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 delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, and its mission is to ensure that every individual has access to the necessary resources and support to achieve their reproductive goals. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, fulfilling unmet needs for family planning, and eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices. The organization is committed to addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to health services and rights, and it calls upon member states and organizations to work collaboratively towards these goals.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will serve as an interpreter, providing real-time interpretation services in English, Bangla, and Rohingya during various events such as donor visits, meetings, and field observations. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring accurate communication, maintaining cultural sensitivity, and adapting to different conversational contexts. The role requires a high level of professionalism and confidentiality, as the consultant will be privy to sensitive information. The consultancy is structured on an as-needed basis, with the contract open until November 30, 202

• The consultant will be expected to deliver services in person at the UNFPA Cox’s Bazar Sub-office and various field locations, necessitating frequent travel to camps. The consultant will be supervised by the Team Lead of the hiring unit, who will provide guidance and evaluate performance based on the quality of interpretation services delivered.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide real-time interpretation between English, Bangla, and Rohingya during donor visits, meetings, and field observations.
• Ensure accurate and effective 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 or private information shared during sessions.
• Provide consecutive or simultaneous interpretation as required by the activity.
• Travel frequently to camps as needed for assignments.
• Collaborate with the Team Lead to ensure alignment with the objectives of the consultancy.
• Monitor and report on the quality of interpretation services, focusing on accuracy, clarity, and neutrality.
• Demonstrate professionalism during on-site engagements and maintain a high standard of conduct.

Required Qualifications:

• Professional-level fluency in spoken and written English, including speaking, reading, and writing.
• Professional-level fluency in spoken Bangla, with excellent writing skills in Bangla.
• 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, particularly in the context of humanitarian responses.

Educational Background:
A degree in a relevant field such as linguistics, social sciences, international relations, or a related discipline is preferred. Additional certifications in translation or interpretation may be advantageous. Candidates should have a strong understanding of humanitarian principles and practices, as well as the ability to navigate complex cultural dynamics.

Experience:
Candidates should possess significant experience in real-time interpretation within humanitarian settings. A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience is preferred, with a demonstrated track record of providing interpretation services in high-pressure environments. Experience working with international organizations or NGOs is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the specific challenges faced in refugee and humanitarian contexts.

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 consultancy position is mid-level and requires a professional level of proficiency in the required languages. The contract duration is open until November 30, 2025, and the consultant will be expected to work on-site at various locations, particularly in camps. UNFPA will provide transportation to and from the camps as required for donor visits and related activities. However, the organization will not provide office space, telephone, computer, or any other devices during the assignment. Payments will be made based on the agreed rate after the successful completion of assignments, in accordance with UNFPA guidelines for consultancy payments. UNFPA encourages applications from women and individuals from underrepresented groups, including the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities.