Associate Interpreter

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Commission on the situation in the North and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Commission operates under the mandate of the Human Rights Council resolution A/HRC/RES/60/2

• The organization is dedicated to addressing human rights issues in the DRC, particularly in the conflict-affected regions of North and South Kivu. The Commission aims to promote accountability, protect victims, and ensure that human rights are upheld in these provinces. It is part of the broader efforts of the United Nations to support peace and stability in the DRC, which has faced significant challenges due to ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. The organization is committed to fostering a safe environment for all individuals, particularly vulnerable populations, and works collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The Associate Interpreter will play a crucial role in facilitating communication and understanding between different parties involved in human rights investigations and discussions. The primary functions of this position include providing accurate translation and simultaneous interpretation from Swahili/Lingala to French and vice versa. The incumbent will participate in field missions, where they will interpret interviews of victims, witnesses, and sources, ensuring that their voices are accurately represented. Additionally, the Associate Interpreter will assist in producing verbatim translations of written and oral witness statements, media articles, and other relevant documents. This role requires maintaining strict confidentiality and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of sensitive information, as well as ensuring that the interpreted content aligns closely with the original language versions. The position demands a high level of professionalism, concentration, and the ability to work under stress while delivering clear and precise interpretations. The Associate Interpreter will also be expected to perform other related duties as required, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the Commission's work in promoting human rights in the DRC.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Interpreter include:

• Providing accurate translation and simultaneous interpretation from Swahili/Lingala to French and vice versa during meetings, interviews, and field missions.
• Participating in field missions to interpret interviews of victims, witnesses, and sources, ensuring clarity and accuracy in communication.
• Assisting in the production of verbatim translations of written and oral witness statements, media articles, and other documents as required.
• Maintaining strict security and confidentiality of sensitive information encountered during the interpretation process.
• Checking verbatim records of meetings to ensure consistency between interpreted and original language versions of speeches and statements.
• Performing other related duties as assigned by the Coordinator of the Commission, contributing to the overall mission of promoting human rights in the DRC.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high level of professionalism and demonstrate the ability to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy in interpretation. The position requires strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to listen actively and respond appropriately. Teamwork is essential, as the Associate Interpreter will collaborate with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Candidates should also show a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. The ability to adapt language, tone, and style to suit different audiences is crucial for effective communication in this role.

Educational Background:
A first-level degree from a university or an institution of equivalent status is required for this position. This educational background should ideally be in a field related to languages, communication, or international relations, providing a solid foundation for the responsibilities of the Associate Interpreter.

Experience:
While no prior experience is required for candidates who have passed the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination for Interpreters, a minimum of 2 years of work experience in translation and/or interpretation is required for other applicants. This experience can include academic research work. Additionally, one year of work experience in these fields within the United Nations Common Systems or regional organizations is desirable. Experience in providing translation or interpretation for human rights investigations or on human rights-related subjects is also considered an asset.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in French is required, with a minimum level of UN Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, either Swahili or Lingala is required, with a minimum level of UN Level II for all language skills. This linguistic proficiency is essential for effective communication and interpretation in the context of the Commission's work.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available, and its extension is subject to the continuation of the mandate and/or the availability of funds. Current staff members holding a fixed-term, permanent, or continuing appointment may apply for temporary positions no more than one level above their current grade. The position may also be limited to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.