Job Title:
Senior Interpreter (5 Posts), P5
Department/ Office:
United Nations Office at Nairobi
Duty Station:
NAIROBI
Posting Period:
23 May 2012-22 July 2012
Job Opening number:
12-LAN-UNON-22818-R-NAIROBI (L)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the representative office of the Secretary-General. We support programme implementation of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, conference and information services. This post is located in the Interpretation Section of the Division of Conference Services (DCS), UNON, under the broad supervision of the Chief of the Section. Senior Interpreters supervise staff in their respective Language Unit. (These are five posts for Interpreters for various languages: English, Arabic, Chinese, Russian and French)
Responsibilities
Services up to seven meetings per week (exceptionally eight) of various United Nations bodies.
English, French or Russian interpreters provide interpretation, as required, into an official language of speeches or statements given in two other official languages. Arabic or Chinese interpreters provide interpretation into Arabic or Chinese of speeches given in English or French and interpretation into English or French – as appropriate – of speeches given in Arabic or Chinese.
Routinely assigned to sensitive meetings.
Routinely functions as team leader of all interpreters assigned to a given meeting.
Assists the Chief of Section or Service, as appropriate, in the screening, training and examining of prospective interpreters.
May be designated as Officer in Charge of the Interpretation Section.
May function as Programming Officer.
Instruct and advise interpreter trainees.
May perform other related duties as required.
Competencies
•Professionalism: Ability to demonstrate a high level of concentration; split-second accuracy. Ability to work under continuous stress and deliver clear interpretation on an exceedingly broad range of subjects. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
• Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Education
AA first-level degree from a university or institution of equivalent status; must have passed the official United Nations Competitive Examination for Interpreters.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of experience of internationally recognized professional interpreting experience.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised a perfect command of the language of the Unit which must be the candidate’s primary language is necessary. Excellent aural comprehension and command of two other official United Nations languages is required for the English, French and Russian booth. For the Arabic and Chinese booth and excellent aural comprehension and perfect command of Arabic or Chinese language respectively, which is expected to be the incumbent's main language, is needed, and the candidate must also possess an excellent command of English and/or French. Knowledge of an additional official language is an asset.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Staff members are subject to the authority of Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided.
If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary.
United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
How to Apply:
https://inspira.un.org/psc/UNCAREERS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Page=UN_JOB_DETAIL&Action=A&JobOpeningId=22818&
Deadline: 22nd July 2012
