Interpreter / Translator

WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that was established in July 1946 and whose objective is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. WHO’s primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations system. WHO’s main areas of work are health systems; health through the life-course; noncommunicable and communicable diseases; preparedness, surveillance and response; and corporate services.

WHO’s mandate revolves around six core functions: (i) providing leadership on global health matters; (ii) shaping the health research agenda; (iii) setting norms and standards; (iv) articulating evidence-based policy options; (v) providing technical support to countries; and (vi) monitoring and assessing health trends.

The WHO Country Office for Uzbekistan supports the Government’s health policy in line with WHO's principles and values and advocates for an integrated approach to health development. The WHO Country Office helps the country to strengthen its health system, providing technical and financial support, as necessary, and mobilizing and convening partners in the health development space.

World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO was founded in 1948 to work for the attainment of the highest possible level of health by all peoples. WHO works with 194 Member States, providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, and articulating evidence-based policy options. It also provides technical support to Member States, monitors and assesses health trends, funds medical research and provides emergency aid during disasters. Through its programmes, WHO also works to improve nutrition, housing, sanitation and working conditions around the world. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and has six regional offices around the world.

The role of a WHO is to respond to requests from the host country to support policy-making for sustainable health development, taking a holistic health-system approach. This includes providing guidance, building up local relationships to implement technical cooperation, making standards and agreements, and ensuring that public health measures are coordinated and in place during crises. The WHO Country Office in Uzbekistan was established in 1993 in Tashkent. The Office is the focal point for WHO activities in Uzbekistan.

This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of WHO Country Office in Uzbekistan project or flagship programming initiative, among others.

(1) The incumbent will be based at the WHO CO in Uzbekistan and work under supervision of the WHO Representative and in close collaboration with WHO Communication Officer and the WHO Administrative Officer. He/she will work in close contact with all the members of the CO.

(2) The role of the incumbent is that of a specialist in translations both written and verbal from English to Uzbek, Russian and vice versa. He/she is part of the CO team as well as relates to relevant technical units.

(3) Proactive role in seeking guidance from colleagues, searching and analysing evidence, and usage of WHO prepared guidelines is foreseen.

(4) Contacts within the organization:
• WHO and other staff in WHO Country Office: to share and receive knowledge/information, to harmonize implementation of work;
• Relevant staff in WHO/EURO’s Language Services Unit: to receive specific input in language usage and WHO terminology/expressions;

Contacts outside the organization:
• Technical partners and stakeholders on the ground
• Officials in the Ministry of Health and local authorities as appropriate
• UN agencies within the UNCT

The National Youth UN Volunteer (Interpreter/ Translator) and will undertake the following tasks:
Ensuring efficient, timeliness and qualitative translation
• Translate Documents (English to Uzbek, Russian and vice versa).
• Ensure efficient, timely and qualitative translation is conducted, the usage of proper terminology (English and Uzbek, Russian based on the nature of documents), accuracy in language and structure is maintained, confidentiality of translated materials is respected.
• Proofread and edit final translated versions.
• Provide consecutive interpretation services during meetings and/or trainings organized by WHO on various topics.
• Perform terminology research to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of all translations.
• Working closely with the Communications Officer, prepare translations of visibility products.
• Be responsible for ensuring quality and accuracy of the entire document before submission.
• Travels with WHO staff on their missions to the field for interpretation and other assistance, as needed.
• Responds to queries relating to the area of responsibility.
• Takes notes at meetings; takes and transcribes from dictation, recordings and handwritten drafts.
• Performs other duties as required.     

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
• Provide end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.