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, along with other UN offices in Kenya. The organization is committed to promoting international cooperation and sustainable development, and it plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges. UNON operates with a diverse workforce and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the values of the United Nations. The organization is known for its commitment to gender equality and diversity, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Senior Interpreter position within the English Interpretation Unit at UNON is a pivotal role that involves providing high-quality interpretation services for various United Nations meetings. The incumbent will be responsible for interpreting speeches or statements from French and Spanish and/or Russian into English, ensuring that the essence and nuances of the original message are accurately conveyed. This role requires not only linguistic proficiency but also a deep understanding of the subjects discussed in UN meetings, which can range from environmental issues to human rights. The Senior Interpreter will also lead teams of interpreters during meetings, assess their performance, and assist in training new interpreters. This position demands a high level of professionalism, the ability to work under pressure, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of interpretation. The incumbent will report directly to the Chief of Section and may also take on additional responsibilities, such as serving as Chief Interpreter on missions or acting as Officer in Charge when necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Interpreter will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: providing interpretation services for up to seven meetings per week, typically lasting no more than three hours; interpreting speeches from French and Spanish and/or Russian into English; leading teams of interpreters assigned to specific 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 performing other related duties as required. The role also involves ensuring that the interpretation provided is accurate and reflects the intent of the speakers, particularly in sensitive meetings where the stakes may be high.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level degree from a university or an equivalent institution. A Master's degree is desirable but not mandatory. Additionally, passing the United Nations Competitive Examination for English Interpreters is a prerequisite for this position. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to professional development and continuous learning in the field of interpretation.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree is required for this position, with a Master's degree being an advantageous qualification. This educational background ensures that candidates have a solid foundation in the necessary skills and knowledge required for effective interpretation in a complex international environment.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of professional interpreting experience is required, with at least five years of that experience within the United Nations system or a similar international organization. This extensive experience is crucial for understanding the unique challenges and demands of interpreting in a UN context. Additionally, experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable, as it may enhance the candidate's ability to analyze and interpret complex information effectively.

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, as is familiarity with at least one other official language of the United Nations. Candidates must demonstrate fluency in all four areas of language proficiency: reading, writing, speaking, and understanding.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a language position within the United Nations, and staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its workforce and strongly encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is designed to ensure that all candidates are evaluated based on their qualifications and organizational needs, with a focus on creating a diverse and inclusive environment. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.