Translation and Liaison Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations, an international organization founded in 1945 with the mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among countries. The UN operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of more than 44,000 employees worldwide. Its primary goals include maintaining international peace and security, promoting sustainable development, and upholding human rights.

Job Overview:
The Translation and Liaison Officer position is crucial for enhancing communication between the local community and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO). The role involves providing high-quality translations, facilitating effective liaison with host government representatives, and supporting patrols. The officer will also prepare daily media briefs and comprehensive documentation, assist with drafts and notes, and train junior officers on cultural and geographical aspects relevant to the area of operation. The position is expected to last for four months and requires a proactive approach to ensure smooth operations and effective communication.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of duties under the overall direction of the Chief of Mission Support and direct supervision of the Regional Administrative Officer-OGG Damascus. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing clear and concise verbal communication and interpretation between UNTSO Military observers and the local population to support operations and mission activities.
• Translating high-level documents and communications from Arabic to English and vice versa, covering a wide range of subjects dealt with by the United Nations.
• Liaising and arranging meetings between host country entities and Team Leaders/Observers, acting as the focal point for interpretation and communication.
• Reporting to assigned Teams as per the established work roster and accompanying Military Observers on daily patrols to provide interpretation and geographical orientation.
• Keeping abreast of media news and providing daily briefs to UNTSO Military Observers and staff regarding relevant content affecting operations.
• Assisting officers with the preparation of drafts, briefing notes, and background information.
• Training junior officers on cultural background and geographical briefs specific to the area of operation.
• Performing other duties as required to support the mission's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma as a minimum requirement. A certificate in Translation or a related field is desirable. Additionally, a minimum of five years of work experience in providing translation and interpretation services is required. Candidates should have geographical knowledge of the Area of Separation (AoS) in the South-West of the Golan area in Syria. Proficiency in MS Word and Excel is necessary, along with the ability to work on a shift duty roster. Daily travel throughout the AoS in UN vehicles is required, and the ability to relocate to accommodation close to the workplace is desirable. A valid national driving license is also preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma as a minimum. A certificate in Translation or a related field is considered an asset, indicating that candidates with specialized training in translation will have an advantage in the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in providing translation and interpretation services. This experience should ideally include work in a similar context, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex communication needs in a multicultural environment. Familiarity with the geographical area of operation is also essential, as it will enhance the effectiveness of the officer's duties.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English and Arabic is a mandatory requirement for this position. This bilingual proficiency is crucial for effective communication and translation tasks. While not explicitly stated, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for four months, and there are no fees associated with the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage. The organization emphasizes that it does not require information regarding applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.