UNRWA 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. UNRWA operates in five areas: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, focusing on helping these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their situation. The agency is the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members and is funded almost entirely through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, and private donations. UNRWA aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and it welcomes applications from individuals who are passionate about contributing to this mission.

Job Overview:
The UNRWA Translator/Interpreter position involves translating documents, reports, and website content from English to Arabic and vice versa, ensuring accuracy and precision for both internal and external use. The incumbent will also serve as an interpreter during meetings, press briefings, and other official occasions as required. Additionally, the role includes assisting the Head of Creative Digital Multimedia Communications with editing UNRWA’s official Arabic language materials and collaborating with the Communications Division’s Arabic desk. The position requires editing and proofreading agency-wide documents, including sensitive materials from various departments, and overseeing the final production of key documents and bulletins. The incumbent will report directly to the Director of Communications and may be assigned other duties as necessary. This role is critical in ensuring effective communication within the agency and with external stakeholders, thereby supporting UNRWA's mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UNRWA Translator/Interpreter include:

• Translating documents, reports, and website content from English to Arabic and vice versa, ensuring high accuracy and precision.
• Acting as an interpreter at internal and external meetings, press briefings, and other official occasions as required.
• Assisting the Head of Creative Digital Multimedia Communications with the editing of UNRWA’s official Arabic language materials.
• Collaborating with the Communications Division’s Arabic desk on various tasks.
• Editing and proofreading agency-wide documents, including sensitive documents from the Executive Office and other departments such as Legal Affairs, Human Resources, and the Ethics Office.
• Overseeing the final production of key documents, bulletins, and other issuances.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Director of Communications, including support for other offices or departments within the Agency.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational 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, with at least three years in an international organization.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic is mandatory.
• Proficiency in using computers and word processing in both English and Arabic.
• Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills, along with the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Tactful and well-developed political awareness.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in English, translation and interpretation, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of translation and interpretation in a professional setting, particularly within the context of UNRWA's operations.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have at least seven years of relevant experience in translation and interpretation work, specifically from Arabic into 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 crucial for ensuring that the incumbent can effectively handle the demands of the role and contribute to UNRWA's mission.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and Arabic, with both languages requiring a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and translation tasks within the agency.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is a Fixed Term Appointment for one year, with a one-year probation period. There is a possibility of extension, subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory performance, and continuing need. The position is graded 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 (15.4% of the basic salary paid by the Agency), 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.