Senior Interpreter/Political Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The OSCE Mission to Moldova is an international organization that aims to promote peace, stability, and democracy in the region. Established to address the complex political and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security challenges in Moldova, the mission operates with a focus on conflict prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation. The organization employs a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and representation in its staffing. The OSCE is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and ensuring that its officials conduct themselves in a manner befitting their roles as international civil servants.

Job Overview:
The Senior Interpreter/Political Assistant position is crucial for the OSCE Mission to Moldova, particularly in the Tiraspol office. The primary function of this role is to provide high-quality translation and interpretation services between Russian and English, which is essential for effective communication within the mission and with visiting delegations. The incumbent will also assist in preparing analyses of political and economic developments in the Transdniestrian region, ensuring that the mission is well-informed about local dynamics. This role requires a proactive approach to monitoring media, translating relevant news, and preparing informative reports that contribute to the mission's objectives. The position demands a high level of independence in carrying out routine tasks while also collaborating closely with the National Programme Officer and the Deputy Head of Mission to align with strategic priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Interpreter/Political Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: providing English-Russian and Russian-English translation and interpretation services for the mission's leadership and visiting delegations; preparing and translating correspondence, documents, publications, and other materials; drafting analyses of political, economic, and media issues related to the Transdniestrian settlement process; monitoring Transdniestrian media and investigating political issues; compiling, translating, and distributing news from various sources; assisting in organizing events, negotiation meetings, and official visits; maintaining a library of relevant documents; and providing support to other mission programs as needed. The role requires a keen understanding of the political landscape and the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess completed secondary education, supplemented by formal studies in modern languages and specialized training in translation and interpretation. A minimum of six years of working experience as an interpreter/translator is required, with some experience in political analysis and office administration, preferably within an international organization or embassy. A university degree in a relevant field may substitute for up to two years of working experience, which is considered for eligibility purposes. Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and Russian are mandatory, along with demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity. The ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team environment while maintaining impartiality and objectivity is essential. Proficiency in Microsoft applications is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma or equivalent (GED), with additional formal studies in modern languages being highly desirable. Specialized training in translation and interpretation is also necessary to ensure that the candidate can perform the duties effectively. A university degree in a relevant field can enhance a candidate's eligibility and may be considered in lieu of some work experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least six years of relevant experience in interpretation and translation, with a strong emphasis on political analysis and office administration. Experience within an international organization or embassy context is preferred, as it provides valuable insights into the operational dynamics of such environments. The ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Russian is mandatory for this position, as the primary responsibilities involve translation and interpretation between these two languages. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication skills in both languages, ensuring clarity and accuracy in all forms of communication.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract at the General Services level (G6) with a full-time schedule. The monthly remuneration is EUR 1,342.75, which is exempt from taxation in Moldova. Social benefits include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise or cancel the vacancy, and appointments are subject to medical clearance. The mandatory retirement age for contracted positions is 65 years, and candidates should be aware that the OSCE does not reimburse expenses related to the application process. The organization is committed to diversity and encourages candidates from various backgrounds to apply.