UN Interpreter Job Description
If you have excellent language skills and a passionate interest in international politics and diplomacy, a career as a United Nations interpreter and translator may be your dream job. UN interpreters provide interpretation and translation services as part of a large international organization with more than 150 member nations. But a UN career is demanding, requiring excellent skills and a commitment to lifelong learning.
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Features
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UN interpreters and translators have outstanding multilingual abilities that include one or more of the UN's official languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese). Interpreters with skills in other languages, from Albanian to Vietnamese, are needed. Interpreters translate written materials and interpret speeches and meeting exchanges that often center on sensitive international issues. They also help prepare contracts and other documents.
Geography
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Interpreters and translators work not only at UN headquarters in New York City, but in various UN.\ field operations around the world, such as sites of the UN Development Program. UNDP has field operations in more than 100 countries around the world. Interpreters and translators also serve with UN international bodies, such as the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands.
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Requirements
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UN interpreters must have excellent language skills, often in more than two languages. They must demonstrate their skills by passing a UN interpreters' examination in the language they will be expected to translate. A given job vacancy for an interpreter will specify the languages in which the interpreter must be fluent. Interpreters must have a degree from an accredited college or university. Previous experience as an interpreter or translator is a plus, and for some interpreter positions at the UN, is required. In addition, interpreters must be team players, as they often will work with other translators and interpreters.
Benefits
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Salaries for UN interpreters vary with the person's level of education and experience. Starting salaries for professional-level UN positions, including interpreters, range from $35,570 to just over $83,000 a year. Additional compensation is available for UN staff members who demonstrate proficiency in any two of the organization's official languages. The UN also offers a full benefits package.
Considerations
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In addition to their existing educational and language background, interpreters must be committed to continuous improvement of their linguistic and other professional skills. They may need to learn additional languages over the course of their careers. The more languages an interpreter masters, the more valuable he or she is to the UN.
UN interpreters must be comfortable in a multicultural and diverse work environment, as they will interact on a daily basis with individuals from around the world. Interpreters assigned to field positions should possess knowledge of the historical, social, economic and political background of the country in which they work.
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