Arabic Translator Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The internship is offered by the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), a regional commission of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in the Arab region. ESCWA aims to foster cooperation among member states and provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration on various issues, including economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Arab region, working with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to address regional challenges and promote sustainable development. ESCWA has a diverse workforce comprising professionals from various backgrounds and expertise, dedicated to advancing the United Nations' goals in the region.

Job Overview:
The Arabic Translator Intern will be positioned within the Conference Management Section (CMS) of the Resource Management and Service Development Division (RMSDD) at ESCWA. The intern will play a crucial role in supporting the translation of documents that cover a wide array of subjects relevant to the work of ESCWA, including political, social, legal, economic, financial, administrative, scientific, and technical topics. The intern will be expected to conduct thorough research using various information sources to ensure accurate translations. Additionally, the intern will proofread and review documents in both English and Arabic, ensuring clarity, grammatical correctness, consistency, and factual accuracy in line with ESCWA guidelines and United Nations manuals. The role may also involve preparing designed outputs according to established guidelines and providing language support functions, including supervised editing. The intern will report directly to the appointed supervisor and senior staff within the CMS, with overall supervision from the Chief of CMS. This internship offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic international organization while contributing to the important work of the United Nations in the Arab region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for the following duties:

• Translate a variety of documents related to the work of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, ensuring that translations are accurate and reflect the intended meaning of the original text.
• Conduct necessary research to gather information and context for translations, utilizing all available resources to enhance the quality of the work.
• Proofread and review documents in both English and Arabic, checking for clarity, spelling, grammar, consistency, and factual accuracy in accordance with ESCWA guidelines and United Nations standards.
• Prepare designed outputs as per established guidelines, ensuring that all materials are presented professionally and meet the required standards.
• Undertake any other language support functions as required, including but not limited to supervised editing and assisting with the preparation of documents for conferences and meetings.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned by the supervisor or senior staff, contributing to the overall objectives of the CMS and ESCWA.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this internship, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school program (second university degree or equivalent, or higher), or be in the final academic year of a first university degree program (minimum bachelor's level or equivalent), or have graduated with a university degree as defined above.
• Be computer literate in standard software applications, demonstrating proficiency in tools commonly used for translation and document preparation.
• Show a keen interest in the work of the United Nations and a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter.
• Demonstrate the ability to interact successfully with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs, showing a willingness to understand and tolerate differing opinions and views. No previous work experience is required for this internship, making it an excellent opportunity for students and recent graduates.

Educational Background:
Applicants must have a relevant educational background, which includes being enrolled in a graduate program or being in the final year of an undergraduate program. A degree in translation, linguistics, international relations, or a related field is preferred, as it will provide the necessary foundation for the tasks involved in this internship. Graduates with a university degree in any discipline are also eligible to apply, provided they meet the other qualifications outlined.

Experience:
This internship does not require any previous work experience, making it accessible to students and recent graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in a professional setting. The focus is on the applicant's educational background, language skills, and commitment to the values of the United Nations rather than prior work history.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the primary languages used in the work of ESCWA. Fluency is defined as being rated 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Knowledge of French is considered desirable, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates who possess strong language skills in these languages will be better equipped to fulfill the responsibilities of the internship effectively.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last for a duration of two months, and interns are required to commit to full-time work during this period. The position is unpaid, and interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. Additionally, interns must provide proof of valid medical insurance coverage for the entire duration of the internship and submit a medical certificate of good health before starting. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information. Interns may have flexible working arrangements, subject to written agreement by the receiving entity, but must complete their internship within six months.