Translation and Liaison Officer

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Position Title: Translation and Liaison Officer
Location: Damascus
Country: Syria
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The organization operates in various sectors, including humanitarian aid, development, and human rights, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The UN has a presence in numerous countries, working to address global challenges and foster international collaboration.

Job Overview:
The Translation and Liaison Officer position is crucial for enhancing communication between the local community and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO). The role involves providing high-quality translations and interpretations, facilitating effective communication with host government representatives, and supporting daily patrols. The officer will prepare comprehensive documentation, assist with drafts and notes, and train junior officers on cultural and geographical aspects relevant to the area of operation. This position is vital for ensuring that the UN's mission activities are conducted smoothly and effectively, fostering a better understanding between the UN and local populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of duties, including:

• Providing clear and concise verbal communication and interpretation between UNTSO Military observers and the local population to support operations and mission activities.
• Translating high-level documents and communications from Arabic to English and vice versa, covering a wide range of subjects relevant to the UN's work.
• Liaising with host country entities to arrange meetings and act as the focal point for interpretation between the local community and UNTSO teams.
• Reporting to assigned teams as per the established work roster and accompanying Military Observers on daily patrols to provide interpretation and geographical orientation.
• Keeping up-to-date with media news and providing daily briefs to UNTSO Military Observers regarding relevant developments in the area of operation.
• Assisting officers in preparing drafts, briefing notes, and background information.
• Training junior officers on cultural and geographical aspects of the area of operation.
• Performing other duties as required by the Chief of Mission Support and Regional Administrative Officer.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma and have a minimum of five years of work experience in translation and interpretation services. They should have geographical knowledge of the Area of Separation (AoS) in the South-West Golan area of Syria. Proficiency in MS Word and Excel is required, along with the ability to work on a shift duty roster. Daily travel throughout the AoS in UN vehicles is necessary, and candidates should be able to relocate to accommodation close to the workplace. A valid national driving license is desirable, and applicants should attach a copy of their license with their application.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for this position. Additional qualifications or certifications in translation, interpretation, or related fields may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant work experience in providing translation and interpretation services. Experience in a similar role within an international organization or in a conflict zone would be advantageous, as it demonstrates the ability to work under pressure and in challenging environments.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. This bilingual proficiency is essential for effective communication and translation tasks, ensuring that all parties involved can understand and engage with the information being shared.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for six months, and the United Nations emphasizes that there are no fees associated with the recruitment process at any stage. This includes application, interview, processing, or training phases. The UN also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and ethical recruitment process.