The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a 15-member regional group mandated to promote economic integration, social cohesion, and political stability across West Africa. As a premier Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), ECOWAS operates through a robust institutional framework, led by the Commission and the Community Parliament, to harmonize policies, foster a "borderless" region, and uphold democratic governance for over 400 million citizens. 

Language Combination: French A, English C, or Portuguese C. (Any proven B language in either of the other two working languages of the Community will be an advantage).

The incumbent shall, in accordance with professional standards, provide interpretation services for meetings and events of the Commission, ensuring high linguistic and terminological quality and application of ECOWAS jargon. S/he shall facilitate the setting-up and updating of terminology database and compilation of glossaries. 

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Services all meetings/events assigned by Language Coordinator and Management.
• Provides interpretation in relevant language combination, (simultaneous, consecutive, whispering, liaison) of speeches or statements.
• Routinely assigned to sensitive meetings.
• Functions as language team leader when assigned to a given meeting.
• Assists the Language Coordinator as appropriate, in the screening, training and conduct of testing for prospective interpreters and freelancers for roster.
• Participate in establishment of terminology database, compilation of glossaries, etc.
• Performs other related duties as required.

• Masters or Bachelor's degree in Conference Interpretation from a recognized university or institute.
• 10 years of experience in Conference Interpretation (four of which should be as a staff Interpreter).
• Exhibits highest standards of split-second accuracy, consistency and faithfulness to the style and nuances of the original and source languages.
• Proven understanding of how to “weigh” Interpretation teams.
• Ability to maintain highest standard of confidentiality.
• knowledge of terminological and reference research techniques with ability to use wide variety of information.
• Demonstrated professional competence and mastery of subject matter.
• Seek to develop oneself professionally and personally and keep abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession.
• Demonstrated comprehension of every imaginable accent, in addition to coping with issues of speed and style.
• Ability to find proper cultural equivalents and take cultural context into account, thorough knowledge of both language and culture is thus required.
• Demonstrated capacity to uphold team coherence and booth manners.
• A perfect command of the target language and an excellent knowledge of the source language. Good knowledge of the third language of ECOWAS is an advantage.

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  Skills

• Knowledge of AI and electronic tools related to use of documents and meeting preparation
• Knowledge of glossary preparation software and related tools
• Familiarity with ISO standards for fixed and mobile interpretation equipment
• General familiarity with functionality of interpretation equipment including appropriate use of console for ‘retour’