Senior Interpreter

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Position Title: Senior Interpreter
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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 provides essential 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 plays a crucial role in facilitating the operations of other UN offices in Kenya, ensuring that the UN's mission is effectively carried out in the region. UNON is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a focus on gender balance and the highest standards of efficiency and integrity in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Senior Interpreter position within the English Interpretation Unit at UNON is pivotal for ensuring effective communication during meetings of various United Nations bodies. The incumbent will be responsible for providing interpretation services into English from French and Spanish and/or Russian, facilitating clear understanding among participants. This role requires the ability to handle up to seven meetings per week, each lasting no more than three hours, and may involve sensitive discussions. The Senior Interpreter will lead a team of interpreters, assess performance, and assist in training and screening prospective interpreters. This position not only demands linguistic proficiency but also the ability to work under pressure and maintain professionalism in a high-stakes environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Interpreter will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: providing interpretation services for up to seven meetings weekly, ensuring accurate and clear communication of speeches or statements given in French and Spanish and/or Russian; leading a team of interpreters during meetings; assisting the Chief of Section in evaluating the performance of staff and freelance interpreters; participating in the training and examination of prospective interpreters; serving as Chief Interpreter on missions; and taking on the role of Officer in Charge when necessary. The incumbent will also be expected to 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, demonstrating the ability to maintain concentration and deliver accurate interpretations under stress. They should exhibit strong teamwork skills, valuing the input of colleagues and prioritizing organizational goals over personal agendas. Accountability is crucial, as the incumbent will be responsible for meeting commitments and delivering outputs within established standards. Leadership qualities are also essential, as the Senior Interpreter will serve as a role model and empower others to achieve results. The ability to incorporate gender perspectives and ensure equal participation in all areas of work is also a key requirement.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree or equivalent is required for this position. While a Master's degree is desirable, the primary qualification is the successful completion of the United Nations Competitive Examination for English Interpreters, which is mandatory for applicants.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of professional interpreting experience in international organizations is required, with at least five years within the United Nations system or a similar international organization. Candidates should have experience providing accurate interpretation on a broad range of UN subjects. Additionally, experience in data analytics or related fields is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's profile for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is expected to be the incumbent's main language. Excellent oral comprehension and command of French are also required. Knowledge of Russian and/or Spanish is desirable, along with proficiency in at least one other official UN language. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while 'knowledge of' indicates a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a language role within the UN, and staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General. The UN Secretariat emphasizes the importance of gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Internal applicants must ensure that their professional experience and contact information are up to date in their profiles. The recruitment process is free of charge, and the UN does not request any fees at any stage. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.