Communications Senior Officer - Translation (Translation - English & Arabic) - Retainer

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects.  Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

New York Portfolio Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management

Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), and Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York.  The SDC has a footprint in approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism to implement project activities under the Global Programme on Prosecution, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration, United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) within UNOCT.

The consultancy will support engagement under Pillar II of the Global Framework, particularly with respect to the work of the Security and Accountability for Adults Task Force (SAATF) and the Reintegration Task Force of the Technical Working Group for the Implementation for the Global Framework for Iraqi Returnees from Syria. 

This consultancy will be based in Iraq. The incumbent of this position will be a personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager, the incumbent will work closely with the UNOCT/UNCCT Head of the Global Programme on PRR in coordination with the UNOCT Iraq Head of Office. The Communications Senior Officer - Translation will provide dedicated translation and interpretation services to support the implementation of “Addressing Urgent Needs in Iraq: Screening, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration of Adults, Management of High-Risk Prisoners, and Protection Needs of Children Returned from Syria”. 

The incumbent will be responsible for the following functions:

• Translate written documents, presentations, and other materials from English to Arabic and vice versa.
• Provide simultaneous interpretation during in-person meetings and events, ensuring seamless communication between English and Arabic speakers.
• Provide support in the organization and set up of relevant in-person and online engagements, as needed.
• Produce accurate records of translated documents and interpreted sessions.
• Conduct debriefings and produce reports of meetings as needed.
• Provide cultural context, insights, and advice on sensitivities and etiquette to UNOCT leadership.
• Develop glossaries, manage terminology databases, research technical terms, and ensure language quality.
• Assist with language and cultural training for staff as needed.
• Facilitate communication in multilingual settings, including informal interactions.
• Transcribe audio and video files as needed and upon requests.
• Conduct subject matter research and create preparation materials based on UNOCT’s request.
• Conduct relevant tasks to interpretation and translation as needed. 

Education 

• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in linguistics, interpretation, translation or in a field related to the post description  with two (2) years of relevant experience is required; OR
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor`s degree)in linguistics, interpretation, translation or in a field related to the post description with four (4) years of relevant experience is desirable.

Work Experience 

Required experience

• Relevant experience is defined as work experience as Translator/ Interpreter in Arabic/English, English/Arabic.

Desirable experience

• Native proficiency in at least one of the target languages (Arabic, English) and fluency in the other. Native proficiency in Arabic and English would be an asset.
• Accredited interpretation/translation certificate preferred.
• A minimum of two (2) years' experience in international affairs, including in criminal justice, transitional justice, counter-terrorism and/or social cohesion is an asset.
• Experience working on terrorism and/or conflict dynamics in Iraq, as well as with key stakeholders and national and local institutions would be an asset.
• Experience working with and coordinating United Nations entities on issues related to human rights, international law and counter-terrorism is desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in  Arabic (write, read, speak) is required. 
• Fluency  in English (write, read, speak) is required.
• Knowledge of any local language is desirable.

• Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) - Retainer modality.

• Contract level:  IICA-1 - ICS-9.

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete)  in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.