Interpreter/Translator

Mission and objectives

MONUSCO/MONUC was established in 1999 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). SCR 2277 (2016) requests MONUSCO to support efforts of the Government of DRC towards the protection of civilians, through a comprehensive approach involving all components of MONUSCO, including through reduction of the threat posed by Congolese and foreign armed groups and of violence against civilians, including sexual and gender-based violence and violence against children to a level that can be effectively managed by the Congolese justice and security institutions; and to support Stabilization through the establishment of functional, professional, and accountable state institutions, including security and judicial institutions. The project aims at a better understanding of the most serious violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law in DRC and supports the leadership of the Mission through informed policy and decision making on future vetting of security forces through risk assessment and mitigation, joint planning for MONUSCO operations, as well as advocacy efforts.

Context

This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) MONUSCO took over from an earlier UN peacekeeping operation – the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) – on 1 July 2010. It was done in accordance with Security Council resolution 1925 of 28 May to reflect the new phase. Between 2021 and 2025, the Mission entered a new phase characterized by a dual dynamic: continuing to carry out its core responsibilities—particularly the protection of civilians—while preparing for a gradual and responsible transition, in close coordination with the Congolese authorities and international partners. In 2025, the Mission operated in an increasingly complex environment marked by a renewed deterioration of the security situation in eastern DRC, including the capture of Goma by the M23, which significantly exacerbated the humanitarian and protection crisis in North Kivu. In this challenging context, MONUSCO continued adapting its posture to support civilian protection efforts, coordinate with national authorities and maintain engagement with international partners. This assignment will be based with MONUSCO in Kinshasa Duty Station. More information: https://monusco.unmissions.org/en

Task Description

Within the terms of the organization’s delegated authority, and under the direct supervision of the Head of Office of the SRSG, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: (The proportion of translation duties relative to interpretation duties will vary subject to operational requirements.) • Produce self-revised translations from French to English and English to French of memos, speeches, reports and other documents covering a broad range of subjects dealt with by MONUSCO (i.e.: political, military, legal, administrative, technical) using the in-house computer-assisted translation and terminology software; • Provide simultaneous and consecutive interpretation from French to English and/or English to French at regular high-level meetings; • Conduct terminology research and identify new terminological material; • Actively contribute to the in-house terminology and reference database; • When working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs), the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for capacity development through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training. This assignment is a support service to the Office of SRSG; it is not a humanitarian assignment involving direct work or interaction with beneficiaries.

Competencies and values

• Integrity and Professionalism • Accountability • Commitment to continuous learning • Adaptability and flexibility • Communication • Planning and organising • Teamwork • Self-management

Living conditions and remarks

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the second largest country in Africa, and as a result is quite diverse. Living conditions therefore vary between MONUSCO duty stations, with all usual amenities present in the capital Kinshasa, but only very basic conditions in remote duty stations in the provinces, where, for instance, there may be no guarantee of public power supply nor running water. The ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions of developing countries is essential. Accommodation is very expensive in Kinshasa. Supermarkets exist in the large towns (e.g. Goma), but consumer items are generally very expensive (as everything is imported). For food, local markets offer a much cheaper alternative. All MONUSCO duty stations are considered non-family duty stations, except for Kinshasa and Entebbe which are family duty stations, and most are currently under UN Security Phase III (“relocation phase”: internationally recruited staff are temporarily concentrated or relocated to specified sites/locations). In addition to insecurity related to the relatively volatile political situation as well as various conflict situations, certain places are subject to increasing street and residential crime, including Kinshasa, Goma and all the other towns. Some degree of medical service is provided in all MONUSCO duty stations. Certain vaccinations are mandatory for MONUSCO personnel to enter the DRC, while others are compulsory for all other incoming persons. It is possible for incoming MONUSCO personnel, including UN Volunteers, to be asked to provide proof of some or all vaccinations, though this is unlikely. All UN Volunteers must ensure that they are up-to-date with all appropriate vaccinations, which should be clearly and properly endorsed in the International Certificate of Vaccination (“carte jaune”). Malaria is present virtually throughout the DRC, and it is therefore recommended to take prophylaxis. The unit of currency is the Congolese Franc. The US dollar is the other preferred currency. It may be impossible to exchange traveller’s checks away from the capital city. Credit cards are usually accepted in major hotels only in Kinshasa. In larger towns and cities (e.g. Kinshasa, Goma), UN Volunteers are recommended to open US Dollar bank accounts, while in other places, banks may be absent (including ATMs) and VLA payments will be processed in cash. UN Volunteers have the possibility to send part of their allowances to a bank account abroad. In addition to French, there are four major spoken languages in DRC, namely Lingala, Kikongo, Tshiluba and Swahili.