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. UNON supports programme implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) the Resident Coordination System (RCS) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, conference and information services. This post is in the Arabic Interpretation Unit, Interpretation Section, Division of Conference Services, UNON. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Section.

Responsibilities

• Services up to seven meetings per week (exceptionally eight), usually of no more than three hours duration, of various United Nations bodies.
• Provides interpretation, as required, into Arabic of speeches or statements given in English and/or French and interpretation into English and/or French of speeches given in Arabic.
• Provides interpretation services to sensitive meetings.
• Functions as team leader of all interpreters assigned to a given meeting.
• Assists the Chief of Section in assessing the performance of staff and freelance interpreters.
• Assists the Chief of Section, as appropriate, in the screening, training and examining of prospective interpreters.
• Assists the Chief of Section in instructing and advising interpreter trainees.
• Serves as Team leader on missions and as Officer in Charge, if required.
• Assumes the role of Chief of Section when designated.
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of internal policies, processes, and general procedures of language interpretation. Ability to demonstrate a high level of concentration. Split-second accuracy. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. 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.

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.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments. Adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

LEARDERSHIP: 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.

Education

A first-level degree from a university or institution of equivalent status is required. Candidates for this position must have passed the United Nations Language Competitive Examination for Arabic Interpreters. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Job - Specific Qualification

The United Nations Language Competitive Examination for Arabic Interpreters is required for this position.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten (10) years of professional interpreting experience in international organizations, of which at least five (5) years working within the United Nations system or similar international organization is required. Relevant language experience within the UN System or in similar international organization is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, either English or French is required. Arabic is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This is a language position. This post is for an initial period of one year. Extension of appointment is subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. Staff members are subject to the authority of the 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/5

• Services up to seven meetings per week (exceptionally eight), usually of no more than three hours duration, of various United Nations bodies.
• Provides interpretation, as required, into Arabic of speeches or statements given in English and/or French and interpretation into English and/or French of speeches given in Arabic.
• Provides interpretation services to sensitive meetings.
• Functions as team leader of all interpreters assigned to a given meeting.
• Assists the Chief of Section in assessing the performance of staff and freelance interpreters.
• Assists the Chief of Section, as appropriate, in the screening, training and examining of prospective interpreters.
• Assists the Chief of Section in instructing and advising interpreter trainees.
• Serves as Team leader on missions and as Officer in Charge, if required.
• Assumes the role of Chief of Section when designated.
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Performs other related duties as required.

• High level of concentration
• Split-second accuracy
• Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems
• Ability to conduct data collection using various methods
• Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills
• Ability to work under continuous stress
• Teamwork
• Planning and Organizing
• Managing Performance
• Leadership
• Arabic interpretation
• English interpretation
• French interpretation

• A first-level degree from a university or institution of equivalent status
• Passed the United Nations Language Competitive Examination for Arabic Interpreters
• Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable