Jobs at United Nations Office at Nairobi

Responsibilities

• Services up to seven meetings per week (exceptionally eight), usually of no more than three hours duration.
• Provides interpretation, as required, into Arabic of speeches or statements given in English and/or French and interpretation into English and/or French of speeches given in Arabic.
• Routinely covers sensitive meetings.
• Routinely functions as team leader of all interpreters assigned to a given meeting.
• May be called upon to serve as Chief Interpreter on missions.
• May assist in the screening, training and examining of prospective Arabic interpreters.
• May provide guidance and coaching to junior interpreters.
• May function as Programming Officer.
• May perform other related duties, as required.

Competencies

PROFESIONALISM; Ability to demonstrate a high level of concentration; split-second accuracy. Ability to work under continuous stress and deliver clear interpretation on an exceedingly broad range of subjects. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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.

COMMITMENT TO CONTINOUSE LEARNING : Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Education

• A first level degree from a university or from an institution of equivalent status is required. A Master’s degree is desirable. Must have passed the United Nations Competitive Examination for Arabic interpreters.

Work Experience

• At least five (5) years of professional interpreting experience in international organizations is required.
• Experience providing accurate interpretation of a broad range of UN subjects is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages in the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, a perfect command of Arabic, normally expected to be the incumbent's main language, is required. Candidates for this post must also possess an excellent knowledge of English or French.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This is a language position. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Internal Applicants – When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you.

Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Contact Us" link.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Deadline:7th May 2022

go to method of application »

Responsibilities

BUDGETING:

• Preparation of cost estimates and budget proposals in terms of staff and non-staff requirements for regular budget and extra-budgetary resources under UNON Administration;
• Monitor budget implementation and performance and recommend reallocation of funds as necessary;
• Ensure that requisitions for goods and services are in line with authorized budgets, the priorities of the organization and the UN financial rules and regulations;
• Review requests for creation and extension of positions as well as requests for recruitment;
• Execution of cost recovery in line with established agreements and policies and support on the collection of associated receivables;
• Perform certifying functions of financial transactions as per delegation;

ACCOUNTING:

• Responsible for the processing of financial documents in line with the financial rules and regulations;
• Review and analysis of various accounting data, financial statements input and preparation of reports;
• Scrutinize supporting documents for completeness, accuracy and validity of requests in line with applicable policies, procedures, rules and regulations;
• Verify accuracy of postings and process corrections as appropriate;
• Analyze and monitor open item managed accounts (OIM) in the ERP system (Umoja) and initiate and coordinate corrective action;
• Perform approval functions of financial transactions as per delegation; 7. Perform quality review of reports before issuance, prepare donor reports and financial statements.

GENERAL:

• Prepare and analyze reports with a view to identify anomalies and unusual trends and recommend corrective action as appropriate;
• Perform data extraction and prepare various reports for management review;
• Respond to queries and draft correspondence in relation to budgetary and financial matters from management, clients (internal and external), auditors and other stakeholders; and ensure timely responses to clients' requests and queries through iNeed;
• Ensure that accurate and complete accounting; reporting and internal control systems are functioning;
• Ensure that all relevant records and audit trails are maintained;
• Supervise one or more team leaders and teams and provide day-day management and supervision, training and guidance to other staff;
• Provide support to Unit Chief in planning of unit and team staff work plans, monitor and report performance against the plans and key performance indicators;
• Knowledge retention and quality assurance focal point for the team;
• Perform other related duties as required by Section or Unit Chief.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to identify and resolve budgetary problems and identify sources for data collection. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, 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; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; 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.

Education

• A first-level degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in Business Administration or related fields is required. Candidates for this position must have passed the United Nations Young Professional Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).

Work Experience

• No experience is required for candidates who have passed the United Nations Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the G to P Examination (G to P).

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

NOTE: 'Fluency' equals a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (speak, read, write and understand) and 'Knowledge of' equals a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Assessment

• As YPP, NCRE and G to P candidates have been through a rigorous assessment process, no formal competency based interviews or assessment tests will be conducted

Closing date: Tuesday, 12 April 2022