The rapid deployment of engineering capability to UN peacekeeping missions, particularly in Africa, is a very urgent challenge, and timely response is strongly required. To support this rapid deployment, there have been numerous attempts to accelerate the missions’ start-up or respond to changes in mandate, including the provision of Military Engineering Contingents (MEC’s) from Troop Contributing Countries (TCC) for facilities and infrastructure work, including camp construction/commissioning.
A number of countries have offered support to address this gap, most significantly the Government of Japan which plans to donate initial funding for heavy equipment and training to enable faster start-up or mission redevelopment. In support of this strategy a detailed assessment was carried out and the International Peace Training Center chosen as the training site, with the support of the Japanese Government. The project objective is to deliver fast start-up operation of trial training, logistics and support for project implementation in east Africa. In 2018, the training will be undertaken in Kenya.
UNOPS engagement in the project has two main aspects scheduled for 2018:
Support the 2018 training activities
Support Training Needs Assessments of regional military engineering units.
The first activity is likely to begin in March or April 2018 and end in October 2018. The second activity is on demand throughout the year.
Functional Responsibilities
Interpretation service provision including onsite training, national field trips, regional assessments, ceremonies and public presentations as directed.
Translation of training schedules, lesson and safety plans and PowerPoint presentations as directed.
Translation support to Training Needs Assessment requirements
Liaison between Instructors and Trainees, soliciting feedback from both parties, highlighting issues and difficulties and making recommendations based on trainee responses and feedback.
Liaison and support to non-English speaking Japanese personnel involved.
Participation in After Action Review meetings.
Support after hours functions, providing translation services as required.
Assist and support Japanese personnel with public presentations and ceremonies.
May be required to support and / mentor other interpreters
May be required to supervise other interpreters
May be required to travel in support of Training Needs Analysis visits if required
Education
First level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree) is required;
Technical/Professional Diploma with additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of university degree;
Secondary Diploma with additional four years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of university degree.
Experience
At least 7 years of relevant experience working as a Japanese Swahili translator and/or an interpreter are required;
Prior technical translation experience in Heavy Engineering Machine operation is required
Experience working with Japanese culture is advantageous
Supervisory experience, translation and Interpretation skills are essential.
Languages
Fluency in oral Japanese is required
Fluency in written and oral English is required
Fluency in written and oral Swahili is required
Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only:Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Additional Considerations
Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types.
Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
