Communications Senior Associate (Translator & Interpreter)

Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO)

The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on:

• Infrastructure

• Procurement 

• Project Management (full service, back on track)

• HR and Transactional Services

• Grants Management 

• Technical and Advisory Services

• Project Information

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Portfolio Specialist, the Communications Senior Associate (Translation & Interpretation) provides services of multi-directional (English – Russian – Uzbek) translation, interpretation and associated services to the project team members, ensuring high quality and accuracy of delivered messages and documents. The Communications Senior Associate (Translation & Interpretation) pursues a client, quality and results-oriented approach in delivery of the services.

The Communications Senior Associate (Translation & Interpretation) works in close collaboration with the Portfolio Specialist and Project team, as well as with other teams within the UNOPS Uzbekistan office to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery.

The functional responsibilities include:

1. Translation and interpretation services;

2. Effective translation, recording, and retention of information relevant to the project delivery;

3. Support for the Project team in qualitative and precise communication with the national stakeholders and partners;

4. Reporting on performed work and analyzing key trends/challenges.

5. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

1. Translation and interpretation services

• Full and precise delivery of multi-directional (English – Russian – Uzbek) verbal and written communications between the project and external and internal project partners on technical subject matters including (health, infrastructure, ICT, and associated areas);

• In consultation with relevant stakeholders, the Translator/Interpreter would represent the project team in meetings and select the appropriate mode of interpreting (consecutive or simultaneous) and, where necessary, coordinates interpreting with any external providers involved;

2. Support to communications documentation and administration

• The Translator/Interpreter delivers translations, as well as records and retains information relevant to office functions. 

• Proofreading and editing of the reports, minutes, official and unofficial communications, other documents, and texts for the project team;

• Note-taking at the meetings, their consolidation and drafting minutes of the meetings, discussions, interviews, etc.;

• Maintaining the organized files of the documentation as required .

3. Support to stakeholder communication

• Support the project team in drafting qualitative and precise communication for liaising with the national stakeholders and partners;

• Drafting project briefs and project updates including contributions to presentations;

• Research and retrieval of background and analytical data from internal and external sources as assigned by the Portfolio Specialist.

• The Translator/Interpreter undertakes/supports meeting organization and coordination, drafts/contributes to background materials, talking points, and other meeting-related products, as well as performs other tasks related to stakeholder communication as instructed by the Portfolio Specialist.

4. Reporting on performed work and analyzing key trends/challenges.

• The Translator/Interpreter reports at agreed intervals to the Portfolio Specialist on the work performed, key trends, and challenges identified.

• With support from the Portfolio Specialist, the Translator/Interpreter develops solutions and products to continuously improve translation/interpreting quality and continuity

5. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

• Provides sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing lessons learned and disseminating best practices in translation/interpretation.

• Collects feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilizes productively.

a. Education

• Secondary school (High School or equivalent) with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience is required

• A first-level (Bachelor or equivalent) in media studies, communications, development studies or a a related field with three (3) years of experience or an advanced (Master or equivalent) university degree in media studies, communications, development studies or a a related field with one (1) year of experience is desired and may substitute for additional years of experience.

b. Work experience 

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in translation, interpretation, or related experience.

• Proficiency in computers and office software packages (for example MS Office, Google Workspace) is required. 

• Familiarity with the technical working language in the field of infrastructure development, health and/or medicine is an asset. 

• Prior experience with the UN system or an international NGO is an asset.

c. Languages

• Fluency in English, Uzbek, and Russian is required.

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA)
Contract level: Local Support Level 7, LICA-7, ICS-7
Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, satisfactory performance, and project duration. 

*** Only nationals of Uzbekistan or persons in Uzbekistan with residence and work permit are eligible for this position***

• 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 staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• 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. 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.