Responsibilities

• Services up to seven meetings per week (exceptionally eight), usually of no more than three hours duration.
• Provides interpretation, as required, into Arabic of speeches or statements given in English and/or French and interpretation into English and/or French of speeches given in Arabic.
• Routinely covers sensitive meetings.
• Routinely functions as team leader of all interpreters assigned to a given meeting.
• May be called upon to serve as Chief Interpreter on missions.
• May assist in the screening, training and examining of prospective Arabic interpreters.
• May provide guidance and coaching to junior interpreters.
• May function as Programming Officer.
• May perform other related duties, as required.

Requirements

Competencies

• PROFESIONALISM; Ability to demonstrate a high level of concentration; split-second accuracy. Ability to work under continuous stress and deliver clear interpretation on an exceedingly broad range of subjects. 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS LEARNING : Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Education : A first level degree from a university or from an institution of equivalent status is required. A Master’s degree is desirable. Must have passed the United Nations Competitive Examination for Arabic interpreters.

Work Experience

• At least five (5) years of professional interpreting experience in international organizations is required.
• Experience providing accurate interpretation of a broad range of UN subjects is desirable.

Languages : English and French are the working languages in the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, a perfect command of Arabic, normally expected to be the incumbent’s main language, is required. Candidates for this post must also possess an excellent knowledge of English or French.