National Consultant on a retention basis for translation and interpretation to support the Humanitarian Response

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Position Title: National Consultant on a retention basis for translation and interpretation to support the Humanitarian Response
Location: Cox's Bazar
Country: Bangladesh
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women and girls, and calls for a collective effort to build forward better in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will serve as an interpreter, providing real-time interpretation services in English, Bangla, and Rohingya to facilitate communication during donor visits, meetings, and field observations. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring accurate and effective communication, maintaining cultural sensitivity, and adapting to various conversational contexts. The role requires a commitment to confidentiality and professionalism, as well as the ability to deliver interpretation services in both consecutive and simultaneous formats as needed. The consultant will work on an as-needed basis, with the contract open until November 30, 2025, and will be required to deliver services at the UNFPA Cox’s Bazar Sub-office and various field locations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide real-time interpretation between English, Bangla, and Rohingya during donor visits, meetings, and field observations.
• Ensure accurate communication, conveying the intended meaning, tone, and nuances of the original message.
• Maintain cultural sensitivity and awareness when interpreting, adapting to different conversational contexts.
• Uphold confidentiality regarding sensitive information shared during sessions.
• Provide consecutive or simultaneous interpretation as required.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interpretation services based on key indicators such as accuracy, clarity, and neutrality.
• Collaborate with the Team Lead of the hiring unit to align with the objectives of the assignment.
• Travel frequently to camps as required for assignments.

Required Qualifications:

• Professional-level fluency in spoken and written English.
• Professional-level fluency in spoken Bangla, with excellent writing skills.
• Fluency in the Rohingya dialect, with a deep understanding of its nuances and cultural context.
• Strong understanding of gender sensitivity and informed consent, particularly in humanitarian and refugee settings.
• Proven ability in real-time spoken interpretation in humanitarian settings, demonstrating accuracy, neutrality, and professionalism.
• Familiarity with UNFPA and its work is preferred.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in languages, interpretation, translation, or a related field is preferred, although extensive experience in interpretation may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Experience:
A minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in interpretation and translation, particularly in humanitarian settings, is required. Experience working with UN agencies or similar organizations is an advantage.

Languages:
Mandatory languages include professional-level fluency in spoken and written English, Bangla, and fluency in the Rohingya dialect. Additional languages may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This is a mid-level consultancy position, requiring a professional level of proficiency in the required languages and significant experience in real-time interpretation. The consultant will be expected to work on-site at the camps for the duration of assignments, with transportation provided by UNFPA for donor visits and related activities. Payments will be made based on the agreed rate after successful completion of assignments, in accordance with UNFPA guidelines for consultancy payments. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups.