Interpreter

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Interpreter
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the French Interpretation Section of the Interpretation Service, which is part of the Division of Conference Management in the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM) at the United Nations. The organization is dedicated to facilitating international dialogue and cooperation through effective communication and interpretation services. The UN aims to maintain peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, promote sustainable development, and uphold human rights globally. The organization operates in multiple countries and employs thousands of staff members from diverse backgrounds, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and geographic diversity.

Job Overview:
The Interpreter will play a crucial role in providing interpretation services for various United Nations meetings, ensuring that communication is clear and effective across different languages. The incumbent will be responsible for interpreting speeches and statements from English, Spanish, and Russian into French, which is expected to be their primary language. The position requires the ability to work under pressure, often covering sensitive meetings and leading teams of interpreters. The Interpreter will also be involved in data analysis and visualization to support decision-making processes, showcasing the importance of analytical skills in addition to linguistic proficiency. This role is vital for maintaining the flow of communication in international discussions and ensuring that all participants can engage meaningfully in the dialogue.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Interpreter's duties include providing interpretation services for up to seven meetings per week, with the possibility of covering up to eight meetings in exceptional cases. The meetings typically last no more than three hours. The incumbent will interpret speeches and statements from English, Spanish, and/or Russian into French, ensuring accuracy and clarity. They will routinely cover sensitive meetings and may take on the role of team leader for interpreters assigned to specific meetings. Additionally, the Interpreter may instruct and advise interpreter trainees, contributing to their professional development. The role may also involve functioning as a Programming Officer and collecting and analyzing data to identify trends, providing insights through various data visualization methods to aid in planning and reporting. Other related duties may be assigned as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have passed the United Nations Competitive Examination for French Interpreters, which is a prerequisite for this position. This qualification demonstrates the candidate's proficiency and readiness to perform the duties required of an interpreter within the UN framework. Additionally, candidates should possess strong analytical skills to interpret data effectively and support decision-making processes. Professionalism, communication skills, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous learning are essential qualities that candidates must exhibit to succeed in this role.

Educational Background:
A first-level degree from a university or an institution of equivalent status is required for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for effective interpretation and understanding of complex subjects discussed in international forums.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least five years of professional interpreting experience, particularly within international organizations. Out of these five years, two years of experience within the United Nations Common System or similar organizations is desirable. This experience is crucial as it equips candidates with the necessary skills and understanding of the UN's operational context and the specific demands of interpreting in such an environment. Experience in data analytics or related fields is also considered an asset, as it complements the role's responsibilities in data interpretation and visualization.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, a perfect command of French is required, as it is expected to be the incumbent's main language. Additionally, candidates must possess an excellent command of English, and knowledge of Spanish and/or Russian is also beneficial. This multilingual proficiency is essential for effective communication and interpretation during meetings involving diverse language speakers.

Additional Notes:
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance within its staff, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. The recruitment process emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications and the organizational needs of the UN. The organization also provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. The UN maintains a non-smoking environment and has specific policies regarding the recruitment of staff, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace.