is required.
  • Knowledge of MS Word and Excel is required.
  • Ability to work on shift duty roster is required.
  • Travel on a daily basis throughout the AoS in UN Vehicles and to report / relocate from one position (Team) to another is required.
  • Ability to relocate to an accommodation close to workplace is desirable.
  • Valid national driving license is desirable (attach a copy of your license).
  • Fluency in spoken and written English and Arabic is a requirement.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

To enhance communication with Local community, ensure high-quality translations, facilitate effective liaison with host government representatives, support patrols, provide daily media briefs, prepare comprehensive documentation, assist with drafts and notes, and train junior officers on cultural and geographical aspects.

Work Location

Damascus

Expected duration

4 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall direction of the Chief of Mission Support, and the direct supervision of the Regional Administrative Officer-OGG Damascus, the incumbent will be responsible but not limited to the following duties: • Provides clear and concise verbal communication/interpretation, interfacing between the UNTSO Military observer(s) in OGG, OGGD, LOD and local population in support of operations and wider mission activities. • Provides written translation of high-level documents and communications from Arabic to English language and vice versa covering a broad range of subjects dealt with by the United Nations. • Liaises and arranges meetings between the host country entities and Team Leaders / Observers and acts as Liaison / Interpreter focal point on matters between the local community and UNTSO OGG, OGGD and LOD Team. • Reports to the assigned Teams as per established work roster and accompanies Military Observer(s) on daily patrols (by vehicle as well as by foot) to provide interpretation, geographical orientation and directions in support of UNTSO OGG, OGGD patrolling and observing operations. • Keeps abreast of news in the Media and provides daily briefs to UNTSO Military Observers and staff of relevant contents in the area of operation affecting OGG, OGGD and LOD operations. • Assists officers with the preparation of drafts, briefing notes and background information. • Assists in training junior officers on cultural background and geographical briefs; area specific information on the teams area of operation. • Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications/special skills

High school diploma is required. Certificate in Translation or in related field is desirable. A minimum of five (05) years of work experience in providing translation/interpretation services is required. Geographical knowledge in the Area of Separation (AoS) South – West of Golan area in Syria is required. Knowledge of MS Word and Excel is required Ability to work on shift duty roster is required Travel on a daily basis throughout the AoS in UN Vehicles and to report / relocate from one position (Team) to another is required. Ability to relocate to an accommodation close to workplace is desirable. Valid national driving license is desirable (attach a copy of your license)

Languages

Fluency in spoken and written English and Arabic is a requirement

Additional Information

Not available.

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

Can you provide an example of a challenging translation task you completed? This question assesses your translation skills and ability to handle challenges. Discuss a specific situation, outlining the context, your approach, and the outcome.
Describe your experience working with local communities during missions. We want to understand how you interact with and support local communities. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you stay updated on local media and its relevance to our operations? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use for interpreting in high-pressure situations? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you train a junior officer on cultural aspects of the area? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What is your experience with shift work and adapting to varying schedules? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you explain the importance of accurate geographical orientation in patrols? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you deal with misunderstandings during translation or interpretation? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 5 months ago - Updated 4 months ago - Source: careers.un.org