Communications Senior Officer - Translation (English and Arabic)

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS, or the United Nations Office for Project Services, is a central resource of the United Nations that supports partners in building a better future. Established to provide sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services, UNOPS works with a variety of governments, donors, and UN organizations. The organization operates in approximately 125 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects. The New York Portfolio Office (NYPO) specifically supports the UN Secretariat and other UN entities based in New York, facilitating project management and procurement services. The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) within UNOPS combines various portfolios to support partners in their operations, ensuring a global perspective in design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and management.

Job Overview:
The Communications Senior Officer - Translation will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Global Programme on Prosecution, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (PRR) under the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). This position requires the incumbent to provide translation and interpretation services between English and Arabic, ensuring effective communication during meetings and events. The role involves translating written documents, presentations, and other materials, as well as providing simultaneous interpretation during in-person engagements. The incumbent will also assist in organizing relevant meetings, producing accurate records of translated documents, and conducting debriefings and reports as necessary. Additionally, the role includes providing cultural insights and advice to UNOCT leadership, developing glossaries, managing terminology databases, and facilitating communication in multilingual settings. The position is designed to support the urgent needs in Iraq, particularly concerning the management of high-risk prisoners and the protection of children returned from Syria.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: translating written documents and presentations from English to Arabic and vice versa; providing simultaneous interpretation during meetings and events; supporting the organization and setup of in-person and online engagements; producing accurate records of translated documents and interpreted sessions; conducting debriefings and producing reports of meetings; providing cultural context and insights to UNOCT leadership; developing glossaries and managing terminology databases; assisting with language and cultural training for staff; facilitating communication in multilingual settings; transcribing audio and video files as needed; conducting subject matter research and creating preparation materials based on requests; and performing any other relevant tasks related to interpretation and translation as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in linguistics, interpretation, translation, or a related field, along with two years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) in a related field with four years of relevant experience is also acceptable. Relevant experience is defined as work experience as a Translator/Interpreter in Arabic/English and English/Arabic. Native proficiency in at least one of the target languages (Arabic or English) and fluency in the other is required, with native proficiency in both being an asset. An accredited interpretation/translation certificate is preferred, and experience in international affairs, particularly in criminal justice, transitional justice, counter-terrorism, and social cohesion, is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in linguistics, interpretation, translation, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) in a relevant field is acceptable if accompanied by additional years of experience. The focus is on candidates who have a strong academic foundation in languages and translation, as well as practical experience in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in translation and interpretation, specifically between Arabic and English. Candidates with experience in international affairs, particularly in areas related to counter-terrorism and conflict dynamics in Iraq, will be preferred. Experience working with United Nations entities on issues related to human rights and law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law is also desirable. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of effectively managing translation and interpretation tasks in high-pressure environments.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic (reading, writing, and speaking) is mandatory, as is fluency in English (reading, writing, and speaking). Knowledge of any local language is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication and understanding in the context of the role.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is an International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) under a retainer modality, with a contract level of IICA-1 - ICS-

• The contract duration is set until December 31, 2025, with the possibility of renewal based on funding availability and satisfactory performance. The duty station is home-based, and the retainer contract will specify a unit price per day worked, with payment made only after the completion of work. Candidates should note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes, and applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments. UNOPS is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.