Arabic Interpreter Recruitment for IIIM Language Roster (When Actually Employed)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) was established to assist in the investigation and prosecution of individuals responsible for the most serious crimes under law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 201

• The IIIM operates under the auspices of the United Nations and is located in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization aims to ensure accountability for these crimes and to support the efforts of national and international jurisdictions. The IIIM is composed of a diverse team of professionals dedicated to upholding justice and human rights, and it collaborates with various stakeholders to achieve its mission. The organization is relatively new, having been established in 2017, and it continues to expand its operations and capabilities to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria. The IIIM employs a range of specialists, including legal experts, investigators, and interpreters, to fulfill its mandate effectively.

Job Overview:
The position of Arabic Interpreter within the IIIM is crucial for facilitating communication during meetings and discussions involving Arabic and English speakers. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing high-quality interpretation services, ensuring that all parties can engage effectively in discussions related to serious crimes under international law. This role requires not only linguistic proficiency but also a deep understanding of the political, social, and legal contexts in which the IIIM operates. The interpreter will be expected to service up to eight meetings per week, each lasting no more than three hours, and may be assigned to sensitive meetings where they could lead a team of interpreters. The position is temporary and operates under the When Actually Employed (WAE) modality, meaning that the interpreter will be called upon as needed, based on the demands of the IIIM's activities. The role also involves a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, as interpreters must stay updated on relevant topics and improve their skills continuously.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Arabic Interpreter include: - Providing interpretation from Arabic to English and vice versa during meetings, ensuring accurate and clear communication. - Servicing up to eight meetings per week, typically not exceeding three hours in duration. - Potentially leading a team of interpreters during sensitive meetings, coordinating efforts to ensure seamless communication. - Maintaining professionalism and confidentiality at all times, particularly when dealing with sensitive information. - Engaging in continuous learning to enhance interpretation skills and knowledge of relevant subjects. - Preparing for meetings by reviewing materials and understanding the context of discussions to provide informed interpretation. - Adapting to various meeting formats and requirements, including remote interpretation as necessary. - Contributing to a collaborative team environment, supporting colleagues and sharing knowledge to improve overall team performance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a perfect command of Arabic, which is expected to be their main language for interpretation. Additionally, an excellent knowledge of English is required. Applicants should demonstrate their language proficiency through relevant documentation. A first-level university degree in a language-related field is preferred, or alternatively, a first-level degree from a university where Arabic is the language of instruction, along with at least 50 days of work experience as a conference interpreter. The position requires candidates to have a strong understanding of the United Nations' work and the ability to interpret in high-pressure situations while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes holding a first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in a language-related field. Alternatively, candidates may qualify if they have a first-level degree from a university or institution where Arabic is the language of instruction, coupled with at least 50 days of work experience in conference interpretation. This educational requirement ensures that candidates have a solid foundation in language skills and interpretation techniques necessary for the role.

Experience:
A minimum of 50 proven days of work experience in conference interpretation into Arabic is required, particularly for candidates who do not possess a formal university qualification in a language-related field. This experience is crucial for ensuring that the interpreter can perform effectively in high-stakes environments, such as those encountered in United Nations meetings and discussions.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is Arabic, which candidates must command perfectly, meaning they should be able to interpret fluently across all four language fields. Additionally, candidates must have an excellent command of English, defined as having at least two confident ratings out of the four language fields. This bilingual proficiency is essential for facilitating effective communication in a multilingual setting.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporary and operates under the When Actually Employed (WAE) modality, meaning that the successful candidates will be placed on the IIIM Roster and called upon as needed for short-term assignments. The role may require remote work and could involve travel at short notice to various locations, particularly in the Middle East. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of recruiting staff from a wide geographical basis and ensures that there are no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity. The organization also provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. Candidates are reminded that the United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and that all applicants must adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.