INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION
ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, with the mission to connect the world. To achieve this, ITU manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits at the international level, works to improve communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishes global standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communication systems.
ITU applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. Achieving gender balance is a high priority for ITU.
Roster - Conference Interpreter (I-1/I-2 level)
Vacancy notice no: 2179
Sector: SG
Department: C&P
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva
Position number:
Grade: Other
Type of contract: Roster
Duration of contract: 1 day to 2 months
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 31 December 2026
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT
The General Secretariat directs administrative, human and financial resources and activities of the Union, including the implementation of the provisions of the administrative regulations on operational questions, the dissemination of information on telecommunication/ICT matters for operational and other purposes, and the provision of legal advice to the whole of the Union. The General Secretariat coordinates the implementation of the Strategic Plan, monitors the telecommunication/ICT environment and recommends as needed action relating to the Union’s future policies and strategy. The General Secretariat ensures inter-sectoral coordination and cooperation to advance a whole of ITU approach (One-ITU) in headquarters and the field. The General Secretariat provides logistical and information technology support to the Union’s activities including conferences and global forums; the coordination of the work of the Union with the United Nations system, and other international organizations; and the engagement of the Member States, Sector Members, and Academia. The General Secretariat manages corporate governance, and strategic communications and relations with the media, different stakeholder groups as well as the general public.
The Conferences and Publications Department is responsible for ensuring communication between people involved in ITU activities and for the dissemination of ITU products, through its conference services (conference organization and logistics), language services (translation and interpretation in the six official languages, précis-writing, terminology and reference services) and documentation and publications services (text capture and text processing, electronic document management, publication composition, reproduction and distribution of paper and physical electronic products).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the Head of the Interpretation Service, the duties to be performed by the Conference Interpreter are as follows:
- Interpretation Services: Provide accurate and clear interpretation (simultaneous or consecutive) between two or more ITU official languages during ITU conferences, meetings, and field missions, in compliance with the working conditions applicable to United Nations meetings and conferences.
- Team Collaboration: Work effectively as part of a team of interpreters, and, when required, lead the team during assignments.
- Sensitive Assignments: Occasionally handle sensitive or high-level meetings, requiring discretion and professionalism.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Applying Expertise; Effective Communication; Learning and Knowledge Sharing; Organizational Commitment; Results-Focused, and; Teamwork and Collaboration.
FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
- Proficiency in simultaneous interpretation with a proven ability to maintain a high level of concentration and accuracy under pressure.
- Digital fluency with computer hardware and software.
- Knowledge of video conferencing platforms (Zoom, MS Teams etc.) is desirable.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education:
University degree in Interpretation, Translation, Linguistics, Languages or a related field OR education from a reputed college of advanced education, with a diploma equivalent to a university degree in one of the fields above.
Experience:
At least one year of experience in conference (simultaneous) interpretation is required. Experience with remote interpretation platforms is considered an advantage.
Languages:
Native command of at least one (1) of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) and the ability to interpret from two (2) or more other official languages. Knowledge of any additional official languages is an advantage.
INFORMATION ON RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the ITU Careers website. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. ITU uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. Messages originating from a non ITU e-mail account - @itu.int - should be disregarded. ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
