Interpreter/Translator

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Interpreter/Translator
Location: Kinshasa
Country: Democratic Republic of Congo
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
MONUSCO/MONUC was established in 1999 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). The mission's objectives include supporting the Government of DRC in protecting civilians and stabilizing the region through the establishment of accountable state institutions. The organization operates in the Democratic Republic of Congo and focuses on addressing serious violations of human rights and international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law, while also supporting informed policy-making and decision-making processes.

Job Overview:
The position of Interpreter/Translator involves providing essential translation and interpretation services for the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The incumbent will be responsible for producing self-revised translations of various documents from French to English and vice versa, covering a wide range of topics relevant to MONUSCO's operations. This role also includes providing simultaneous and consecutive interpretation during high-level meetings, conducting terminology research, and contributing to the in-house terminology database. The position emphasizes capacity development through mentoring and training of national staff and partners, ensuring effective communication and understanding within the mission's operations. It is important to note that this assignment is a support service to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and does not involve direct interaction with beneficiaries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Interpreter/Translator include:

• Producing self-revised translations from French to English and English to French of various documents, including memos, speeches, and reports.
• Providing simultaneous and consecutive interpretation during high-level meetings.
• Conducting terminology research and identifying new terminological material.
• Actively contributing to the in-house terminology and reference database.
• Mentoring and training national staff and partners to enhance their capacity in translation and interpretation.
• Collaborating with other team members to ensure effective communication and understanding of complex topics.
• Adhering to the organization's standards of professionalism and integrity in all tasks.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the position include:

• Proficiency in both French and English, with excellent translation and interpretation skills.
• Strong understanding of political, military, legal, administrative, and technical terminology.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong research skills and attention to detail.
• Experience in capacity development and mentoring is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with a respect for diversity and gender.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in translation, interpretation, linguistics, or a related field. Advanced studies or certifications in translation and interpretation are preferred. Candidates should have a strong academic foundation that supports their language proficiency and understanding of the relevant subject matter.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in translation and interpretation, preferably in a multicultural or international environment. Experience working with UN agencies or similar organizations is an advantage. The ability to adapt to challenging working conditions and demonstrate resilience in difficult environments is essential.

Languages:
Mandatory languages for this position are French and English. Proficiency in additional languages spoken in the Democratic Republic of Congo, such as Lingala, Kikongo, Tshiluba, and Swahili, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kinshasa, which is a family duty station. The living conditions in Kinshasa are relatively better compared to other provinces in the DRC, but candidates should be prepared for the challenges of living in a developing country. The role is full-time, and candidates must be willing to work in a complex and sometimes volatile environment. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UN Volunteer standards, and candidates are advised to ensure they are up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations before deployment.