Communication Associate (Translator/Interpreter)

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

UNDP is the United Nations’ lead agency on international development, working in 170 countries and territories to help people build better lives while protecting the planet. For 60 years, UNDP has supported countries to make progress on the issues that matter most, with human development at the core of its mandate. Our work is built on trust and long-term partnerships with governments, communities and organizations at every level.

Operating in a Middle-Income Country brings its own set of complexities and opportunities. With 70% of the Indonesian economy directly or indirectly reliant on its natural resources, the link between nature, climate, jobs, and economic empowerment become critical. UNDP Indonesia works with Indonesian partners to deliver an ambitious programme, fully aligned to the national priorities of Indonesia. UNDP’s past experiences and support include innovative sustainable financing, digital health, energy transition and climate policies, improved service delivery that leaves no one behind. Enablers and multipliers such as digitalization and Artificial Intelligence are at the core of its efforts. Building on its vast and long experiences, and the knowledge of its entire team of professionals, UNDP Indonesia demonstrate its thought-leadership and translate knowledge into policy advice, investment opportunities and scalable solutions for Indonesia’s critical development priorities.

The strategic priorities of UNDP Indonesia for its current Country Programme  2026 -2030 are encapsulated under three outcome areas:
(1)    Human Development
(2)    Nature, Decarbonisation and Resilience
(3)    Economic and Digital Transformation

This position is located primarily in Communication Unit under overall guidance of the Head of Communication. The team has identified a growing need for effective communication across various language barriers. To ensure accurate and efficient exchange of information, the team aims to establish a comprehensive framework for interpretation, translation, and editing services. This will enhance the overall quality and accessibility of documents and reports, enabling seamless communication within and outside the organization.

The position is designed to provide high-quality interpretation services for meetings, conferences, and other official gatherings to ensure effective cross-language communication. The post holder is also expected to facilitate accurate and timely translation of various documents, particularly large reports, to enable broader accessibility and understanding. And he/she is expected to enhance the quality and coherence of English language documents through professional editing, ensuring clarity and consistency in content.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Translation Services focusing on the following results:

•    Translation various reports, official documents, and correspondences including technical documents.
•    Linguistic and cultural adaptation to ensure accurate conveyance of messages.
•    Production of 100% accurate translation from Indonesia language to English or vice versa of various documents, written/ recorded speeches, talking points, presentations, brochures, fact sheets, reports, website content, press releases, etc. as assigned b UNDP.
•    Utilization of the appropriate terminology considering the style and nuances of the original text. Areas frequently covered by such documents include legal, public relations and Business, and technical texts, etc.
•    Corrections as required by UNDP or its partners and re-submission of corrected text within the   agreed timeframe.

Interpretation Services focusing on the following results:
•    Consecutive and simultaneous interpretation provided during project events, including ceremonies, workshops, webinars, trainings, conferences, and community information events.
•    Consecutive and simultaneous interpretation provided during technical working group meetings and meetings between international advisers/experts or UNDP representatives and local counterparts.
 

English Editing Services focusing on the following results:
•    Comprehensive editing and proofreading of publications, reports, documents, and presentations to ensure clarity, coherence, grammatical accuracy, and formatting consistency.
•    Quality review of translated and edited materials to ensure accuracy, consistency, and error-free final outputs.
•    Identification and mitigation of language-service risks, including contingency measures for unforeseen challenges or delays.
•    Provision of advice to colleagues to use gender sensitive language in translation.

The incumbent of the position should avoid any kind of discriminatory behavior including gender discrimination and ensure that:
•    Human rights and gender equality is prioritized as an ethical principle within all actions;
•    Activities are designed and implemented in accordance with "Social and Environmental Standards of UNDP";
•    Any kind of diversities based on ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, class, gender are respected within all implementations including data production;
•    Differentiated needs of women and men are considered;
•    Inclusive approach is reflected within all actions and implementations, in that sense an enabling and accessible setup in various senses such as disability gender language barrier is created;
•    Necessary arrangements to provide gender parity within all committees, meetings, trainings etc. introduced.
•    The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

Under the overall guidance of the Head of Communication will provide the interpretation and translation services on an ongoing basis, adhering to the specific timelines of the events and document submissions.

Editing services will follow a predefined schedule to ensure timely completion without compromising quality.
 

Competencies

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Academic Education    
•    Secondary education is required.
•    University Degree (Bachelor's degree) in social studies or other fields will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Min. years of relevant Work experience    Minimum 6 years (with Secondary Education) or 3 years (with a Bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional experience in translation or interpretation or editing, or other language services.

Required skills    
•    Experience in performing translation services is required.
•    Experience in Consecutive Interpretation Services/ Simultaneous Interpretation services is required.
•    Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
•    Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to prepare clear and professional reports.

Desired additional skills and competencies    
•    Demonstrated experience in translating and/or editing technical, legal, public relations, business, or development-related materials. 
•    Demonstrated experience in English editing, proofreading, and quality assurance of publications, reports, presentations, or other professional materials. 
•    Experience in linguistic and cultural adaptation/localization, including appropriate terminology, style, and contextual nuances between Bahasa Indonesia and English. 
•    Experience in applying gender-sensitive and inclusive language in translation and/or editing is an asset. 
•    Experience with UNDP, another UN entity, or other international/development organizations is an asset. 
•    Demonstrated ability to manage competing assignments and deliver accurate, high-quality language products within agreed deadlines and with minimum supervision. 
•    Proficiency in digital and office productivity tools, including web-based platforms used to support translation, editing, document management, and quality assurance. 
•    Demonstrated ability to use AI-enabled tools responsibly to support translation, editing, proofreading, terminology consistency, while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and appropriate handling of information.

Required Language(s) (at working level)    
Fluency in Indonesia and English is required.

Professional Certificates    
Professional certification as a translator and/or interpreter, including HPI certification or recognized sworn translator credentials, is an asset. 
Certification as Sworn Translator is an asset

Expected starting date    1 January 2027
Expected Duration    24 days within 3 months (part time )
 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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