Interpreters at UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Interpreters perform a key role in many UNHCR Offices. They are essential tUNHCR’s work in discharging its core mandate functions, including registration, protection counselling, refugee status determination, and resettlement, while counselling could be on issues relating tsexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) which are generally regarded as sensitive. The quality of interpretation has an important impact on the quality work in these areas. In addition, the interpreter has tensure that they respect the principle of confidentiality, remain impartial and will uphold the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity in their work.

Lastly, Interpreters should uphold the core UN values which include Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity. Accountability, Team work and Communication have tbe maintained as core competencies.

Responsibility (processes and functions undertaken tachieve results)

Under the supervision of the Registration Associate, the Interpreter is expected tconduct the following activities;

Interpretation in either of the following languages:

• Somali, MaiMai
• Oromo, Amharic
• Tigrinya
• Kinyamulenge, Kirundi
• Kinyarwanda
• French
• Dinka
• Arabic
• Turkish
• Bembe
• Lingala
• Luganda
• Sign Language
• Knowledge of other UN languages will be an added advantage.
• Translate documents or audimessages
• Support with any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Essential Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Completion of Secondary Education.
• Post-secondary education will be an added advantage.
• Previous experience in interpretation services with humanitarian agencies.
• Refugee applicants must hold a valid UNHCR Mandate Letter, Refugee ID Card or Refugee Affairs Secretariat Letter of Notification.
• (In offices where the working language is not English, excellent knowledge of working language of duty station and working knowledge of English is required)
• Desirable Qualifications & Competencies
• Good communication and computer skills
• Excellent translation and interpretation skills
• Previous experience in interpretation strongly desired as is participation in interpretation trainings
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged tapply

Values

• Ability tuphold code of conduct, which includes:
• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Respect for diversity
• Core Competencies
• Accountability
• Team work & collaboration
• Communication

Working Environment

• Full-time:
• Monday - Friday
• 1.5 days paid leave/month
• Needs basis for part time/on-call:
• Work on needs basis