Language Assistant

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Position Title: Language Assistant
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 UN operates in various sectors including humanitarian aid, development, and human rights, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is dedicated to addressing global challenges and fostering international collaboration.

Job Overview:
The Language Assistant position is crucial for enhancing communication between the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) and the local community in Damascus, Syria. The role involves providing high-quality translation and interpretation services, facilitating effective liaison with host government representatives, and supporting daily operations through comprehensive documentation and media briefs. The incumbent will also be responsible for training junior officers on cultural and geographical aspects relevant to the area of operation. This position is expected to last for six months, during which the Language Assistant will play a vital role in ensuring smooth communication and operational efficiency within the mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Language Assistant will undertake a variety of responsibilities under the supervision of the Chief of Mission Support and the Regional Administrative Officer. Key duties include:

• Providing clear and concise verbal communication and interpretation between UN military observers and the local population to support 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 operations.
• Liaising and arranging meetings between host country entities and UN team leaders/observers, acting as the focal point for interpretation and communication.
• Reporting to assigned teams as per the established work roster and accompanying military observers on daily patrols, providing interpretation and geographical orientation.
• Keeping up-to-date with local media and providing daily briefs to military observers regarding relevant news and developments.
• Assisting officers with the preparation of 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 mission.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma and have a minimum of five years of experience in translation and interpretation services. A strong geographical knowledge of the Area of Separation (AoS) in the South-West Golan area of Syria is essential. Proficiency in MS Word and Excel is required, along with the ability to work on a shift duty roster. Candidates must be willing to travel daily throughout the AoS in UN vehicles and may need to relocate to accommodations 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:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma. Additional training or certifications in translation, interpretation, or related fields may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant work experience in providing translation and interpretation services. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in similar roles, particularly in contexts involving international organizations or governmental entities.

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 within the UN mission.

Additional Notes:
The position is for a fixed duration of six months and is expected to be full-time. The United Nations emphasizes that there are no fees associated with the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not charged at any stage, including application, interview, or training. The organization also reassures applicants that it does not request information regarding bank accounts.