Conference Interpreter at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional group of fifteen West African countries. Founded on 28 May 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos, its mission is to promote economic integration across the region. Considered one of the pillars of the African Economic Community, the organization was founded in order to achieve collective self-sufficiency for its member states by creating a single large trading bloc through an economic and trading union. It also serves as a peacekeeping force in the region. The organization operates officially in three co-equal languages French, English, and Portuguese.

We are currently recruiting for the position below

Job Title: Conference Interpreter (English A/French B or C)

Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Department: General Administration and Conference
Directorate: Conference and Protocol
Grade: P5
Supervisor: Director, Conferences and Protocol
Duration: Permanent

Duties and Responsibilities
Under the Authority of the Commissioner for General Administration and Conference and the supervision of the Director Conference and Protocol, the Interpreter will be responsible for the following duties:

• Services all meetings as assigned by Language Coordinator and Management; Provides interpretation in relevant language combination, (simultaneous, consecutive, whispering, liaison) of speeches or statements;
• Routinely assigned to sensitive meetings;
• May be required to function as language team leader when assigned to a given meeting;
• Assists the Head of Language Division, as appropriate, in the screening, training and examining of prospective interpreters;
• Participates in establishment of terminology database, glossaries, etc.
• May perform other related duties as required.

Competencies
Technical Expertise and Professionalism:

• 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;
• Understands how to prepare meetings and work with meeting documents.
• Understands how to 'weigh' interpretation teams;
• Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, confidentiality 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 and ability to travel at short notice.

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
• Demonstrates booth manners and upholds team coherence;
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise;
• Is willing to learn from others;
• Places team agenda before personal agenda.
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• 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.

Qualifications/Experience/Skills
Education:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Conference Interpretation

Work Experience:

• At least 4 years of professional interpreting experience;
• Experience with international organizations would be an advantage.

Age:

• Candidates must not be over fifty (50) years of age at the point of recruitment.

Languages:

• English A/French B or C
• Assessment Method
• Candidates must pass the ECOWAS Competitive Examination for Conference Interpreters (eliminatory), which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Remuneration
UA 33,607 - UA 37,998

Application Closing Date
17th March, 2018.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Applications to: interpreter@ecowas.int