BBC WORLD SERVICE

JOB SPECIFICATION

Job Title: Simultaneous Translator

Department: BBC Arabic
Grade: 8D
Reports to: TV News Editors
Base: London
Contract: Continuing

Context

BBC Arabic is the largest BBC language service, providing news, current affairs and programmes on Radio,
TV and Online to Arabic speaking audiences in the Middle East and across the world, 24 hours per day,
seven days per week.

The output is modern in style and outlook and adheres to BBC values of accuracy and impartiality. It has
broad appeal, free from commercial, political and religious affiliations or pressures.

Job Purpose

BBC Arabic is looking for a trilingual simultaneous translator/text translator working predominately as part of
our TV team. Shift work may be required which could include nights, weekends and public holidays.

Main Duties

A simultaneous translator is required to carry out some or all of the following duties in the relevant languages:-

 To interpret simultaneously a range of material including: official speeches, interviews with

contributors, discussion programmes for TV news bulletins, news/current affairs and other
programmes, under the direction of the TV Editors and Senior Broadcast Journalists.
 To perform translations in at least three languages - English/Arabic-Arabic/English and a third language
preferably: French-German-Spanish- Russian- Turkish - in front of the microphone, live or in recording
sessions.
 To translate, adapt, voice and record material including packages and scripts for broadcasting.
 To translate text material on occasion as required, including online scripts, programme transcripts and
press releases around special seasons or events.
 To shorten packages or scripts for broadcasting and online publication under editorial guidance.
 To use the full range of programme resources available.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience

 A proven professional knowledge and experience in at least 3 languages – Arabic, English and a third
language: Preferably one of the following – German, Spanish, Russian, Turkish - including complete
comprehension of the spoken and written languages. It would be preferable for the translator to be a
native Arabic speaker.
 A thorough and up to date knowledge and understanding of news and current affairs in the Middle East
North Africa region and internationally.
  High level of concentration, discipline and proven ability to deliver accuracy in conveying the translation
clearly from one language to the other during discussion programmes and other output.
 To work and deliver high-quality professional interpretation/translation under pressure and meeting
deadlines.
 A good general knowledge of contemporary political, economic, social and scientific issues.
 Good computer/keyboard and IT skills and a good knowledge of useful digital and internet sources.
 Strong awareness of, and commitment to, the aims, objectives, standards and values of BBC World
Service.

COMPETENCIES

The following competencies (behaviours and characteristics) have been identified as key to success in the job.
Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate these competencies.

 Professional Judgement - demonstrates accuracy in conveying ideas and expressions in a debate

environment.

 Planning and organisation - able to think ahead in order to establish an efficient and appropriate course of
action for self and others. Prioritises and plans activities taking into account all the relevant issues and
factors such as deadlines, staffing and resources.

 Communication - able to get one’s message understood clearly by adopting a range of styles, tools and
techniques appropriate to the audience and the nature of the information.

 Influencing and persuading - able to present sound and well reasoned arguments to convince others. Can
draw from a range of strategies to persuade people in a way that results in agreement or behaviour change.

 Managing relationships and team working - able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a
range of people. Works co-operatively with others to be part of a team, as opposed to working separately or
competitively.

 Resilience - manages personal effectiveness by managing emotions in the face of pressure, set backs or
when dealing with provocative situations. Demonstrates an approach to work that is characterised by
commitment, motivation and energy.

 Flexibility - adapts and works effectively with a variety of situations, individuals or groups. Able to
understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue, to adapt an approach as the
requirements of a situation change, and to change or easily accept changes in one’s own organisation or job
requirements.

 Understanding Diversity: understands diversity in its widest sense and appreciates the uniqueness of self
and others, and how individual differences can benefit the BBC. You will demonstrate a commitment to
improving diversity in the BBC and take a balanced approach to discussing and taking action on diversity
issues.
DATE OF ISSUE: November 2016

(A job specification is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal
accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of
performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.)