Chief Interpreter (English) at African Development Bank - AfDB

Position Number: 50001500
Position Grade: PL3

The Complex

• The Vice-Presidency, Technology and Corporate Services (TCVP) is responsible for the design, development and delivery of efficient, people-centered, client-oriented, corporate services and information-technology solutions to ensure overall institutional effectiveness in all aspects of the Bank’s corporate services.
• The Complex provides leadership in the formulation and implementation of Bank’s strategies, policies, controls and approaches on organizational information technology systems, software applications, cyber security, IT support and infrastructure systems.
• The Complex is also responsible for management of the Bank’s real estate assets, institutional procurement, language services and business continuity.

The Hiring Department / Division

• The Language Services Department is responsible for ensuring quality translation of major Bank documents primarily into English and French, but also into Arabic and Portuguese, as well as other languages as required; providing high standard interpretation in English and French or Arabic and Portuguese, editing documents meant for publication and ensuring quality; analyzing and evaluating strategic choices and making relevant recommendations on the use of English and French within the Bank Group; reviewing, updating and implementing practical guidelines and procedures for the efficient delivery of language services; and assisting partner organizations eliciting the Bank’s assistance in establishing, restructuring or improving their language services; promote bilingualism so as to enhance communication among staff and with the Bank’s clients and partners.
• Within the Language Services Department, the mandate of the French and English Interpretation Division (TCLS2) is to provide interpretation services in the Bank’s working languages (French and English) and occasionally in Arabic and Portuguese for all statutory bodies of the Bank (Boards of Governors, Boards of Directors and their subsidiary organs), various organizational units of the Bank, as well as for meetings co-organized by the Bank with external stakeholders and development partners.

The Position

• Under the general supervision of the French and English Interpretation Division Manager, the Chief Interpreter (English) will provide high quality interpretation services (simultaneous and consecutive) at high-level meetings, events and functions of the Bank and contribute to the design and implementation of quality control mechanisms for interpretation into English.

Key Functions

• Provide high-quality interpretation at meetings of the Bank, especially at statutory meetings (Boards of Governors, Boards of Directors, Bank Group Annual Meetings, African Development Fund (ADF) Replenishment, General Capital Increase) and other high-level events.
• Lead large teams of interpreters at flagship events such as the African Economic Conference (AEC), CoP Meetings, High Level Panels and Summits.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of all English booth freelance interpreters recruited by the Bank and present periodic reports to the Division Manager thereon for consideration during the annual updating of the roster of freelance interpreters, as part of his/her quality control function.
• Participate in the selection of freelance interpreters in the English booth in accordance with the Guidance Note on the Recruitment of Consultants for Language Services.
• Serve as quality control focal point for interpretation into English.
• Participate in the recruitment of Principal and Senior Interpreters in the English booth.
• Coach and mentor Senior Interpreters in the English booth as well as new interpreters on the freelance roster.
• Lead and chair working groups tasked with reviewing various issues related to interpretation services, policies and guidelines, drawing on industry best practice.
• Evaluate reports from team leaders regarding issues concerning the English booth arising from meetings and propose necessary follow-up actions.
• Work closely with the Conference Services of the Bank to ensure that booths and other meeting facilities are in line with industry standards.
• Work closely with the Division Manager, as may be necessary, to coordinate English interpretation activities at Bank Group Annual Meetings.
• Sit, as and when necessary, on the examination panels of interpretation schools with particular focus on the performance of graduating students in the English booth.
• Represent the Division on various committees as determined by the Division Manager, especially in preparation of high-level events, and perform any other duties as may be required.
• Act for the Division Manager, as and when necessary. In that capacity, plan, organize, and supervise the activities of the Division.  

Competencies (Skills, Experience and Knowledge)

• A least of a Master’s Degree in Conference Interpreting, or any other related discipline.
• At least seven (7) years of professional experience in a similar organization, with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Relevant and practical experience in an international organization will be an asset.
• Ability to work under pressure, with calm and serenity, setting priorities and managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Capacity to lead, supervise and motivate teams of interpreters in a complex multicultural environment.
• Ability to contribute to strategic thinking to improve interpretation and other business processes of the Language Services Department.
• Ability to evaluate interpreters objectively and give appropriate feedback.
• Ability to coach and mentor less experienced interpreters to enhance their performance.
• Ability to multitask and manage complex interpretation requests and scenarios.