Interpreters

Organizational Context

UNHCR Branch-Office Kenya requires the services of (18) Interpreters who speak, read and write fluently the languages mentioned below to provide interpretation and translation services to UNHCR Nairobi, Refugee Affairs Secretariat (RAS), other UNHCR operations and partners on a need basis.

Interpreters perform a key role in many UNHCR Offices. They are essential to UNHCR’s work in discharging its core mandate functions, including registration, protection counselling, refugee status determination, and resettlement, while counselling could be on issues relating to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) which are generally regarded as sensitive. The quality of interpretation has an important impact on the quality work in these areas. In addition, the interpreter has to ensure that they respect the principle of confidentiality, remain impartial and will uphold the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity in their work.

Lastly, Interpreters should uphold the core UN values which include Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity. Accountability, Team work and Communication have to be maintained as core competencies.

Responsibility (processes and functions undertaken to achieve results)

Under the supervision of the Registration Associate, the Interpreter is expected to conduct the following activities;

• Interpretation in either of the following languages:

o Somali, MaiMai

o Oromo, Amharic

o Tigrinya

o Kinyamulenge, Kirundi

o Kinyarwanda

o French

o Dinka

o Arabic

o Turkish

o Bembe

o Lingala

o Luganda

o Sign Language

• Knowledge of other UN languages will be an added advantage.




• Translate documents or audio messages




• Support with any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Essential Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Completion of Secondary Education.




• Post-secondary education will be an added advantage.




• Previous experience in interpretation services with humanitarian agencies.




• Refugee applicants must hold a valid UNHCR Mandate Letter, Refugee ID Card or Refugee Affairs Secretariat Letter of Notification.

(In offices where the working language is not English, excellent knowledge of working language of duty station and working knowledge of English is required)

Desirable Qualifications & Competencies

· Good communication and computer skills

· Excellent translation and interpretation skills

· Previous experience in interpretation strongly desired as is participation in interpretation trainings

· Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Values

Ability to uphold code of conduct, which includes:

· Integrity

· Professionalism

· Respect for diversity

Core Competencies

· Accountability

· Team work & collaboration

· Communication

Working Environment

Full-time:

· Monday - Friday

· 1.5 days paid leave/month

Needs basis for part time/on-call:

· Work on needs basis**

How to apply

Interested and qualified candidates should send a completed and signed UNHCR Personal History Form to the following email address: KENNAVAC@UNHCR.ORG. The subject line should precisely indicate: Applicant’s name - Vacancy Announcement for the Position of Interpreter.

Applications received via other means or after the deadline 29 March 2022 will not be accepted

Shortlisted candidates will be requested to submit copies of academic certificates from the relevant institutions on the date of the interview.