The Position:

National Consultant on a retention basis for translation and interpretation to support the Humanitarian Response.

(Only female candidates are allowed for this consultancy)

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Purpose of consultancy:

Interpreter (English, Bangla, and Rohingya – Spoken).

Scope of work: 

• Provide Real-Time Interpretation: Facilitate communication by interpreting spoken language between English, Bangla, and Rohingya during donor visits, meetings, and field observations.
• Ensure accurate and effective communication, conveying the intended meaning, tone, and nuances of the original message.
• Maintain cultural sensitivity and awareness when interpreting, adapting to different conversational contexts.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive or private information shared during the sessions.
• Provide consecutive or simultaneous interpretation as per the requirement of the activity.

Duration and working schedule:

The interpreter will be contacted on an as-needed basis depending on the schedule of events. The contract will be open until November 30, 2025.

Place where services are to be delivered: 

UNFPA Cox’s Bazar Sub-office and a variety of field locations

Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.): 

The work will be delivered in-person, requiring physical presence on-site.

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline: 

Monitoring and progress will be evaluated based on the successful delivery of interpretation services during donor visits, meetings, and other related events. Key indicators for evaluation will include the accuracy, clarity, and neutrality of interpretation, as well as the consultant’s professionalism during on-site engagements.

Supervisory arrangements:

The consultant will be directly supervised by the Team Lead of the specific hiring unit responsible for the consultancy. The Team Lead will oversee the consultant’s performance, provide guidance, and ensure that the consultant is aligned with the objectives of the assignment.

Expected travel:

Frequent travel to camps.

Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements: 

• Professional-level fluency in spoken and written English (speaking, reading, writing).
• Professional-level fluency in spoken Bangla, with excellent writing skills in Bangla.
• Fluency in Rohingya dialect, with deep knowledge of its nuances and cultural context.
• Strong understanding of gender sensitivity and informed consent, particularly in humanitarian and refugee settings.
• Proven ability in real-time spoken interpretation in humanitarian settings, demonstrating accuracy, neutrality, and professionalism.
• Familiarity with UNFPA and its work

Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g. support services, office space, equipment), if applicable: 

• Transportation to and from the camps as required for donor visits and related activities.
• The consultant will be expected to work on-site at the camp for the duration of assignments. UNFPA, however, will not provide office space, telephone, computer and any other device during the assignment.

Payment Instruction : 

Payments will be made based on the agreed rate and will be processed after the successful completion of assignments, in accordance with the UNFPA guidelines for consultancy payments.

Level of the Consultant:

This is a mid-level consultancy position, requiring a professional level of proficiency in English, Bangla, and Rohingya, as well as significant experience in real-time interpretation in humanitarian settings.

Required Competencies: 

Values:

Exemplifying integrity,

Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,

Embracing cultural diversity,

Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

Achieving results,

Being accountable,

Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,

Thinking analytically and strategically,

Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce – click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements