Language Assistant - UNTSO Damascus

About the role

The United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) is recruiting a Language Assistant in Damascus, Syria, under the overall direction of the Chief of Mission Support and the direct supervision of the Regional Administrative Officer-OGG Damascus. The post lasts about six months and supports military observers in liaison with the local community, providing interpretation, translation, liaison and briefing services.

Key responsibilities

• Provide clear verbal communication and interpretation between UNTSO military observers and the local population, supporting operations and mission activities.
• Translate high-level documents and communications between Arabic and English on a wide range of United Nations topics.
• Liaise with host country entities and arrange meetings between them and Team Leaders/Observers, acting as the focal point for liaison between the community and UNTSO teams.
• Accompany military observers on daily patrols by vehicle and on foot, giving interpretation, geographical orientation and directions.
• Keep up with news and provide daily media briefs to observers and staff on matters affecting operations.
• Assist officers with drafting, briefing notes and background information, and help train junior officers on cultural and geographical briefings.

Required profile

• High school diploma.
• Fluency in spoken and written English and Arabic.
• Geographical knowledge of the Area of Separation south-west of the Golan in Syria.
• Ability to work on a shift roster and travel daily in UN vehicles across the area, moving between teams; relocation near the workplace is desirable.
• A valid national driving licence and a certificate in translation or a related field are desirable.

Required skills

• Knowledge of MS Word and Excel.
• Translation and interpretation.