Language Specialist (multiple positions)

• Accurate interpretation services for the Mechanism’s external communications.
• High quality and timely translations of documents to and from English and the languages used in Myanmar.
• Accurate translations of multiple forms of communication between the Mechanism personnel and others.
• High quality and timely transcription of audio/video materials to and from English and the languages used in Myanmar.
• Timely review of evidentiary materials in one of the languages used in Myanmar.

Under the direct supervision of the head of the Language Support Services Section (LSSS) of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (“Mechanism”), the Language Assistant will be responsible for the following duties, with full respect for confidentiality and security requirements related to the Mechanism’s mandate:

• Provide interpretation from one or more languages used in Myanmar to English, and vice versa, between Mechanism personnel and witnesses, information providers and other interlocutors, in line with relevant operational procedures;
• Translate documents and communications from one or more languages used in Myanmar to English, and vice versa, covering a broad range of subjects within the Mechanism’s mandate, and in accordance with the glossary, style guide and manual used by the LSSS;
• Transcribe audio/video materials from one or more languages used in Myanmar and translate to English;
• Record and store the translated materials in the Mechanism’s evidence repository;
• Train and correct draft translation done by the Mechanism’s AI translation tool;
• Participate in consultations with other Mechanism personnel about lexicons and other language issues with the aim of ensuring consistency and coherence in interpretations/translations;
• Assist with the review and preparation of English summaries of evidentiary materials originally in one or more languages used in Myanmar; and
• Perform other related tasks.

The functions may involve exposure to sensitive, distressing, or graphic information in the course of translation/interpretation. The incumbent is expected to maintain accuracy, impartiality and professional composure for handling such material.

A first-level degree from a university or institution of equivalent status in languages, social sciences, law or other related fields is required. A minimum of three (3) years of experience translating and/or interpreting from the Myanmar language (Burmese) into English, and vice versa, is required. Experience in translating legal and/or criminal investigative documents or materials is desirable. Experience in an international criminal court or international accountability mechanism, or in a national court or tribunal is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in written and spoken English and the Myanmar language (Burmese) is required. Knowledge of one or more of the other languages used in Myanmar (such as Chin, Kayin, Kachin, Rakhine, Rohingya or Shan) is desirable.