Senior Interpreter (Arabic)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) serves as the UN headquarters in Africa and represents the Secretary-General. Established to support the implementation of various UN programs, UNON provides essential administrative, conference, and information services to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and the Resident Coordination System (RCS) globally, along with other UN offices in Kenya. The organization plays a crucial role in facilitating international cooperation and addressing global challenges through its various programs and initiatives. UNON is committed to promoting sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for people in Kenya and beyond, with a workforce that includes a diverse group of professionals dedicated to these goals. The office operates in multiple countries and employs a significant number of staff to fulfill its mission.

Job Overview:
The Senior Interpreter position within the Arabic Interpretation Unit at UNON is pivotal for ensuring effective communication during meetings of various United Nations bodies. The incumbent will be responsible for providing high-quality interpretation services, translating speeches and statements from English and French into Arabic and vice versa. This role requires a high level of professionalism and the ability to work under pressure, as the interpreter will service up to eight meetings per week, which may include sensitive discussions. The Senior Interpreter will also take on leadership responsibilities, guiding a team of interpreters during meetings and assisting the Chief of Section in evaluating performance and training new interpreters. The position demands not only linguistic proficiency but also the ability to analyze and present data, contributing to knowledge management and decision-making processes within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Interpreter will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to: servicing up to eight meetings per week, providing interpretation into Arabic from English and French, and vice versa; leading a team of interpreters during meetings; assisting the Chief of Section in assessing the performance of staff and freelance interpreters; participating in the training and examination of prospective interpreters; serving as Team Leader on missions and as Officer in Charge when required; collecting and analyzing data for reports and presentations; and performing other related duties as assigned. The role requires a commitment to maintaining high standards of interpretation and contributing to the overall effectiveness of the UN's communication efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a deep understanding of internal policies and procedures related to language interpretation, demonstrating a high level of concentration and accuracy. The ability to identify and resolve issues, conduct independent research, and analyze data is essential. The role requires a strong commitment to professionalism, teamwork, and leadership, with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and support the development of team members. The ideal candidate will show persistence in overcoming challenges and remain calm under pressure, ensuring effective communication in a variety of contexts.

Educational Background:
A first-level degree from a recognized university or institution is required for this position, with a master's degree being desirable. Additionally, successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered advantageous, as these skills will support the data analysis responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of ten years of professional interpreting experience in international organizations, with at least five years of experience working within the United Nations system or a similar international organization. Desirable qualifications include five years of relevant managerial experience in a language-related area within the UN System or a similar organization, as well as experience in data analytics or related fields. This extensive experience is crucial for ensuring the candidate can effectively lead teams and manage the complexities of interpretation in a high-stakes environment.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are Arabic, English, and French. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in these languages according to the UN Language Framework, which outlines the required skill levels for each language. Arabic is essential for interpretation, while English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, making proficiency in these languages critical for effective communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve international travel for missions. The role is classified at a senior level, reflecting the responsibilities and expectations associated with leading interpretation efforts for the United Nations. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with UN standards, and the organization is committed to promoting gender balance and diversity within its workforce.