Language Reference Assistant

Job Title: LANGUAGE REFERENCE ASSISTANT, G-6

Department/ Office: United Nations Office at Nairobi

Duty Station: NAIROBI

Posting Period: 11 March 2013-10 April 2013

Job Opening number:  13-CON-UNON-27395-R-NAIROBI (O)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organizational Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the representative office of the Secretary-General. We support programme implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, conference and information services (www.unon.org). This post is located in the Terminology and Reference Unit of the Translation and Editorial Section, Division of Conference Services (DCS), UNON.

Responsibilities

Under the general guidance of the Chief, Translation and Editing Section, and direct supervision of the Chief, Terminology and Reference Unit, the incumbent will:

1. Facilitate translation and editing processes: Provide references, terminology and pertinent information to translators and editors on UN and other documentation in all subject areas involving UNEP, UN-Habitat and UNON, convention secretariats and other users of the Unit's services and facilities; Ensure accurate, uniform and consistent use of UN terminology; Scrutinize documents submitted for translation; Enter completed referenced jobs into the Integrated Document Control and Performance Monitoring System (iDCPMS); Ensure that any modifications to documents in the process of translation are incorporated in the main document.

2. Provide reference and terminology services: Establish and maintain specialized reference database; Furnish answers, information and solutions to specific terminology and reference inquiries from translators; Conduct electronic research on database, internet, or in existing documents, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council resolutions, Committee Meeting reports and utilizing the Desktop Search or Information Systems; Identify and provide language versions of acronyms, quotations and background documents; Liaise with the main UNEP library, relevant UN-Habitat departments and/or specialized agencies to obtain specialized reference material and information.

3. Establish and maintain contact with libraries and relevant focal points and submitting officers within and outside the UN system.

4. Prepare multilingual environmental terminology lists for jobs.

5. Enhance and promote high quality translation of documents emanating from UNEP, UN-Habitat and UNON.

6. Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism:

• Knowledge of language terminology and translation techniques; Excellent knowledge and use of MultiTrans and Workshare reference tools; Good knowledge of UN editorial and language practices; Thorough understanding of all aspects of the Unit; Knowledge of the functions and organization of the UN conference services; 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.

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.

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.

Technological Awareness:

• Keeps abreast of available technology; Understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

Completion of secondary school education is required. Supplementary technical training in linguistics or other related field desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of working experience of which two should be in language services within a multilingual organization. Experience in providing reference support to language staff is highly desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in written and oral English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language is also required.

Assessment Method

• Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this post is on a local basis. External candidates will be considered only when no suitable internal candidate from the duty station is identified. The candidate is responsible for any travel expenses incurred in order to take-up the appointment. Staff members are subject to the authority of and assignment by the Secretary-General. All staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.