UNDP Jobs - 21596- Dari/Pashto Translator

Dari/Pashto Translator - UNDP Afghanistan Country Office - SSA Contract (Retainer) - VA No. 2011/02/032

Location :

Kabul, AFGHANISTAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

06-Feb-2011

Application Deadline :

20-Feb-11 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Six months (With possibility of extension)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

UNDP Mission Statement:

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with national counterparts on their own solutions to global and national development challenges.

UNDP Afghanistan Mission Statement:

UNDP Afghanistan is supporting the Government to find innovative solutions to its development challenges based on the on-going Country Programme Document approved by the Executive Board for the period 2006 – 2009. A new Country Programme Document was approved by the Executive Board during September 2009 for the period 2010-2013. Key priority areas for UNDP assistance are in strengthening democratic governance, crisis prevention and recovery, and reducing poverty. UNDP is strengthening the institutional capacities of key national government and sub-national authorities which aim to enhance human security, human development, peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Organizational Context

UNDP Afghanistan is the organization’s largest country office worldwide, and has the responsibility to support the Government of Afghanistan in establishing long-term and sustainable progress in strengthening democratic governance, building capacity of Afghan institutions for effective local governance and development, crisis prevention and recovery response, and for promoting sustainable livelihoods for poverty reduction.

The UNDP Communications Unit supports programming that is influenced by the above considerations, in a coherent, strategic manner; guided by the Country Director’s vision and consistent with UNDP’s global communication and advocacy priorities. Office communications and advocacy work is in line with this vision and aims toward the overarching communications objective.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Communications Advisor and working closely with other members of the Communications Unit, particularly the Writer/Editor, the Dari/Pashto Translator supports the translation of communications and advocacy products, to increase the standing and awareness of UNDP with partners, the media and the public.

Key functions:

Translate communications products such as brochures, factsheets, newsletters, etc., from English into Dari/Pashto on a regular basis
Translate official UNDP documents such as official letters, project documents, cost-sharing agreements, project briefs, guidelines, etc., upon request
Translate news briefs and updates, press releases, advisories and web stories on UNDP’s project and policy initiatives to reach national media in Afghanistan
Translate selected content of the UNDP Afghanistan website (www.undp.org.af)
Upon request, serve as interpreter in press conferences, interviews, advocacy events, etc.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies:

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Excellent writing and presentation skills in Dari and/or Pashto and English
Excellent communication skills, and ability to analyze diverse information rapidly from varied sources
Acts as a team player, with strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work under pressure

Leadership and Self-Management

Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexity;
Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University degree or equivalent in social sciences, communications, or Languages and Literature

Experience:

At least three years of progressively responsible professional work experience in translation with an international or government organization; prior experience at the international level and/or in the UN system an asset
Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and write clearly and accurately in English, Dari and/or Pashto
Experience in the use of computers and word processing software

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English, and Pashto and Dari

Interested and qualified national Afghan candidates should apply on-line through the UNDP Jobs site at http://www.undp.org.af/Jobs/index.htm and please ensure that to fill up and upload Personal History Form-P.11 which is available at http://www.undp.org.af/Jobs/index.htm in the relevant field of the on-line application

Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date (20 February 2011) will not be given consideration. Please note that only applications who are short-listed will be contacted.

For more detailed information about UNDP Afghanistan please visit our website at www.undp.org.af

The vacancy announcement is open only for Afghan national(s) applicants

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply