Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Interpreter will be responsible for the following duties:

• Services up to seven meetings per week (exceptionally eight), usually of no more than three hours duration, of various United Nations bodies.
• French interpreters provide interpretation into French of speeches given in English and Spanish and/or Russian.
• Routinely covers sensitive meetings.
• May perform other related duties, as required.

Requirements

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to demonstrate a high level of concentration; split-second accuracy; ability to work under continuous stress and deliver clear interpretation on an exceedingly broad range of subjects; shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• COMMITMENT TO CONTINOUS LEARNING: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Education

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

Job – Specific Qualification

• Having passed the United Nations Competitive Examination for French Interpreters is desirable.

Work Experience

• At least two (2) years of conference interpreting experience in French is required.
• Relevant interpretation experience within the UN System or similar international organization is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency / perfect command of French language which must also be the candidate’s primary language is required. Fluency in English and an excellent knowledge of Spanish and/or Russian are also required.