Translator/Interpreter

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

Under the overall guidance of the Representative of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Cambodia (OHCHR), and direct supervision of the Public Information Officer, Communications Unit, the National UN Volunteer (Translator/Interpreter) will provide programme support and services in the implementation of OHCHR work plan and communications-related activities, ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work.

The Translator/Interpreter will work in close collaboration with all Programme Units and the management to provide communication support, exchange information and contribute to programme delivery.

The National UN Volunteer (Translator/Interpreter) will undertake the following tasks:

Ensure efficient, timeliness and qualitative translation of documents, correspondence and publications (Khmer to English; English to Khmer)

• Translate reports and statements of the Office and international human rights instruments, UN resolutions and documents, publications, and Office correspondences from English to Khmer or vice-versa. • Interprets oral conversations, discussions and interviews especially when attending meetings with persons of concern, officials, and others. • Support Programme Units in translating relevant documents into Khmer and English as well as drafting correspondences into Khmer language. • Ensure efficient, timely and qualitative translation ., Accuracy in language and structure is maintained, • Travel on mission with the Office staff throughout the country for interpretation and other assistance, as needed. • Takes notes at meetings; takes and transcribes from dictation, recordings and handwritten drafts. • Ensure that the confidentiality of translated materials is respected.

Support to Communications Unit in the implementation of programmes, activities and public awareness campaigns to promote human rights. • Translate public information and visibility materials, scripts, website stories, press statements, media advisories, newsletters and other communication tools from English to Khmer or vice-versa. • Contribute in conceptualizing and implementing communication events and mass media campaigns. • Assist in carrying out Unit activities including providing interpretation support during public events or coordination with partner organizations as required. • Proofread and edit final translated versions. • Perform terminology research to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of all translations.

Support to management in the overall implementation of the Office Annual Work Plan, • Act as interpreter for visitors and delegations on mission as required. • Keep and update a database of translated documents, publications, and other materials. • Performs other duties as required.     

Professionalism • Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of HR and procurement related matters; • Ability to interpret policies, to apply relevant/applicable rules and regulations; • Ability to undertake research, gather information from standard sources, organize information, and interpret them for relevant input to develop the Unit’s strategies, internal guidance, and actions as relevant; • Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; • Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; • Ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given; • Shows persistence when facing with difficult problems or challenges and remain calm in stressful situations; • 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.

Teamwork • Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. • Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to • learn from others. • Places team agenda before personal agenda. • Builds consensus for task purpose and direction with team members. • Supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. • Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Accountability • Takes ownership for all responsibilities and honours commitments. • Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. • Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. • Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. • Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

areas relevant to the function. • Experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an asset; • Translation/interpretation technical knowledge is mandatory; • Knowledge of legal and human rights terminology an asset • Proficiency in spoken and written Khmer and English. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in human rights, governance, justice, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.

The climate of Cambodia is tropical, monsoonal and is characterized by heat and humidity. The rainy season lasts from May to October and the hot, dry season from November until April.

Based on the UN Security and Safety Department, Cambodia is categorized as security level 1, which is the lowest risk level.

Houses and apartments are available to suit most budgets and preferences. House hunting is not difficult in Phnom Penh. The usual means of locating suitable accommodation is through estate agents/realtors.

The cheapest, fastest and most frequent mode of travel for daily transportation is by tuk-tuk (a motor-powered rickshaw). Some UN volunteers chose to purchase their own mode of transportation, be it a car, a motorbike or a bicycle. They are strictly recommended by UN security to wear seatbelts in cars and helmets when traveling on motorbikes or bicycling.

In terms of health, common diseases in Cambodia are those that exist in other tropical countries like diarrhoea, dengue, and seasonal flue. Most serious cases have been reported to be contracted in hilly, rural and densely forested areas. City dwellers can also be at risk due to poor disposal of waste. Generally, in cities, people use purified water for drinking and cooking. The recommended vaccinations are those against typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis and Japanese Encephalitis.

While medical facilities in Cambodia are sufficient for the treatment of most routine ailments and minor accidents, illnesses and accidents of more serious nature require medical evacuation, usually to Bangkok or Singapore

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.”