POSITION: POLITICAL ASSISTANT/TRANSLATOR

TO ALL INTERESTED CANDIDATES

LENGTH OF HIRE : Part time

Starting salary FJ$25,960 per annum

BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION

Under the supervision of the Consul and Consular/Commercial Officer, interprets/translates from Tongan into English and vice-versa for Consular Officer interviews; conducts research for political office.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.  Interprets Tongan Non Immigrant, Immigrant and Diversity Visa applications from Tongan language into English and vice-versa for Consular Officer interviews; translate information on VPP website into Tongan language where appropriate; make enquiries/provide assistance with consular enquiries in Tonga; research specific areas for consular reports; act as second back up for ACS; and may be required to make short occasional visits to Tonga to assist an officer with non immigrant visa interviews there.

2.  Research and update annual political and economic reports; translate news items; official documents and publications of interest and provide brief summaries of these for officers.  Provide local expertise on political issues as well as compiling daily and/or weekly news summaries on pertinent political, economic and development issues in Tonga; maintain and expand Post’s contacts at senior level in government institutions and ministries; churches, NGOs, and commercial sector; assist consular section on protocol issues and assist with official Tongan visitors as well as assist with arranging and staging of Embassy events in Tonga.   
          
     
Required Qualifications:

NOTE: All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item

1.  Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Journalism, Economics or related field is required.

2.  Two to three years of progressively responsible experience in interpreting or translating, experience in social science research, newspaper reporting, or a closely related field required.

3.  Level IV written and spoken fluency in English and Tongan is required.

4.  Must be tactful when dealing with the public, have excellent interpersonal skills.  Ability to draft routine, uncomplicated correspondence in the Tongan language to English or vice-versa.  Ability to prepare factual reports and interpret the needs of staff members for press and related coverage of current political and economic developments.  Must have basic computer, word processing and internet skills.

PLEASE NOTE:  Applicants must have the required work permit for Fiji to be eligible for consideration.

The deadline for applications is November 13, 2009.

Letter detailing qualifications and relevant experience along with current resume should be forwarded to the (please indicate Vacancy Title) Human Resources Office, American Embassy, PO Box 218, Suva or e-mail to Hrosuva@state.gov.

NOTE:  Only short listed applicants will be contacted regarding the next phase of the selection process.  To those applicants not short listed, we extend our appreciation for considering the U.S. Government as a potential employer.