Responsibilities

Under the broad supervision of the Senior Interpreter, 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.
•  Provides interpretation into French of speeches or statements given in English and Russian.
•  Routinely covers sensitive meetings.
•  Routinely functions as team leader of all interpreters assigned to a given meeting.
•  May be called upon to serve as Team Leader on missions.
•  May assist in the screening, training and examining of prospective French interpreters.
•  May provide guidance and coaching to junior interpreters.
•  May function as Programming Officer.
•  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.
• COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS 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.
• Candidates for this position must have passed the French United Nations Language Competitive Examination for French Interpreters.

Job – Specific Qualification

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

Work Experience

• At least five (5) years of professional interpreting experience in international organizations is required.
• Experience providing accurate interpretation of a broad range of UN subjects is desirable.
• Experience in training and coaching interpreter trainees and junior staff interpreters is desirable.
• Experience in grading interpretation exams and/or assessing freelance colleagues’ performance is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages in the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency / perfect command of French, normally expected to be the incumbent’s main language is required. Candidates for this position must also possess an excellent knowledge of English, and Russian.