Job Opening
| Vacancy No | UNITAMS-TJO-KHARTOUM-2022- |
| Posting Title | TRANSLATOR, ARABIC, P4 |
| Job Code Title | TRANSLATOR, ARABIC |
| Department/Office | United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan |
| Duty Station | KHARTOUM |
| Posting Period | 23 March 2022 – 21 April 2022 |
| Job Opening Number | 22-Language-UNITAMS-176499-R-Khartoum (M) |
| Staffing Exercise | N/A |
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located within the Translation and Interpretation Unit in Office of the Chief of Staff of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS). The position is based in Khartoum, Sudan. The incumbent will be under the overall supervision of the Chief of Staff.
The mandate of UNITAMS is derived from Security Council resolutions 2524(2020) and 2579(2021) and includes the following strategic objectives: (a) to assist in the political transition, progress towards democratic governance, the protection and promotion of human rights, and sustainable peace; (b) to support peace processes and the implementation of future peace agreements; (c) to assist in peacebuilding, civilian protection and the rule of law, in particular in Darfur and the Two Areas (Blue Nile and South Kordofan); and (d) to support the mobilization of economic and development assistance and the coordination of humanitarian assistance. In its resolution 2579(2021), the Council further decided that the Mission should prioritize i) ceasefire monitoring in Darfur, (ii) implementation of the Government of Sudan’s (GoS) National Plan for Protection of Civilians Protection(NPPOC), (iii) ongoing and future peace negotiations between GoS and Sudanese armed groups, (iv) inclusive implementation of the power sharing agreements of the Juba Peace Agreement, (v) the constitution drafting process, and (vi) support to the Sudan Police Force and justice sector.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Translator will be responsible for the following duties:
– Oversees day-to-day activities of the Interpretation and Translation Unit;
– As required, personally provides interpretation from local language to designated UN working language in priority meetings and conferences, particularly for high-level and sensitive topics;
– Reviews and evaluates all jobs submitted by relevant organizational units and clients for translation and/or interpretation, determining relative complexity and priority;
– Takes the lead in making reference assignments to individual staff and/or contracted capacities, taking into consideration productivity, precision, skill, experience, deadlines and availability;
– Provides guidance as required, identifying and indicating possible sources and locations for supportive material requested; reviews documents as required;
– Alerts his/her supervisor of the need for the re-allocation of resources to ensure that referencing priorities and responsibilities are met;
– Contributes to the selection, work planning, professional development and performance evaluation for Translators and Language Assistants, in consultation with senior Mission staff.
– Performs other duties as required
Competencies
Professionalism:
Possesses solid analytical, writing, interpretation, and translation skills; Maintains high standards of accuracy, consistency and faithfulness to the spirit, style and nuances of the original text with a good grasp of the subject matter, such as to require little or no revision; Is familiar with a broad range of issues related to the functions of the Mission; Demonstrates mastery of terminological, reference and research, consultation and information relevant to text at hand; has the ability to work under pressure and maintain adequate speed and volume of output. Shows a high level of initiative, political sensitivity, versatility, judgment, discretion, tact and negotiating skills; Shows pride in work and in achievements. 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; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Planning& 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.
Accountability:
Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors 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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent). A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Candidates for this position must have passed the United Nations Competitive Examination for Interpreters/Translators.
The Competitive examination requirement may be waived in the case of candidates who possess relevant substantive expertise required by the Mission concerned.
Work Experience
At least seven years of professional translation and interpreting experience in international organizations is required.
Experience supervising a small group of Translators and Interpreters is required.
Relevant language experience within the UN System is desirable.
Relevant work experience in the African or Middle Eastern regions is desirable.
Relevant work experience working in a United Nations common system field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes) – or similar international organization or non-governmental organization in conflict/post-conflict zones is desirable.
Languages
A perfect command of Arabic, which must be the candidate’s main language. Fluency in English is required.
Arabic Translators should also have an excellent knowledge of at least two other official languages, as tested by the relevant United Nations Competitive examination. The requirement of a third language and/or the relevant United Nations Competitive examination may be waived in the case of candidates who possess relevant substantive expertise required by the Mission.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview
Special Notice
This position is open for recruitment for an initial period of one year and extension of the appointment is subject to Extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. 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.
United Nations Considerations
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
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.
