Interpreter Assistant Position at UNHCR. APPLY NOW!

March 7, 2025

4 minutes read

Interpreter Assistant Position at UNHCR. APPLY NOW!

Are you looking for an opportunity to work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and make a significant contribution to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine? The Interpreter Assistant position, based in Kyiv, Ukraine, offers an exciting opportunity for a bilingual individual to provide essential translation and interpretation services in a high-stakes environment.

Job Overview

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Contract Type: Full-time
Grade: GS4
Deadline for Applications: March 16, 2025
Target Start Date: February 1, 2025
Family Type: Non-Family with Residential Location
Residential Location: Budapest, Hungary
Remote Work: Not accepted
Hardship Level: D
Danger Pay: Applicable

The Interpreter Assistant will support the UNHCR’s operations in Ukraine by assisting with translation and interpretation activities, both in written and spoken formats. This role involves frequent interaction with high-ranking officials, diplomats, and local personnel, requiring a high degree of professionalism, discretion, and cultural sensitivity.

Key Responsibilities

The Interpreter Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of tasks related to communication and translation. These duties include:

Interpretation and Translation: Providing both oral and written translations of documents such as newspapers, reports, magazines, and other materials relevant to the mission. This will often involve simultaneous interpretation during meetings with high-ranking officials and diplomats, as well as consecutive interpretation during interviews and discussions. Additionally, the assistant will occasionally be required to perform chuchotage (whispered interpretation).
Field Support: The incumbent will be required to travel with international staff on field missions, offering translation and interpretation support when interacting with local communities, partners, and stakeholders.
Meeting and Event Coordination: The Interpreter Assistant will arrange both internal and external meetings, including those involving high-level officials, and will be responsible for taking minutes/notes during these sessions. Effective coordination and note-taking are essential to ensure smooth communication during these high-level interactions.
Facilitating Immigration and Customs: The position also entails meeting official personnel at the airport and facilitating immigration and customs formalities, ensuring that visiting officials can transition seamlessly upon arrival.
Risk Management: The Interpreter Assistant will actively contribute to identifying and managing risks within the area of responsibility. Additionally, the assistant will raise risks, concerns, and issues to the relevant supervisor or team member to ensure the smooth functioning of operations.
General Support: As required, the Interpreter Assistant will support other duties related to communication, organizational tasks, and ensuring the team can perform effectively within the parameters of the operation.

Qualifications

The Interpreter Assistant position requires specific qualifications, including:

Education and Experience:
- Essential: A high school diploma with at least 1 year of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent can be considered for candidates with limited work experience.
- Desirable: Previous experience in simultaneous interpretation and providing support for high-level communication engagements is an advantage.
Functional Skills:
- IT-Computer Literacy: Proficiency in relevant computer software, including communication and documentation tools, is essential.
- Language Requirements:
  - Fluency in English (minimum B2 level) and Ukrainian (minimum C1 level) is required. The candidate should be able to provide simultaneous and consecutive interpretation and written translations between these two languages.
  - Other languages are not required but can be an added advantage, particularly knowledge of Russian.
Experience:
- Essential: Frequent interactions with officials and other personnel, requiring the exchange of a wide range of information, some of which may be complex.
- Desirable: Experience working in a humanitarian context or with international organizations is advantageous.

Competencies and Values

In addition to the technical qualifications, the Interpreter Assistant role requires the demonstration of specific competencies, including:

Professionalism: Upholding UNHCR’s core values of integrity and respect for diversity, the candidate must show the ability to handle sensitive and complex issues with professionalism and discretion.
Cultural Sensitivity: The Interpreter Assistant must demonstrate a respect for diversity, showing sensitivity to different cultural contexts while managing both written and oral translations.
Communication Skills: The role requires excellent communication skills, as the interpreter will often act as the bridge between various stakeholders and must convey messages accurately and clearly.
Accountability: As a UNHCR staff member, the incumbent must be accountable for their actions, adhering to the UN Staff Regulations, UNHCR policies, and the organization’s values.

Living and Working Conditions

The position is based in Kyiv, Ukraine, with the residential location listed as Budapest, Hungary. The role offers a dynamic and challenging environment, particularly given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Due to the nature of the work and the location, the role falls under a Hardship Level D designation, and Danger Pay is applicable. The position involves regular travel to the field, where the Interpreter Assistant will be expected to offer on-the-ground support.

Given the high-security nature of the work in Ukraine, the role will require individuals to adhere to safety protocols and be adaptable to the demanding nature of the humanitarian response. Health and safety considerations are paramount, and staff will be supported through UNHCR’s comprehensive operational support and resources.

Additional Information

Family Type: The role is a Non-Family assignment, which means that staff members will be stationed at the location without their families.
Travel: Frequent travel is expected, particularly to field locations where the Interpreter Assistant will provide translation and interpretation support during missions and meetings.
Support and Development: As part of the UNHCR’s staff development program, the Interpreter Assistant will have access to training and career advancement opportunities, including skills development in language proficiency and interpretation techniques.

Conclusion

The Interpreter Assistant position at UNHCR presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the protection and support of refugees and displaced persons. By facilitating clear communication between key stakeholders, the successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring that the UNHCR’s mission is effectively communicated and implemented on the ground. If you are passionate about making a difference in the world and have the required language and interpretation skills, this position offers a meaningful way to do so.

Application Deadline: March 16, 2025
Target Start Date: February 1, 2025

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