Translator/ Interpreter

Job Title: Translator/ Interpreter

Unit/Division: Strategy, Partnership & Communications

Type of Contract: Service Contract

Proposed pay level: SC 6

Duty Station City, Country: Jakarta, Indonesia

Duration of Employment: Immediate start, 6 months duration with possibility of extension

Deadline for application submission: 17 May 2024

BACKGROUND:

Indonesia is the fourth largest country in the world by population with a total of 270 million people. It is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and over the past decades the country experienced steady economic growth and improvements in human development, including on food security, nutrition, and disaster management.

Notwithstanding these achievements, Indonesia typifies the paradox of middle-income countries: hunger and overweight coexist, almost one third of all children below 5 years of age are stunted, one third of the adult population is overweight or obese, half of all pregnant women are anaemic with other micronutrient deficiencies assumed to be high, describing a “triple-burden of malnutrition”. Other major challenges relate to the impact of rapid urbanization, inequality, climate change and degradation of natural resources, and the participation of both men and women in the social and economic advancement of the country.

In 2021, WFP Indonesia transitioned to a new Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2021-2025, which is fully aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2021-2025 and the Government’s Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2020-2024. Through this CSP WFP continues to provide policy engagement and technical assistance to the Government with a focus on Food Security and Nutrition Analysis, Social Protection, Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation, and Healthy Diets.

The Country Office is currently involved in a number of processes including the implementation of new thematic, advocacy and funding partnerships, the implementation of the Rome-based Agencies (RBAs) Joint Country Strategic Plan 2021-2025, support to the Government in food systems transformation, resilient supply chains and anticipatory action.

Purpose of the Assignment

The Translator/Interpreter is part of the Strategy, Partnership and Communications (SPC) unit and reports directly to the Head of the SPC unit. The main purpose of this assignment as Translator & Interpreter is to assist WFP staff, particularly international staff, in efficiently and effectively delivering their outputs and undertake advocacy, particularly with Government. Meetings are often held in Indonesian language (Bahasa Indonesia) and the availability of WFP written products (reports, bulletins, presentation, etc.) in Bahasa Indonesia is strategic to the success of WFP’s technical assistance, advocacy, policy engagement and resource mobilization.

The three Strategic Outcomes (SOs) teams in WFP Indonesia regularly organize external events – including consultations, workshops, meetings – with Government and other partners, including field visits that can benefit from the assistance of a dedicated Translator & Interpreter.

The incumbent is expected to assist all SOs teams, as well as senior management. Specific interpretation support (non-verbatim) would particularly be required for WFP international staff attending external events.

Accountabilities/ Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Head of the SPC unit and in close collaboration with the SOs managers, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

1. Translation of strategic documents

a. Translate documents from Bahasa Indonesia to English and from English to Bahasa Indonesia, as needed.

b. Suggest editing as required in Bahasa Indonesia and English.

c. Develop an English/Bahasa Indonesian glossary for technical vocabulary to be used for translation from English to Bahasa Indonesia.

2. Provision of interpretation during external events

a. Accompany WFP staff, particularly international staff, to selected events (online or in-person) and assist with interpretation from/to Bahasa Indonesia. Some travel outside of Jakarta maybe required.

b. Provide support to Country Director to prepare remarks in Bahasa Indonesia for strategic and technical events.

3. Provide occasional assistance in drafting reports and communications materials as required by the SPC unit.

4. Assist in taking meeting minutes if required

5. Assist in facilitating contact between colleagues, visitors and other parties deemed necessary in the course of the work

6. Perform other related duties as required by the team

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education: Minimum of Secondary School Education (University degree in translation, interpretation, humanities, communication, journalism, or other related and relevant discipline is preferred).

Experience:

• Minimum 6 years of professional experience in translation/interpretation from/to English and Bahasa Indonesia.
• Excellent written and spoken skills in English and Bahasa Indonesia.
• Professional translation experience in the sectors of food security, nutrition, education, climate change, emergency response, and/or related fields.
• Work experience with WFP and/or other UN agencies and/or development partners would be advantageous.
• Experience assisting with multi-stakeholder consultations or processes.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Excellent analytical and writing skills.
• Capacity to synthetize complex concepts and deliver them in a simple language in both Bahasa Indonesia and English.
• Advanced computer skills with proficiency in Windows, Microsoft office.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team.
• Tact and diplomacy.

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken Bahasa Indonesia and English

WFP Leadership Framework: Common Standards of Behaviour

The Budget and Programme Associate is expected to demonstrate functional competencies and standards of behavior aligned with WFP Leadership Framework Common Standards of Behaviour. This includes:

• Leading by example with integrity
• Driving results and delivering on commitments
• Fostering inclusive and collaborative teamwork
• Applying strategic thinking
• Building and maintaining sustainable partnerships