Language Assistant
Organizational Context
The United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) in Damascus seeks a Language Assistant to enhance communication with the local community and support mission activities. This role is crucial for facilitating liaison with host government representatives, supporting patrols, and ensuring effective information flow within the UN Secretariat's operations in the region.
Job Purpose
The Language Assistant's primary purpose is to bridge communication gaps between UNTSO military observers and the local population in Damascus. This involves providing accurate verbal interpretation and written translation between Arabic and English for high-level documents and daily communications. The role supports operational effectiveness by facilitating meetings, assisting with patrols through interpretation and geographical guidance, and preparing daily media briefs. Additionally, the incumbent will contribute to team development by training junior officers on cultural and geographical aspects of the operational area, ensuring a well-informed and culturally sensitive mission presence.
Responsibilities
The Language Assistant will provide clear and concise verbal interpretation for UNTSO military observers interacting with the local population and host country entities. Responsibilities include translating high-level documents and communications between Arabic and English. The role involves liaising with host country representatives and acting as a focal point for community relations. The incumbent will accompany military observers on daily patrols, providing interpretation and geographical orientation. A key duty is monitoring local media and providing daily briefs on relevant news affecting operations. The assistant will also support officers by preparing drafts and briefing notes, and contribute to training junior staff on cultural and geographical matters within the area of operation.
Work Experience
While not explicitly detailed, the role requires experience in verbal interpretation and written translation between Arabic and English. Familiarity with MS Word and Excel is necessary. The ability to work a shift duty roster and travel daily throughout the Area of Separation in UN vehicles is required. Experience in a similar liaison or support role within an international organization or mission context would be beneficial.
Skills
Verbal interpretation (Arabic/English), Written translation (Arabic/English), Liaison and communication, Media monitoring and briefing, Document preparation, Cultural and geographical knowledge (Syria, AoS), MS Word, MS Excel, Ability to work shifts, Driving (desirable).