Details
Mission and objectives
The UNODC is globally recognized for its efforts in combating illicit drugs and international crime. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, it operates under the Regional Programme on Drug Control, Crime Prevention, and Criminal Justice Reform in the Arab States.
The incumbent will closely collaborate with experts conducting training for the Iraqi Ministry of Interior / Counter Narcotics Department and other members of the UNODC Programme Office (PO). Primarily, their role involves specialized translation expertise, facilitating communication between English and Arabic within the PO team and relevant technical units. The role also requires proactive engagement in seeking guidance, analysing evidence, and adhering to UNODC guidelines.
Internally, the incumbent interacts with UNODC staff to share knowledge and ensure work harmonization, particularly with the Services Unit for language and terminology input. Externally, they engage with technical partners, stakeholders, Ministry of Interior officials, and local authorities, as well as UN agencies within the UN Country Team (UNCT).
The incumbent will closely collaborate with experts conducting training for the Iraqi Ministry of Interior / Counter Narcotics Department and other members of the UNODC Programme Office (PO). Primarily, their role involves specialized translation expertise, facilitating communication between English and Arabic within the PO team and relevant technical units. The role also requires proactive engagement in seeking guidance, analysing evidence, and adhering to UNODC guidelines.
Internally, the incumbent interacts with UNODC staff to share knowledge and ensure work harmonization, particularly with the Services Unit for language and terminology input. Externally, they engage with technical partners, stakeholders, Ministry of Interior officials, and local authorities, as well as UN agencies within the UN Country Team (UNCT).
Context
UNODC is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Its technical assistance activities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are undertaken under the broad framework of the Regional Framework for the Arab States (2023-2028).
As the United Nations’ specialized agency in criminal justice reform and countering organized crime and terrorism, UNODC possesses the technical expertise to address those challenges in a comprehensive and integrated manner. UNODC offers support in the adoption and implementation of international conventions and instruments on drugs, crime and terrorism and direct technical assistance for law enforcement and justice authorities and professionals. As the guardian of the United Nations drugs and crime conventions, UNODC focuses on strengthening its partners' capacities to act in a more effective, efficient, and fair manner, in accordance with international law, standards and norms.
In Iraq, UNODC implements the project titled “Supporting the Iraqi Authorities in the Fight Against Drug Production and Trafficking”, funded by Canada. The project includes a series of capacity building events (trainings) for law enforcement actors on special investigation techniques.
The role of the incumbent is that of a specialist and an expert in technical translations both written and verbal from English to Arabic and vice versa.
The incumbent will work under the framework of the aforementioned project, based in UNODC Programme Office in Baghdad, Iraq, and in close coordination with all members of the project team in Iraq, including the IUNV Law Enforcement Expert, as well as the Regional Office team in Cairo.
As the United Nations’ specialized agency in criminal justice reform and countering organized crime and terrorism, UNODC possesses the technical expertise to address those challenges in a comprehensive and integrated manner. UNODC offers support in the adoption and implementation of international conventions and instruments on drugs, crime and terrorism and direct technical assistance for law enforcement and justice authorities and professionals. As the guardian of the United Nations drugs and crime conventions, UNODC focuses on strengthening its partners' capacities to act in a more effective, efficient, and fair manner, in accordance with international law, standards and norms.
In Iraq, UNODC implements the project titled “Supporting the Iraqi Authorities in the Fight Against Drug Production and Trafficking”, funded by Canada. The project includes a series of capacity building events (trainings) for law enforcement actors on special investigation techniques.
The role of the incumbent is that of a specialist and an expert in technical translations both written and verbal from English to Arabic and vice versa.
The incumbent will work under the framework of the aforementioned project, based in UNODC Programme Office in Baghdad, Iraq, and in close coordination with all members of the project team in Iraq, including the IUNV Law Enforcement Expert, as well as the Regional Office team in Cairo.
Task description
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Crime Prevention & Criminal Justice Officer in Iraq, the Interpreter/Translator will:
• Interpret from Arabic into English and vice versa during meetings and events, including training workshops conducted with the governmental counterparts.
• Written translation as required.
• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.
• Delivered high-quality simultaneous and consecutive interpretation between Arabic and English during high-level meetings, workshops, and engagements with governmental counterparts, contributing to smooth communication and effective coordination.
• Produced accurate and well-structured written translations of official documents, training materials, reports, and correspondence, ensuring linguistic consistency and alignment with UN terminology and standards.
• Facilitated clear communication during technical trainings, enabling national partners to fully engage with the content and objectives of UNODC activities.
• Strengthened collaboration with national counterparts by ensuring precise, culturally sensitive interpretation that supported constructive dialogue and trust building.
• Provided timely language support across UNODC activities, contributing to operational efficiency and enabling project teams to meet tight deadlines.
• Supported the supervisor in additional related tasks when required, demonstrating flexibility, reliability, and commitment to the needs of the Programme Office.
• Interpret from Arabic into English and vice versa during meetings and events, including training workshops conducted with the governmental counterparts.
• Written translation as required.
• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.
• Delivered high-quality simultaneous and consecutive interpretation between Arabic and English during high-level meetings, workshops, and engagements with governmental counterparts, contributing to smooth communication and effective coordination.
• Produced accurate and well-structured written translations of official documents, training materials, reports, and correspondence, ensuring linguistic consistency and alignment with UN terminology and standards.
• Facilitated clear communication during technical trainings, enabling national partners to fully engage with the content and objectives of UNODC activities.
• Strengthened collaboration with national counterparts by ensuring precise, culturally sensitive interpretation that supported constructive dialogue and trust building.
• Provided timely language support across UNODC activities, contributing to operational efficiency and enabling project teams to meet tight deadlines.
• Supported the supervisor in additional related tasks when required, demonstrating flexibility, reliability, and commitment to the needs of the Programme Office.
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