Job Title
INTERPRETER (English), P3
Department/ Office
United Nations Office at Nairobi
Duty Station
NAIROBI
Posting Period
5 June 2013-4 August 2013
Job Opening number
13-LAN-UNON-27508-R-NAIROBI (L)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Organizational Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the representative office of the Secretary-General. UNON supports programme implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, conference and information services (www.unon.org). The post is located in the English Interpretation Unit, Interpretation Section, Division of Conference Services (UNON).
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Interpretation Section, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
- Servicing up to seven meetings per week (exceptionally eight), usually of no more than three hours duration, of various United Nations bodies.
- English, French, Russian or Spanish 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 a UN official language and interpretation into English or French – as appropriate – of speeches given in Arabic or Chinese.
- May occasionally be assigned to sensitive meetings.
- May function as team leader of all interpreters assigned to a given meeting.
- May perform other related duties, as required.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
- A first-level degree from a university or institution of equivalent status is required. Candidates for this position must have passed the United Nations Competitive Examination for English Interpreters.
- A minimum of two years of internationally recognized professional interpreting experience.
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
- For the post advertised perfect command of English, which must be the candidate's primary language, is required.
- Excellent command of two other official United Nations languages is required.
- Other UN official languages would be an asset.
- Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
Staff members are subject to the authority of Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. 1. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. 2. 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. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira 'Need Help?' link.
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.
