Senior Interpreter, Chinese, P5 at United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)

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. The post is in the Chinese Interpretation Unit, Interpretation Section, Division of Conference Services, UNON. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Section.

Within delegated authority, the Senior Interpreter will be responsible for the following duties:

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 Chinese of speeches or statements given in English and/or French and interpretation into English and/or French of speeches given in Chinese.
• 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 Chief Interpreter on missions and as Officer in Charge, if required.
• Assumes the role of Chief of Section when designated.
• Performs 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Education

• A first-level degree from a university or institution of equivalent status is required. Candidates for this position must have passed the Chinese United Nations Language Competitive Examination for Interpreters.

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.