Interpreter, French, P4 – Department for General Assembly and Conference Management – DCS Nairobi

Job Title: Interpreter, French, P4

Company: United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)

Location: Nairobi

Job Code Title: Interpreter, French

Department/Office: Department for General Assembly and Conference Management – DCS Nairobi

Posting Period: 12 October 2023 – 25 November 2023

Job Opening Number: 23-Language-UNON DCM-218635-R-Nairobi (L)

Staffing Exercise: N/A

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

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About Us

Join the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) – the UN’s African headquarters, where you’ll play a vital role in supporting the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and the Resident Coordination System (RCS) globally. Our services encompass administration, security, conference, and information services (visit www.unon.org for more details).

Role Overview

Are you a proficient French interpreter seeking an impactful role in an international organization? Join our French Interpretation Unit within the Division of Conference Services at UNON. As an Interpreter, your responsibilities will include:

Key Responsibilities

1. Meeting Excellence: Interpret up to seven meetings per week (occasionally eight) with an average duration of three hours each.
2. Language Expertise: Provide precise interpretation from English and Russian to French.
3. Critical Meetings: Routinely cover sensitive meetings and function as the team leader for interpreters at such events.
4. Leadership Opportunity: May be called upon to lead teams during missions.
5. Talent Development: Assist in the screening, training, and examining of prospective French interpreters, offering guidance and coaching to junior interpreters.
6. Versatile Role: May perform other related duties as required.

Job Qualifications

1. Education

• A first-level degree from a university or equivalent institution is required.
• A Master’s degree is desirable.

2. Job-Specific Qualification

• Successful completion of the United Nations Competitive Examination for French Interpreters is required.

3. Work Experience

• A minimum of five years of professional interpreting experience in international organizations is required.
• Experience in accurate interpretation of a broad range of UN subjects is desirable.
• Experience in training and coaching interpreter trainees and junior staff interpreters is also desirable.
• Experience in grading interpretation exams and/or assessing freelance colleagues’ performance is a plus.

4. Languages

• Fluent in French, with a strong command expected as your main language.
• Excellent knowledge of English and Russian.

Assessment

Qualified candidates may undergo an assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This is a language-focused role, and staff members are expected to periodically assume new functions in their careers. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance, and female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant

• Highlight Your Language Skills: Emphasize your fluency in French, English, and Russian, demonstrating your language proficiency in your application.
• Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your work experience, provide examples of interpreting in a variety of UN subjects and your involvement in training and assessing colleagues.
• Commitment to Professional Growth: Express your commitment to continuous learning by mentioning any efforts you’ve made to stay updated with developments in your profession.
• Competency-Based Interview Preparation: Familiarize yourself with competency-based interview techniques to increase your chances of success during the assessment.
• Professionalism: Throughout your application, demonstrate professionalism, commitment, and a dedication to the United Nations’ core values.
• Gender Equality: Show your dedication to incorporating gender perspectives in your work, as the UN promotes equal participation of women and men.
• Adaptability: Highlight your readiness to take on new roles and functions as part of your career progression.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main responsibility of this role?
   • This role primarily involves interpreting meetings, speeches, and statements from English and Russian into French.
2. What qualifications are required for this position?
   • A first-level degree, successful completion of the United Nations Competitive Examination for French Interpreters, and at least five years of professional interpreting experience in international organizations.
3. What languages are essential for this position?
   • Fluent in French, with a strong command of English and Russian.
4. How can I prepare for the competency-based interview?
   • Prepare by reviewing your experience and highlighting instances where you’ve demonstrated the competencies required for this role.
5. Are female candidates encouraged to apply?
   • Yes, the United Nations promotes gender balance, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
6. Can I apply for this position if I’ve worked as a contractor or consultant with the UN in the past six months?
   • Individuals who have worked within the UN Secretariat as contractors or consultants in the last six months are ineligible to apply for this role.
7. Is there a fee involved in the application process?
   • No, the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
8. What is the deadline for applications?
   • The job posting will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the stated deadline date.
9. What is the United Nations’ commitment to diversity and inclusion?
   • The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and it recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, culture, ethnicity, or disabilities.
10. Is there support for applicants with disabilities?
    • Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to facilitate their participation in the recruitment process.

Make a difference with your language expertise – apply now to join the United Nations as a French Interpreter in Nairobi!