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, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), UNON provides essential administrative, conference, and information services to UN offices in Kenya and globally. The organization plays a crucial role in facilitating international cooperation and dialogue, ensuring that the UN's mission is effectively communicated and executed across different regions. UNON is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, reflecting the global nature of the United Nations and its dedication to gender balance and equal opportunities for all employees.

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 not only linguistic proficiency but also the ability to handle sensitive discussions and maintain professionalism under pressure. The Senior Interpreter will lead teams of interpreters, assist in evaluating their performance, and contribute to the training and development of new interpreters. The position demands a strong understanding of UN policies and procedures, as well as the ability to conduct independent research and analysis to support the interpretation process. The successful candidate will be expected to manage multiple meetings per week, demonstrating exceptional concentration and accuracy in their work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Interpreter will be tasked with the following responsibilities:

• Provide interpretation services for up to eight meetings per week, ensuring clarity and accuracy in translating speeches from English and French into Arabic and vice versa.
• Lead teams of interpreters during meetings, ensuring effective collaboration and communication among team members.
• Assist the Chief of Section in evaluating the performance of both staff and freelance interpreters, providing constructive feedback and guidance.
• Participate in the training and assessment of prospective interpreters, contributing to their professional development.
• Serve as Officer in Charge during missions and assume the role of Chief of Section when designated.
• Collect and analyze data related to interpretation services, preparing reports and presentations to support decision-making processes.
• Perform additional related duties as required, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a comprehensive understanding of language interpretation policies and procedures, demonstrating a high level of professionalism and accuracy in their work. The ability to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks, and deliver results in a timely manner is essential. Strong analytical skills and the capacity to conduct independent research are also required. The ideal candidate will exhibit excellent teamwork and leadership abilities, fostering a collaborative environment among colleagues. A commitment to continuous learning and professional development is highly valued, as is the ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.

Educational Background:
A first-level degree from a recognized university or institution is required for this position. A master's degree is desirable, particularly in fields related to language interpretation, data analytics, or business analytics. Successful completion of relevant degree and non-degree programs in data science or related areas is also considered advantageous, as it enhances the candidate's ability to analyze and present data effectively.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of ten years of professional interpreting experience, particularly within international organizations. At least five years of this experience should be within the United Nations system or a similar international organization. Additionally, five years of relevant managerial experience in a language-related area is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related fields for two years or more is also beneficial, as it complements the interpretation role by providing insights into data-driven decision-making processes.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must also possess a high level of proficiency in Arabic, with the ability to read, write, listen, and speak at UN Level IV. This ensures that the interpreter can effectively communicate and interpret complex discussions in all three languages, maintaining the integrity of the original message.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a language role and is initially offered for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance within its workforce and encourages female candidates to apply. Staff members are expected to fulfill lateral move requirements to be eligible for this vacancy. The recruitment process adheres to strict ethical standards, and candidates with a history of violations of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law or misconduct will not be considered. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring procedure.