The United Nations is currently accepting applications for the upcoming competitive examination for Arabic-language interpreters.

The examination aims to establish a roster to fill present and future vacancies for Arabic-language interpreters (P-2/P-3) at United Nations Headquarters in New York and at the United Nations Offices at Geneva, Nairobi, and Vienna.

Candidates must have a perfect command of Arabic, which is normally expected to be their main language and must be fluent in English or French as an active interpretation language.

The examination will be conducted remotely in two parts: an online interpretation exam and a competency-based interview. Candidates simply need a computer and a high-speed internet connection.

The first part of the examination will consist of the following:

  • Online interpretation pre-selection test – one audio statement in Arabic for simultaneous interpretation into English or French and one audio statement in English or French for simultaneous interpretation into Arabic (29 November 2024)

  • Online interpretation exam – session 1, simultaneous interpretation into English or French of two recorded speeches in Arabic (24 January 2025)

  • Online interpretation exam – session 2, simultaneous interpretation into Arabic of two recorded speeches delivered in English or French (25 January 2025)

Only candidates who are successful in the pre-selection test will be invited to the online interpretation exam (session 1 and session 2). Candidates must pass both sessions of the online interpretation exam to be considered successful in the first part of the examination process and to be invited to the competency-based interview.

Further details about the process and all eligibility criteria, including education, work experience and languages, can be found in the announcement available on the Careers Portal.

All qualified external and internal candidates are welcome to apply by Sunday, 4 August 2024.

A series of three webinars will be offered to interested candidates to explain the application process and provide tips for preparing for the examination. Details and registration links will be shared on the social media accounts of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM).

More information: