UNV International spécialist interpreter

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The UN Refugee Agency acting within its mandate of protecting persons in need of international protection has begun the evacuation of persons of concern at high risk from Libya to Niger, in partnership with the government of Niger through the Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM). The partner organization COOPI provides assistance to these persons of concern. Most of these evacuees come from the Horn of Africa (Eritrea, Somalia and Ethiopia) and are victims of human trafficking, smuggling and severe human rights violations on their way towards Europe. These evacuees will be temporarily hosted in Niger, where their needs and vulnerabilities will be assessed and their case processed in view of finding durable solutions. Assistance, psychosocial support and medical screening will be made available to ensure they receive adequate follow up of their protection needs stemming from their experiences before arrival in Niger.

The Interpreter will be assigned to work with one of the ETM/Protection Units, namely either Child Protection/BID, RSD, Resettlement, or Field (Protection)/Community Services and other units. The interpreter will report to the Head of the pertinent Unit.

The Interpreter and Translator will provide operational support to registration, protection, refugee status determination, resettlement, child protection/BID, and field staff of UNHCR and to the staff of partner organizations through language support services for evacuees from Libya, and other persons of concern to UNHCR in Niger. The Interpreter will translate oral statements from English/ French into Sudanese Arabic/Zaghawa-Fur and vice versa for reception, registration, RSD, RST, BID interviews, and cultural orientation training as well as for counselling sessions, including MHPSS consultations. The interpreter/translation may be asked to translate written documents or statements as necessary.

Major Responsibilities: • Act as an interpreter during Reception & Orientation, Registration, RSD, RST and BID interviews, training, and counselling, including Durable Solutions and health and psy-chological counselling, for UNHCR Niger and partner organizations as assigned by planning. • Translate documents from target languages (Sudanese Arabic/,Zaghawa/Fur) to Eng-lish language and vice versa as necessary

In the fulfilment of his/her duties the interpreter must abide by relevant standards. In particular:

• The interpreter is required to read, understand and comply with UNHCR’s Code of Conduct and realizes that he/she shall be expected to work in the spirit of the princi-ples set forth therein. • The interpreter is required to read and understand the Undertaking of Confidentiality and Impartiality and understand that he/she shall be expected to respect the principle of confidentiality and remain impartial in his/her work. • The interpreter is required to read and understand, and agree to abide by the stand-ards of conduct set forth in the Secretary-General’s Bulletin, ST/SGB/2003/13 of 9 Oc-tober 2003, concerning “Special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse”.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for in-stance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publica-tions/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

The results achieved by the interpreter and translator will be mainly measured through the satisfaction of the staff with the services provided including with reference to the standards mentioned above. In addition, the number of activities facilitated or conducted will serve as indicator, in accordance with the overall workplan of the protection, RSD, RST, BID and field staff, along with all Units concerned, as well as the partner organizations’ staff.

Promotion of Volunteering / Volunteerism • Successful submission of UNV articles (1~2) for peacebuilding and development for UNV websites

• The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counter-parts, including Implementing Partners (IPs); • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development dur-ing the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

 -Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.
 -Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.
 Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
 -Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
 -Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;
 -Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
 -Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary;
 -Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Required Experience: Experience working for a humanitarian organization or related activities Experience Description. Experience working as an interpreter strongly preferred Experience working as a translator strongly preferred Additional Requirements for Area of Expertise: Excellent communication skills. Strong organizational skills, including attention to detail. Strong coordination and administrative skills. Strong observation and feedback skills. Flexible and willing to learn and take on new tasks. Able to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. Mature, positive attitude and able to work under pressure. Thorough knowledge of computer software (e.g., Word, Excel, Email, Internet). Ability to work in multicultural environments and respect for •
High level of integrity and professionalism Applications from women are highly encouraged.

The assignment will take place in the nation’s capital, Niamey, a family duty station. Niamey is a liveable city. The spontaneous reception and hospitality of the Nigeriens is among the characteristic features of this West African country. The living conditions in Nia-mey are good, as well as the access to health services. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory and vaccination cards should be presented at the en-trance. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also rec-ommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies but it is recommended to bring spe-cific prescription drugs. There are few banks in Niamey but they do not have USD or foreign currency accounts. The current security level is 3 (moderate) in Niamey. The selected UN Volunteer will be expected to follow and complete all UN/UNV mandatory trainings and briefings.