SENIOR INTERPRETER, ARABIC

Organizational Context

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) serves as the UN headquarters in Africa, supporting UNEP, UN-Habitat, and the Resident Coordination System globally. It provides essential administrative, conference, and information services to UN offices in Kenya. This Senior Interpreter role is situated within the Arabic Interpretation Unit of the Division of Conference Services at UNON.

Job Purpose

The Senior Interpreter's primary purpose is to provide high-level interpretation services for various United Nations bodies, ensuring effective communication across official languages. This includes interpreting speeches and statements between Arabic, English, and French, particularly for sensitive meetings. The role also involves leadership responsibilities, such as team leadership for interpreters assigned to meetings, and contributing to the assessment, training, and development of both staff and freelance interpreters. Additionally, the Senior Interpreter assists the Chief of Section with data analysis, reporting, and other related duties to support the efficient operation of the conference services division.

Responsibilities

The Senior Interpreter is responsible for servicing up to nine meetings weekly, providing simultaneous interpretation between Arabic, English, and French for speeches and statements, including those in sensitive settings. A key duty is functioning as the team leader for interpreters assigned to a meeting. The role involves assisting the Chief of Section in assessing interpreter performance, screening, training, and examining prospective interpreters, as well as instructing and advising trainees. The Senior Interpreter may also serve as a Team Leader on missions, act as Officer in Charge, or assume the Chief of Section's duties when designated. Furthermore, the position contributes to data collection, analysis, and report preparation for knowledge management and decision-making processes.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of professional interpreting experience in international organizations is required, with at least five years within the UN system or a similar international organization. Five years of relevant managerial experience in a language-related area within the UN system or a similar international organization is desirable. Two or more years of experience in data analytics or a related field is also desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, Teamwork, Performance Management, Leadership, high concentration, split-second accuracy, analytical skills, data collection, ability to work under stress, clear interpretation, problem-solving, collaboration, delegation, performance feedback, strategic planning, conflict resolution, driving change, gender balance advocacy.

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