UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

New York Portfolio Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management

Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), and Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides services to partners’ programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint in approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism to implement project activities under the Global Programme on Prosecution, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration, United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) within UNOCT.

The consultancy will support engagement under Pillar II of the Global Framework, particularly with respect to the work of the Security and Accountability for Adults Task Force (SAATF) and the Reintegration Task Force of the Technical Working Group for the Implementation for the Global Framework for Iraqi Returnees from Syria.

This consultancy will be based in Iraq. The incumbent of this position will be a personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager, the incumbent will work closely with the UNOCT/UNCCT Head of the Global Programme on PRR in coordination with the UNOCT Iraq Head of Office. The Communications Senior Officer – Translation will provide dedicated translation and interpretation services to support the implementation of “Addressing Urgent Needs in Iraq: Screening, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration of Adults, Management of High-Risk Prisoners, and Protection Needs of Children Returned from Syria”.

The incumbent will be responsible for the following functions:

• Translate written documents, presentations, and other materials from English to Arabic and vice versa.
• Provide simultaneous interpretation during in-person meetings and events, ensuring seamless communication between English and Arabic speakers.
• Provide support in the organization and set up of relevant in-person and online engagements, as needed.
• Produce accurate records of translated documents and interpreted sessions.
• Conduct debriefings and produce reports of meetings as needed.
• Provide cultural context, insights, and advice on sensitivities and etiquette to UNOCT leadership.
• Develop glossaries, manage terminology databases, research technical terms, and ensure language quality.
• Assist with language and cultural training for staff as needed.
• Facilitate communication in multilingual settings, including informal interactions.
• Transcribe audio and video files as needed and upon requests.
• Conduct subject matter research and create preparation materials based on UNOCT’s request.
• Conduct relevant tasks to interpretation and translation as needed.

Education/ Experience/ Language requirements

*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Education

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in linguistics, interpretation, translation or in a field related to the post description with two (2) years of relevant experience is required; OR
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor`s degree)in linguistics, interpretation, translation or in a field related to the post description with four (4) years of relevant experience is desirable.

Work Experience

Required experience

• Relevant experience is defined as work experience as Translator/ Interpreter in Arabic/English, English/Arabic.

Desirable experience

• Native proficiency in at least one of the target languages (Arabic, English) and fluency in the other. Native proficiency in Arabic and English would be an asset.
• Accredited interpretation/translation certificate preferred.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in international affairs, including in criminal justice, transitional justice, counter-terrorism and/or social cohesion is an asset.
• Experience working on terrorism and/or conflict dynamics in Iraq, as well as with key stakeholders and national and local institutions would be an asset.
• Experience working with and coordinating United Nations entities on issues related to human rights, international law and counter-terrorism is desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in Arabic (write, read, speak) is required.
• Fluency in English (write, read, speak) is required.
• Knowledge of any local language is desirable.

Contract type, level and duration

• Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) – Retainer modality.
• Contract level: IICA-1 – ICS-9.

Even though the level of the position is indicated as IICA-1, depending on the incumbent’s personal situation ( candidate with national ID or resident permit), a local fee scale (LICA-9) might be applied in determining the contractor’s fee.

• Contract duration: The contract for this position is set for a duration until 31 December 2025 (renewable subject to funds availability and satisfactory performance).
• Duty station: Home-based

A retainer contract is issued for a period of time during which the services of the individual contractor are required intermittently. The individual contractor agreement on retainer basis will specify a “unit price” per day worked. For budgetary purposes, a monetary cap will be determined when the contract is awarded and issued. Please note that the retainer contract will not provide for a minimum, and payment will be made only after completion of work For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

How to Apply:

For applying to this position, please access: https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=29957#1