VACANCY: TRANSLATOR/INTERPRETER at the EU Delegation to Libya

We are

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership between 27 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global organizations. Abroad, the EU is represented through more than 140 diplomatic representations, known also as EU Delegations, which have a similar function to those of an embassy.

The EU Delegation to the Libya (Tripoli) works in close coordination with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States. We are a fully-fledged diplomatic mission and represent the European Union in dealings with the Libyan government in areas that are part of the EU’s remit.

We offer

The post of Translator/Interpreter (Local Agent Group 1) in the Head of Delegation’s Section. The team consists of nine people and there are occasional atypical working hours.

Under this post, the recruited person will be attributed functions depending on the needs of the Delegation, and on the changes of these needs. The successful candidate will serve under the supervision and responsibility of the Head of Delegation and the Head Political, Press and Information Section, providing support, expertise and assistance in translation and interpretation tasks.

Following main tasks and duties are currently required: 

• Translate all necessary documents form English to Arabic and vice-versa upon request of the Head of the Delegation and the Heads of Sections. General linguistic support (contacts with Government authorities). Preparation/translation of diplomatic notes/documents. Translation of communication materials such as social media posts.
• Interpret from English to Arabic and vice-versa simultaneously and consecutively when required.
• Interpret courtesy calls, demarches, speeches/lectures, interviews, contacts with local authorities and organizations, dinners/luncheons, missions, technical meetings with ministries, meetings with economic and industrial organizations, contacts with private sector players, press interviews, speeches, etc.
• Interpret for missions from Headquarters (President, Commissioners, Directors generals, Head of Division, administrators and experts, etc.).
• Provide interpretation assistance to the Head of Delegation, visitors and individual staff members and/or Delegation from English to Arabic and vice and versa. Assisting in the organisation and interpretation of high-level meetings, missions, special events, seminars, press conferences, etc.
• Any other tasks related to translation and interpretation or ad hoc tasks relating to the activities of the Delegation.

The base salary will depend on relevant and verified employment experience, typically starting from 2939 EURO/month. There is a competitive benefits package, subject to certain conditions, including personal leave days and public holidays, health insurances and a retirement savings plan.

The working hours are 37.5 per week (from Sunday to Thursday).

The contract - “local agent” post of Group 1- will be concluded for an initial fixed-term period of 1 year.

The expected start date will be as soon as possible

Minimum requirements / eligibility criteria (necessary for the application to be considered)

• Minimum of University level education of at least 4 years or equivalent (Bachelor or Master Degree) preferably in Translation/interpretation, Linguistics (English language), Philology or in a subject relevant to the post job-description
• Minimum of 5 years of experience; and at least 2 years working experience of relevant professional experience (translation/interpretation)
• Excellent knowledge of English and Arabic
• Excellent knowledge of computer applications. Microsoft Office
• Right to residence and work in Libya
• Medical fitness to carry out the tasks assigned

Assets / selection criteria (basis for awarding points to select the best applicant)

• Previous experience working in an Embassy or international organization as translator/interpreter;
• Knowledge of relevant Arabic dialect (Libyan), knowledge of any other EU languages;
• Excellent skills of time management, and interpersonal skills; capacity of organizing and coordinating meetings and agendas;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Proactivity and self-starter. Self-motivation and ability to work autonomously;
• Energetic person able to handle several strands of work in parallel in a high-pressure environment;
• Prioritising and organising. Respecting deadlines;
• Committed to quality, speed and accuracy in work;
• An ability to work well with others and in a team is vital;
• Ability to handle politically sensitive issues in a responsible manner.

How to apply

Please submit your application, consisting of a cover letter, Europass format CV (the template can be found at http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/documents/curriculum-vitae) and a declaration on honor (the template can be found here) regarding the good standing/work rights/medical fitness via the FMB DELEGATION-LIBYA-RECRUITMENT@eeas.europa.eu

The email subject field should clearly indicate as Reference/subject: Translator/Interpreter - post n° 405793 and be received no later than 10/01/2024, (16:00 Libya local time).

Only complete applications received on time via the FMB DELEGATION-LIBYA-RECRUITMENT@eeas.europa.eu will be considered.

The successful candidate will be subject to a medical check and background check.

The process

After the deadline for applications, the eligible applications will be admitted to the Selection by the Committee set up for this purpose.

Depending on the number of applications received, successive phases of Selection may include shortlisting of candidates based assessment of the information provided in the cover letter, CV; practical testing and interviews. The two or three best candidates will be invited to the final phase.

Only candidates admitted to each successive selection phase will be contacted individually. The Delegation will use the same means of publication as for this job advertisement to inform the remaining candidates once the recruitment procedure has been completed and that a candidate has (or has not) been recruited.

The Delegation will not supply additional information or discuss the selection procedure. During the selection process, please do not contact the members of the Selection Committee, but address your questions and comments to the Delegation’s Administration.