Senior Interpreter (Arabic)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) serves as the UN headquarters in Africa and acts as the representative office of the Secretary-General. Established to support the implementation of various UN programs, UNON plays a crucial role in facilitating the work of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). The organization provides essential administrative, conference, and information services to various UN offices in Kenya and globally. UNON is committed to promoting sustainable development and addressing environmental challenges, with a workforce that includes a diverse group of professionals dedicated to these missions.

Job Overview:
The Senior Interpreter (Arabic) position is a pivotal role within the Arabic Interpretation Unit of the Interpretation Section, Division of Conference Services at UNON. The incumbent will be responsible for providing high-quality interpretation services during meetings of various United Nations bodies, ensuring accurate communication between Arabic and other languages, primarily English and French. This role requires the ability to interpret speeches and statements in real-time, often under pressure, while maintaining a high level of professionalism and accuracy. The Senior Interpreter will also lead teams of interpreters, assist in training and evaluating staff, and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the interpretation services provided by UNON. The position demands a strong understanding of UN policies and procedures, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Interpreter (Arabic) include but are not limited to: providing interpretation services for up to seven meetings per week, which may include sensitive discussions; interpreting speeches from Arabic to English and French and vice versa; leading teams of interpreters during meetings; assisting the Chief of Section in evaluating the performance of interpreters; participating in the training and assessment of prospective interpreters; serving as Team Leader on missions and acting as Officer in Charge when necessary; collecting and analyzing data for reports and presentations; and performing other related duties as required. The role requires a commitment to maintaining high standards of interpretation and contributing to the overall success of the UNON's mission.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level degree from a recognized university or institution of equivalent status. Additionally, passing the United Nations Language Competitive Examination for Arabic Interpreters is a prerequisite for this position. Successful completion of degree or non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered desirable. The role demands a strong understanding of language interpretation policies and procedures, as well as the ability to work effectively under pressure and deliver accurate interpretations in a timely manner.

Educational Background:
A first-level degree from a university or institution of equivalent status is required for this position. Candidates must also have successfully passed the United Nations Language Competitive Examination for Arabic Interpreters. Furthermore, completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is desirable, indicating a preference for candidates with a strong analytical background that can support the interpretation process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of professional interpreting experience in international organizations, with at least five years of that experience within the United Nations system or a similar international organization. Relevant language experience within the UN System or in similar organizations is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of experience in data analytics or a related area, which would enhance their ability to perform the duties of the role effectively.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in Arabic is mandatory, as it is the primary language of interpretation. Additionally, candidates must have proficiency in either English or French, which are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. The required language skills must meet the minimum levels outlined in the UN Language Framework, ensuring that the candidate can perform their duties effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and is based in Nairobi, Kenya. The role may involve working under pressure and requires the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. The incumbent will be expected to demonstrate leadership qualities and contribute to the development of the interpretation team. The position may also involve international travel for missions, and candidates should be prepared for the responsibilities that come with leading teams in various settings. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UN policies and standards.