Paraprofessional Interpreter (Fur and Sudanese Arabic) (P-1)

Organisational Context

Within the Division of  Judicial Services,  the Language Services Section  provides high quality language services to ensure efficient conduct of Court business; the Section provides language services to the Presidency, Chambers and Registry, i.e. translation, revision, editing of Court documents and terminology (assistance and guidance; language tools); consecutive and simultaneous interpretation required for meetings, trial hearings, press conferences, specialized seminars, diplomatic briefings and other events, held in-house or outside the seat of the Court; recruitment, training, and accreditation of field interpreters required to work for Registry officials in the field and/or at the seat of the Court; provision of relevant information ensuring that all service users are familiar with the procedures and types of all the language services provided and with the requirements of the professions in question.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the broad supervision of the Chief of Section and under the direct supervision of the Head of Interpretation, while their work will be continually assessed by the Section's interpreter trainers, Paraprofessional Interpreters will follow an intensive training by qualified trainers:

- interpret witness testimony and other subject matter including legal/forensic discourse, faithfully and proficiently, observing dedicated terminology and usage;

-  provide consecutive and chuchotage interpretation with support from senior colleagues;

- participate actively in supervised training and utilise the training materials and opportunities provided for professional development; receive feedback and quality monitoring reports, and implement recommendations;

- prepare thoroughly for interpretation assignments; study witness statements, compile vocabulary lists; translate and proofread documents for interpretation assignments as part of the preparation;

- carry out transcript corrections as per the established procedures and coordinate the correction work of colleagues if necessary;

-  actively contribute to the terminology and reference databases of the Section;

-  strive to become independently operational interpreters.

Essential Qualifications

Education:

Advanced university degree, preferably in Interpretation, translation, linguistics or law. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience is accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

As the language in question is a language of lesser diffusion without possibilities of higher education, secondary school diploma will be accepted with additional years of experience substituting the absence of university degree and following the passing of an aptitude

test. For those candidates who pass the aptitude test they will follow a period of intensive training after which further testing will be carried out. A panel will then determine if the trainee should be accredited to work in the courtroom at hearings.

Experience:

A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience may be considered as a substitute for a first level university degree.  No experience is required if in possession of an advanced university degree.

In lieu of the university degree, a minimum of six years of professional experience after the completion of secondary education is required.

Computer skills, relevant knowledge of politics and history, motivation for employment and commitment to training will also be assessed during the aforementioned test.

Previous interpretation or translation experience is considered an advantage.

Knowledge of languages:

Active languages must be Fur and Sudanese Arabic. Knowledge of English or Standard Arabic is required. A working knowledge of French could be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

- Computer skills;

- Basic knowledge of international legal instruments, procedure and law (especially ICC);

- Knowledge of specialist subjects relevant for interpreting at the Court, namely legal, political, military, medical, forensic, human rights, administrative, financial and others;

- Knowledge of culture, history and politics in relevant countries;

- Communication skills, tact, diplomacy, discretion and ability to work in multicultural environment;

- Analytical skills;

- Interpreting skills;

- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with colleagues of different national and cultural backgrounds with appreciation of diversity;

NB: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to be tested for interpretation ability and training potential (aptitude test), followed by an interview.