Language Specialist (multiple positions)

Provide high quality language support services.

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OHCHR IIMM - Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar

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Application deadline 1 month ago: Wednesday 29 Jul 2026 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Provide high quality language support services.

You have:

  • A first-level degree from a university or institution of equivalent status in languages, social sciences, law or other related fields is required.
  • A minimum of three (3) years of experience translating and/or interpreting from the Myanmar language (Burmese) into English, and vice versa, is required.
  • Experience in translating legal and/or criminal investigative documents or materials is desirable.
  • Experience in an international criminal court or international accountability mechanism, or in a national court or tribunal is desirable.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English and the Myanmar language (Burmese) is required.
  • Knowledge of one or more of the other languages used in Myanmar (such as Chin, Kayin, Kachin, Rakhine, Rohingya or Shan) is desirable.

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

• Accurate interpretation services for the Mechanism’s external communications. • High quality and timely translations of documents to and from English and the languages used in Myanmar. • Accurate translations of multiple forms of communication between the Mechanism personnel and others. • High quality and timely transcription of audio/video materials to and from English and the languages used in Myanmar. • Timely review of evidentiary materials in one of the languages used in Myanmar.

Work Location

Remotely

Expected duration

06 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the head of the Language Support Services Section (LSSS) of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (“Mechanism”), the Language Assistant will be responsible for the following duties, with full respect for confidentiality and security requirements related to the Mechanism’s mandate: • Provide interpretation from one or more languages used in Myanmar to English, and vice versa, between Mechanism personnel and witnesses, information providers and other interlocutors, in line with relevant operational procedures; • Translate documents and communications from one or more languages used in Myanmar to English, and vice versa, covering a broad range of subjects within the Mechanism’s mandate, and in accordance with the glossary, style guide and manual used by the LSSS; • Transcribe audio/video materials from one or more languages used in Myanmar and translate to English; • Record and store the translated materials in the Mechanism’s evidence repository; • Train and correct draft translation done by the Mechanism’s AI translation tool; • Participate in consultations with other Mechanism personnel about lexicons and other language issues with the aim of ensuring consistency and coherence in interpretations/translations; • Assist with the review and preparation of English summaries of evidentiary materials originally in one or more languages used in Myanmar; and • Perform other related tasks. The functions may involve exposure to sensitive, distressing, or graphic information in the course of translation/interpretation. The incumbent is expected to maintain accuracy, impartiality and professional composure for handling such material.

Qualifications/special skills

A first-level degree from a university or institution of equivalent status in languages, social sciences, law or other related fields is required. A minimum of three (3) years of experience translating and/or interpreting from the Myanmar language (Burmese) into English, and vice versa, is required. Experience in translating legal and/or criminal investigative documents or materials is desirable. Experience in an international criminal court or international accountability mechanism, or in a national court or tribunal is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in written and spoken English and the Myanmar language (Burmese) is required. Knowledge of one or more of the other languages used in Myanmar (such as Chin, Kayin, Kachin, Rakhine, Rohingya or Shan) is desirable.

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 describe a challenging translation project you worked on and how you handled it? This question assesses your translation experience and problem-solving skills. Discuss specific challenges encountered and the strategies you used to overcome them.
How do you ensure accuracy and consistency in your translations? This question gauges your attention to detail and methodology in translation work. Pro members can see the explanation.
Give an example of how you maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive information. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you employ to improve your language skills and keep up with industry standards? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe how you adapt your translations for different audiences or purposes. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you handle feedback on your translations or interpretations? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What tools or technology do you use to assist with your translation work? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you share an experience where you had to interpret in a high-pressure situation? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 month ago - Updated 1 month ago - Source: careers.un.org