Translator/Interpreter

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 194

• Its primary mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. UNRWA aims to help these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their situation. The agency operates the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members and is primarily funded through voluntary contributions from UN member states and other entities. UNRWA offers a range of services including education, healthcare, relief and social services, camp infrastructure improvements, microfinance, and emergency assistance. The organization is committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and it actively seeks individuals who are passionate about contributing to this mission.

Job Overview:
The Translator/Interpreter position at UNRWA involves translating various documents, reports, and website content between English and Arabic, ensuring high levels of accuracy and precision for both internal and external communications. The incumbent will also serve as an interpreter during meetings, press briefings, and other official events as needed. This role requires collaboration with the Head of Creative Digital Multimedia Communications to edit official Arabic language materials and work closely with the Communications Division’s Arabic desk. Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible for editing and proofreading sensitive agency-wide documents, including those from the Executive Office and other departments, ensuring the final production of key documents and bulletins is overseen effectively. The position demands a proactive approach to support other offices or departments within the Agency as assigned by the Director of Communications.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Translator/Interpreter include: translating documents, reports, and website content from English to Arabic and vice versa; acting as an interpreter at internal and external meetings and press briefings; assisting in the editing of Arabic language materials; proofreading and editing agency-wide documents, including sensitive materials from various departments; overseeing the final production of key documents and bulletins; and performing any other duties as assigned by the Director of Communications. The role requires a strong ability to work independently or as part of a team, demonstrating political awareness and tact, as well as proficiency in word processing in both English and Arabic.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited institution in English, translation and interpretation, or a related field. A minimum of seven years of experience in translation and interpretation work from Arabic to English and vice versa is required, with at least three years of this experience in an international organization. Candidates must demonstrate an excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic, and proficiency in using computers for word processing in both languages is essential. Additionally, candidates should have a strong understanding of the context of Palestine refugees and UNRWA operations, as well as knowledge of contemporary Middle Eastern political and cultural affairs being highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in English, translation and interpretation, or a related field. This educational foundation is critical for ensuring that the candidate possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the translation and interpretation tasks effectively.

Experience:
The position requires at least seven years of relevant experience in translation and interpretation, specifically from Arabic to English and vice versa. Out of these seven years, a minimum of three years must have been spent working in an international organization. This level of experience is essential to ensure that the candidate is well-versed in the nuances of translation and interpretation within a global context, particularly in relation to the operations of UNRWA and the challenges faced by Palestine refugees.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in both English and Arabic is mandatory, with a required level of proficiency classified as UN Level III for reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages. Additionally, knowledge of French is considered a good asset, although it is not mandatory. The ability to communicate effectively in both English and Arabic is crucial for the successful execution of the duties associated with this role.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is a Fixed Term Appointment for one year, with a probation period of one year and the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. The position is classified at Grade 17, with a monthly basic salary of JD 1156.600 fils, along with a Special Occupational Allowance (SoA) of 69.9% of the basic salary. Other benefits include a monthly Provident Fund contribution of 15.4% of the basic salary, compulsory medical insurance, 30 days of annual leave, and a dependency allowance if applicable. Additional benefits include two days of sick leave for each completed month of service, 14 weeks of maternity leave, and two weeks of paternity leave. The incumbent may be required to travel within the Agency's areas of operations in the Middle East and may need to work beyond regular hours. The position is open to both internal and external candidates, but only those residing in Jordan and authorized to work in the duty station at the time of application are eligible to apply. UNRWA emphasizes gender parity and encourages applications from qualified candidates with disabilities.