Interpreter (Arabic)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) serves as the UN headquarters in Africa. Established to support the implementation of various UN programs, UNON plays a crucial role in providing administrative, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, 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. The organization is dedicated to fostering international cooperation and addressing global challenges through its various initiatives and programs. UNON operates in Kenya and collaborates with multiple UN offices, ensuring effective communication and coordination among different UN entities. The organization is committed to promoting sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for people in Kenya and beyond, with a focus on environmental sustainability and urban development. UNON employs a diverse workforce and is dedicated to achieving gender balance and inclusivity in its staffing policies.

Job Overview:
The position of Interpreter (Arabic) within the Arabic Interpretation Unit at UNON involves providing high-quality interpretation services during meetings and conferences. The Interpreter will be responsible for interpreting speeches and statements from English and French into Arabic and vice versa. This role requires a high level of professionalism, concentration, and the ability to work under pressure, as interpreters often deal with sensitive topics and high-stakes discussions. The Interpreter will typically service up to eight meetings per week, with each meeting lasting no more than three hours. In addition to interpreting, the Interpreter may take on leadership roles during meetings, guiding other interpreters and ensuring the smooth flow of communication. The position also involves training and mentoring junior interpreters, contributing to their professional development, and may include responsibilities related to programming and administrative tasks. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the values of the United Nations, including gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Interpreter will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide interpretation services during meetings, translating speeches and statements from English and French into Arabic and vice versa.
• Manage up to eight meetings per week, ensuring accurate and clear communication.
• Function as a team leader for interpreters assigned to specific meetings, coordinating efforts and ensuring high-quality interpretation.
• Cover sensitive meetings that require discretion and professionalism.
• Assist in the training, screening, and examination of prospective Arabic interpreters, contributing to the development of the interpretation team.
• Provide guidance and coaching to junior interpreters, helping them improve their skills and performance.
• May serve as a Programming Officer, handling administrative tasks related to interpretation services.
• Perform other related duties as required, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high level of professionalism and demonstrate the ability to work under stress while delivering accurate interpretations. Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to listen effectively, interpret messages accurately, and engage in two-way communication. Teamwork is crucial, as the Interpreter will collaborate with colleagues to achieve organizational goals and support team decisions. The successful candidate should show a commitment to gender perspectives and inclusivity in all areas of work, reflecting the values of the United Nations.

Educational Background:
A first-level degree from a university or an institution of equivalent status is required for this position. A Master’s degree is desirable, indicating a higher level of academic achievement and expertise in relevant fields. Candidates must also have passed the United Nations Competitive Examination for Arabic Interpreters, demonstrating their proficiency and capability in interpretation.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least five years of professional interpreting experience within international organizations. Relevant experience within the UN System will be considered an asset. The ideal candidate should have a proven track record of providing accurate interpretation on a broad range of UN subjects. Experience in training and coaching junior interpreters is also desirable, as is experience in grading interpretation exams and assessing the performance of freelance colleagues. Additionally, two or more years of experience in data analytics or related areas is considered a plus.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English, French, and Arabic. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency at UN Level IV in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for all three languages. This level indicates a high degree of fluency and the ability to engage in complex discussions and interpretations across various topics.

Additional Notes:
This position is a language role with an initial contract duration of one year, subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. Staff members are expected to adhere to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to different functions as needed. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.