Mission and objectives

The UNODC is globally recognized for its efforts in combating illicit drugs and international crime. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, it operates under the Regional Programme on Drug Control, Crime Prevention, and Criminal Justice Reform in the Arab States. The incumbent will closely collaborate with experts conducting training for the Iraqi Ministry of Interior / Counter Narcotics Department and other members of the UNODC Programme Office (PO). Primarily, their role involves specialized translation expertise, facilitating communication between English and Arabic within the PO team and relevant technical units. The role also requires proactive engagement in seeking guidance, analysing evidence, and adhering to UNODC guidelines. Internally, the incumbent interacts with UNODC staff to share knowledge and ensure work harmonization, particularly with the Services Unit for language and terminology input. Externally, they engage with technical partners, stakeholders, Ministry of Interior officials, and local authorities, as well as UN agencies within the UN Country Team (UNCT).

Context

UNODC is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Its technical assistance activities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are undertaken under the broad framework of the Regional Framework for the Arab States (2023-2028). As the United Nations’ specialized agency in criminal justice reform and countering organized crime and terrorism, UNODC possesses the technical expertise to address those challenges in a comprehensive and integrated manner. UNODC offers support in the adoption and implementation of international conventions and instruments on drugs, crime and terrorism and direct technical assistance for law enforcement and justice authorities and professionals. As the guardian of the United Nations drugs and crime conventions, UNODC focuses on strengthening its partners' capacities to act in a more effective, efficient, and fair manner, in accordance with international law, standards and norms. In Iraq, UNODC implements the project titled “Supporting the Iraqi Authorities in the Fight Against Drug Production and Trafficking”, funded by Canada. The project includes a series of capacity building events (trainings) for law enforcement actors on special investigation techniques. The role of the incumbent is that of a specialist and an expert in technical translations both written and verbal from English to Arabic and vice versa. The incumbent will work under the framework of the aforementioned project, based in UNODC Programme Office in Baghdad, Iraq, and in close coordination with all members of the project team in Iraq, including the IUNV Law Enforcement Expert, as well as the Regional Office team in Cairo.

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Crime Prevention & Criminal Justice Officer in Iraq, the Interpreter/Translator will: • Interpret from Arabic into English and vice versa during meetings and events, including training workshops conducted with the governmental counterparts. • Written translation as required. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor. • Delivered high-quality simultaneous and consecutive interpretation between Arabic and English during high-level meetings, workshops, and engagements with governmental counterparts, contributing to smooth communication and effective coordination. • Produced accurate and well-structured written translations of official documents, training materials, reports, and correspondence, ensuring linguistic consistency and alignment with UN terminology and standards. • Facilitated clear communication during technical trainings, enabling national partners to fully engage with the content and objectives of UNODC activities. • Strengthened collaboration with national counterparts by ensuring precise, culturally sensitive interpretation that supported constructive dialogue and trust building. • Provided timely language support across UNODC activities, contributing to operational efficiency and enabling project teams to meet tight deadlines. • Supported the supervisor in additional related tasks when required, demonstrating flexibility, reliability, and commitment to the needs of the Programme Office.

Competencies and values

- Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Knowledge of general office and administrative support including administrative policies, processes and procedures. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. - Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. - Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style, and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. - Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Builds consensus for task purpose and direction with team members. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in the area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in the work environment.

Living conditions and remarks

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers receive a volunteer living allowance to sustain a basic, adequate, and safe lifestyle. This allowance varies from one location to another depending on local living costs, but all national UN Volunteers in the same location receive the same allowance. Below is a summary of the Conditions of Service. Allowances: The purpose of allowances for national UN Volunteers is to enable the national UN Volunteers to sustain a modest and secure standard of living at the duty station. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the volunteer work. The purpose of this allowance is to cover the basic living costs of the national UN Volunteer, and Her/his family when applicable. The allowance is to ensure that the volunteer can sustain a basic, adequate, and safe lifestyle. • Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of USD 1724.16. • Danger and hardship differential: USD 517.24 • Entry lump sum(one time): USD 350 • Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment): $120 for each month served, paid on completion of contract • Annual and learning leaves • Medical and life Insurance • Free access to different learning platforms. For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service