Field Interpreter (English/Arabic) - Individual Contractor for Roster Purposes

Job Posting Organization:
The International Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) was established to assist in the investigation and prosecution of individuals responsible for the most serious crimes under law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 201

• The IIIM operates under the auspices of the United Nations and aims to ensure accountability and justice for victims of atrocities. The organization is committed to a victim and survivor-centered approach, working towards inclusive justice. The IIIM is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and engages with various stakeholders to fulfill its mandate.

Job Overview:
The position of Field Interpreter (English/Arabic) is crucial for the Operational Support Section (OSS) of the IIIM. The contractor will provide clear and accurate verbatim consecutive interpretation during high-level meetings and informal discussions, particularly in sensitive contexts involving confidential information. The role requires the ability to interpret at a standard suitable for national or international courts. The contractor must be prepared to work independently and may need to travel at short notice to various locations in the Middle East or elsewhere, depending on the services required. The expected duration of assignments can range from a minimum of one day to a maximum of ten days, with flexibility in work hours, including weekends and evenings, being essential. This position is part of a generic job opening aimed at building a pool of qualified candidates for future interpreter vacancies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary duties and responsibilities of the Field Interpreter include providing consecutive interpretation from Arabic to English and vice versa during various sensitive meetings and investigative interviews. The contractor will engage with highly traumatized and vulnerable victims, ensuring that the interpretation is accurate and respectful of the sensitive nature of the discussions. The role may involve interpreting during high-level meetings and discussions that require a nuanced understanding of the context and the ability to convey complex information clearly. The contractor must also be prepared to handle distressing material and information as part of their responsibilities. This position is not tied to a specific job opening but is intended to establish a talent pool for future engagements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in translation, interpretation, languages, or a related field. Alternatively, a combination of a first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the degree. Additionally, candidates must have five years of professional experience in interpretation, specifically in English and Arabic. Experience in consecutive interpretation, particularly in witness interviews, is required. Desirable qualifications include experience providing translation for human rights or criminal law investigations, work experience with accountability mechanisms, and interpreting for victims and survivors of atrocity crimes.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level university degree in translation, interpretation, languages, or any language-related field. Candidates with a bachelor's degree or equivalent, combined with relevant work experience, may also be considered. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of language and interpretation in sensitive contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in interpretation, specifically between English and Arabic. Candidates should have a strong background in consecutive interpretation, particularly in contexts involving witness interviews and sensitive discussions. Experience in human rights or criminal law investigations, as well as work with accountability mechanisms, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the MENA region or Syria is also advantageous, as it provides context for the sensitive nature of the work.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is mandatory, as it must be the candidate's main language. Proficiency in English is also required. While French is one of the working languages of the Secretariat, it is not mandatory for this position. However, knowledge of French may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an individual contractor role, and applicants are required to submit a minimum 250-word essay in Arabic as part of their application, explaining their motivation for working as a freelance interpreter at the United Nations. Applications that do not include this essay may not be considered. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal banking information.