Interpreter Assistant at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

UNHCR was created in 1950, during the aftermath of the Second World War, to help millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes. We had three years to complete our work and then disband. Today, over 65 years later, our organization is still hard at work, protecting and assisting refugees around the world.

Job Description

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

• The Interpreter Assistant normally report to a higher level local or international staff. The incumbent supports the operation with translation and interpretation related activities.
• All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks.
• In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties

• Interprets and/or translates from newspapers, written reports, magazines etc.
• Interprets oral conversations, discussions and interviews especially when attending meetings with high ranking officials, diplomats and others.
• Travels with international staff on their missions to the field for interpretation and other assistance, as needed.
• Arranges meetings, both internal and external, some involving high-ranking officials and takes minutes/notes.
• Meets official personnel at the airport and facilitates immigration and customs formalities.
• Responds to queries relating to the area of responsibility.
• Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level

• For G4 1 year relevant experience with High School Diploma; or Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education

• Not applicable.

Certificates and/or Licenses

• Business Administration Secretarial

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

• Frequent contacts involving the exchange of a wide range of information, some of which may be complex.

Desirable

• Not specified.

Functional Skills

• IT-Computer Literacy
• (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements

• For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
• For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
• For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
• All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
• As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
• This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile 

• Required language Proficiency: Kanuri, Hausa, Shuwa Arabic. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Method of Application

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