Assistant Field Translator

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a part of the United Nations system, established to promote and protect human rights globally. The OHCHR works to ensure that human rights are respected and upheld in various contexts, including conflict zones and areas of humanitarian crisis. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on monitoring human rights situations, providing technical assistance, and promoting accountability for human rights violations. The OHCHR employs a diverse workforce dedicated to advancing human rights and fostering a culture of respect and dignity for all individuals.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Field Translator position is integral to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), based in Kyiv. The role involves translating and interpreting a wide range of texts from local languages into designated UN working languages, ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines. The incumbent will assist in maintaining terminology consistency and quality across translations, addressing any ambiguities or technical meanings through consultation with authors. The position demands a high standard of professionalism, including the ability to work under pressure while delivering clear and precise translations. The Assistant Field Translator will also contribute to the identification of new terminology and support the unit in achieving high standards of accuracy and fidelity to the original texts. This role is crucial for facilitating communication and understanding within the UN framework, particularly in the context of human rights monitoring and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Field Translator will be responsible for the following duties:

• Translate and interpret various texts from local languages to UN working languages, covering subjects such as political, social, legal, economic, and technical matters.
• Ensure adherence to deadlines and appropriate terminology usage.
• Assist in maintaining consistency and quality in terminology and style across translations.
• Resolve translation and editorial issues through consultation with authors.
• Conduct research and utilize reference materials relevant to the texts being translated.
• Maintain a steady output of translations while managing the complexity of the texts and deadlines.
• Identify and propose new terminology for consideration by revisers and terminology managers.
• Perform other related duties as required to support the mission's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong writing skills and demonstrate a high standard of accuracy and consistency in translations. A good grasp of a broad range of subjects relevant to the United Nations is essential. The ability to work under pressure, maintain speed and volume of output, and deliver clear interpretations is crucial. Candidates should also exhibit versatility, judgment, and discretion in their work. A commitment to gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work is expected.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in translation, interpretation, languages, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the aforementioned fields, combined with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates with a first-level university degree must have a minimum of two years of experience in translation and/or interpretation. No experience is required for those holding an advanced university degree. Experience within the United Nations system, similar international organizations, or international NGOs is desirable, particularly in humanitarian contexts. Experience providing interpretation for national and/or international events is also advantageous.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required, along with fluency in Ukrainian and Russian. The required proficiency levels for each language are set according to the UN Language Framework, with a minimum level of IV for reading, writing, listening, and speaking in all three languages.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the extension of the mandate and/or availability of funds. Candidates must be nationals of Ukraine, as this is a National Professional Officer category position. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process adheres to strict standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with a commitment to creating a respectful and inclusive work environment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.