UNMAS - Translator / Liaison Assistant

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.

Job ID/Title :UNMAS - Translator / Liaison Assistant
Application Deadline :03-Feb-12
Duty Station :Gaza
Languages Required :Arabic, English,
Duration of Initial Contract :  One Year

Background:
United Nations Mine Action – Gaza Office will continue to implement Operations in Gaza during 2012 for a period of 12 months. This residual capacity will continue to contribute to a safer living and operating environment for the people of Gaza and the Humanitarian development agencies. Through this continued residual mine action capacity, prevention and reduction of the risk of death and injury as a result of UXO contamination will be achieved. This will be achieved by providing technical assistance, the delivery of UXO safety awareness training, limited risk assessments, IED advice and awareness training, and limited UXO/ERW location and marking.
Description of Responsibilities:
 
Summary of key functions:
 
Under the direct supervision of the UNMAS Operations Officer the UNMAS Translator Liaison Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:
 
-To assist the UNMAS Operations Officer in setting up and conducting meetings with all relevant Local Authority Officials and Local NGO's within Gaza to coordinate UNMAT Gaza EOD activities on a day to day basis.
-Translation of written documents from Arabic to English and English to Arabic will be required as directed.
-Assist with Translation and note taking at all local authority meetings and to provide written minutes of these meetings.
-Assist with Translation of briefings conducted by the Operations Officer as required.
-Provide advice to the Operations Officer on local issues which may affect safety and security of UNMAT Staff .
-Under the guidance of the UNMAS Gaza Operations Officer, collect, analyze and disseminate operational and security related information.
-Assist with Liaison for coordinating and advising UN agencies, NGOs and local authorities on Mine Action operational related issues.
-Provide daily supervision and direction to the assigned UNMAT Gaza Driver(s), to ensure the maintenance of all relevant documentation and vehicle servicing to the Manufacturers handbook/instructions.
-Keep a record of all transactions pertaining to the UNMAT Petty Cash, including receipts and forward to the Jerusalem office on occurrence.
-Maintain a accurate record for all UNMAT stores and equipment, and ensure that a inventory is done and checked by the Operations Officer.
-To maintain and update the task register on a daily, weekly and monthly basis and forward to to the Operations Officer..
-Able to deliver MRE, SAFFE, and UXO safety awareness sessions in the absence of the CLA and Operations Officer.
-Attend and represent the UNMAT at meetings with UN, NGO, and INGO Organisations in the absence of the Community Liaison Assistant and Operations Officer.

 
The incumbent must have knowledge and skills to be able to deliver the following additional duties if required:
-Assist with completion of Radio Checks and reports required for security purposes.
-Operate the VHF Radio in the UNMAT-GO Operations Office, monitoring all relevant radio traffic.
-Keeps record of incoming/outgoing messages by means of a radio log.
-Be able to respond quickly and calmly to any emergency situation reported by radio and revert information to the Security Officer or Operations Officer for action.
-Ensures all radios (office and vehicles) are in working condition.
-Assist the Operations Officer with preparation, submission and monitoring of Staff security clearances.
-Forward operational field deployments and staff lists to relevant local authorities.
-Operates photocopying and fax machines.
-Monitor security reports and notifications, plotting on operations room map and report to Operations and Security Officers as appropriate.
-Notify deployed UNMAT Staff of security incidents affecting their area of operations.
-Plotting Team field deployments on operations map notifying operations room OIC of any incidents or buffer zone incursions.
-Monitoring International staff movements in co-ordination with UNMAT Operations Officer and UNRWA Radio Room
-Updating vehicle and staff lists.
-Driving duties as needed by the Operations Officer

Any other tasks and functions assigned by the UNMAT Operations Officer or Program Manager
 
 Impact of Results
 
-Liaison with relevant local authorities and community representatives and organizations
-Translation of Mine Action documentation from Arabic-English and English-Arabic
-The gathering and dissemination of information pertaining safety and security
-Office and logistical administration
-The provision of SAFFE and MRE training
-These results will contribute to the overall delivery of project goals and objectives.


Competencies :
Professionalism – Advanced knowledge of the use of information management to improve the business processes; proven and demonstrable experience in analysis of information and capacity to articulate the information management requirements of complex situations requiring a coordinated response between disparate actors; demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to use sound judgment to ensure the effective and timely completion of complex tasks; ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural disasters).
 
Communication – Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills including the ability to convey complex information management concepts and recommendations to staff at all levels, both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style that can be readily understood by non-information management practitioners.
 
Teamwork – Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational goals; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision.
 
Planning and Organising – Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
 
Accountability – Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; operates in compliance with organisational regulations and rules; supports subordinates and peers, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
 
Client Orientation – Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; designs solutions and basis recommendations on the principles of usability; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients’ informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
 
Judgment/Decision-making – Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision.
 
Commitment to Continuous Learning – Demonstrated history of keeping abreast of new developments in the field plus a commitment to continuous learning.
 
Technology Awareness – Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the Office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.
 
 
Interpersonal skills:
Must have good interpersonal skills to work under difficult conditions which may  require him/her to provide diplomatic solutions to assist the Operations Officer in building relationships with various Local Authorities and NGOs within Gaza.
 
Capable of working in a multi-national / cultural environment.
 
Qualifications :
Education:
-A Bachelors degree in a relevant discipline.
 
Experience:
-At least three years relevant experience working within Gaza as an Interpreter or translator preferably with a UN or humanitarian based agency. References should be available
-Experience in the translation of technical terminology related to the field of Mina Action is highly desirable.
-Ability to travel throughout Gaza as required.
-Computer literate with Microsoft Office experience is essential.
-In-depth knowledge and experience of the Gaza region and associated security and political situation.
-VHF Radio communication experience and skills.
-Experience working with International Organizations and/or United Nations Agencies especially in work related to Mine Action will be a distinct advantage
-Must hold a valid National Drivers License, a current UN drivers license within Gaza would be an advantage.

-Fluency in the UN and national language of the duty station.

UNDP actively supports the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted by the United Nations General Assembly

Important message to all applicants!
-Please be aware that the UNDP/PAPP will review your application only if you have uploaded Personal History Form (P.11) to your application. Please download the form from the following link: http://jobs.undp.ps.
-You will get the opportunity to upload the P-11 at when you apply for the position.
-Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Please note that only applications that are under consideration will be contacted.
UNDP/PAPP is an equal opportunity employer-
Applications from men and women will be considered equally