Job Opening: Translator for UN Women (Afghanistan)

04 July 2012
Job Opening: Translator for UN Women (Afghanistan)
Deadline: 15 July 2012

Location : Kabul, AFGHANISTAN

Duration of Initial Contract : Six Months (with possibility of extension)

UN Women is dedicated to advancing gender equality and women’s human rights in Afghanistan. Staff and consultants of UN Women are expected to contribute to a professional working environment in which the strengthening of national capacities and human potential is prioritized. Respect for diversity and human dignity is required, as is the active pursuit of a collaborative and inclusive approach to both internal and external stakeholders, including colleagues and partners.

The Gender and Justice Program works with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA) to strengthen its capacity to develop an enabling environment to implement the NAPWA and the ANDS in the areas of legal protection, rule of law and women’s human rights. The Program’s work builds on partnerships developed with MoWA, other line ministries, local government entities in the justice, interior, social protection and health sectors, NGOs and community based groups to strengthen legal protection mechanisms that are socially and culturally sensitive to Afghanistan’s context.

The Legal Translator will provide overall translation and interpretation support to the Gender and Justice Program. This position requires travel and extended stays in the provinces as needed.

SUMMARY OF KEY FUNCTIONS:

Under the guidance and supervision of the Gender and Justice Unit Manager/OiC, the Interpreter/Translator will ensure the efficient and timely interpretation and translation at the very highest level. She/he will also assist and carry out general administrative/office support and related activities. Specific knowledge of fields such as: legal and governance; field operations; public outreach; training and capacity building.

1. Performs written translations
2. Performs oral interpretation
3. Assists and supports the Gender and Justice staff to liaise with counterparts on substantive issues

1. Written Translation

• Translate drafts and documents (including correspondence, reports, and legal documents) in a culturally appropriate and concise manner from Dari or Pashto into English and vice versa
• Translate documents for publication from Dari or Pashto into English and vice versa);
• Provide translation support to the Gender and Justice program including clients, national counterparts (government and civil society) and other stakeholders.
• Translate case interviews and letters received from stakeholders.
• Develop effective filing systems (electronic and physical) and file important documentation on a regular basis
• Tracking and organizing of the progress of assigned materials, prioritizing materials as necessary.
• Proof read documents drafted and/or translated by other translators and colleagues
• Provide consolation on improving the translation work of other translators in the province
• Provide guidance to international staff with respect to Afghan cultural and communication protocols;
• Other translation tasks as needed within the project implementation

2. Oral Interpretation

• Accompany the Gender and Justice Program staff to meetings and field missions and provide interpretation in English, Dari and Pashto as required.
• Other interpretation tasks as needed within the project implementation;
• Provide interpretation support to the Gender and Justice program including clients, national counterparts (government and civil society) and other stakeholders.
• Provide accurate interpretation during meetings, trainings, workshops, conferences and other relevant activities and events.
• Provide guidance to international staff with respect to Afghan cultural and communication protocols.

3. Assists and supports the Gender and Justice staff to liaise with counterparts on substantive issues

• Oversee the meeting preparation and reporting of meetings, such as preparation of agenda, taking necessary correspondence, taking minutes preparing meeting reports as requested;
• Assist in making contacts and setting up meetings;
• Provision of any administrative and operational support associated to the translation work as requested;
• Remain flexible for traveling to other provinces if required, subject to UN security standards
• Liaise with stakeholder as requested by Gender and Justice Program.
• Provides general administrative support and related activities.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required and necessary within the area of responsibility.

CORPORATE COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrates commitment to UN Women’s mission, vision and values.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race and age sensitizing and adaptability
• Strong organizational and reporting skills;
• Results oriented, strong team player with outstanding interpersonal and coordination skills;
• Ability to work independently;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines with a positive attitude;
• Time management and work prioritization skills;
• Understanding of UNDP/ UN Women procedures, rules and regulations are an asset;
• Demonstrated sensitivity, discretion, tact and courtesy in relation to gender equality and women’s rights, development principles and projects, implementing partners, and national and international personnel of varied nationalities and backgrounds;
• Familiarity with the provinces of Afghanistan.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of legal and technical terms;
• Knowledge of processes and working culture of international organizations, government ministries and community based organizations;
• Document organization (including experience working with databases) and prioritization skills.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Education:
• Bachelor and/or Master’s degree in English Language, Law, Sharia or any other related field
• Certificate in translation would be an asset.

Experience:
• At least 4 years’ experience translation/ interpretation with international organizations or Master’s Degree in any of the above mentioned field with two years of relevant experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite).

Language Requirements:
Fluency in English, Dari and Pashto. Ability to translate from English into Dari or Pashto, and vice versa.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For submissions: apply via jobs.undp

Website: http://www.unwomen.org/
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