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Simultaneous Interpreters

Descriptions & Duties

  • Simultaneous Interpreters provide simultaneous interpretation in English/ Cantonese/ Putonghua at meetings of the Legislative Council, District Councils, other statutory bodies and advisory committees, seminars and press conferences. They compile glossaries for reference and review reference materials, such as dictionaries, encyclopaedias, and terminology banks to ensure interpretation accuracy. They also assist in activities related to the provision of simultaneous interpretation service and training of simultaneous interpreters.

Generic Competencies

Physical Abilities

Physical abilities

  • Physical strength
  • Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity

 

Importance:1 (Max:5) 

Skill is rarely required

 

Technology Skills

Technology skills

  • Computer literacy
  • Application of technology

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Cognitive Abilities

Cognitive abilities

  • Creativity
  • Visualisation
  • Logical thinking

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Comprehension And Expression

Comprehension and expression skills

  • Reading comprehension
  • Oral / written expression

 

Importance:5 (Max:5) 

Skill is required all the time

 

Social Skills

Social skills

  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Persuasion

 

Importance:4 (Max:5) 

Skill is frequently required

 

Organisation And Execution Skills

Organisation and execution skills

  • Planning
  • Organising
  • Judgement
  • Decision making

 

Importance:4 (Max:5) 

Skill is frequently required

 

Problem Solving Skills

Problem solving skills

  • Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Management Skills

Management skills

  • Leadership
  • Management of finance / time / people / other resources

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Trade Specific Competencies

Knowledge and ability of language interpretation

Simultaneous Interpreters must have good knowledge and ability of language interpretation, such as English to Cantonese or Mandarin and vice versa, etc. They must also be familiar with relevant terminology and sensitive to cultural differences and expectations. Successful interpreting and translating must have a good understanding of people's cultures.

Good language interpretation skills

Simultaneous Interpreters must have good language interpretation skills, such as mastering the ability to concentrate in the booth under disturbances, follow the pace of source speech, etc.

General Requirements

Academic qualification

  • A bachelor's degree, or equivalent

Experience

  • at least 7 years post-qualification experience

Other specific requirements

  • Level 2 in English & Chinese in Common Recruitment Examination (CRE); pass a Trade Test; proficient in Cantonese/ English & simultaneous interpretation (proficient in Putonghua is preferred)

Career Path & Salary

Government Sector

Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 32-44

Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 45-49

*For more details on Civil Service Pay Scales, please visit website of the Civil Service Bureau.
http://www.csb.gov.hk/english/admin/pay/952.html

Work Environment

  • Simultaneous Interpreters are required to work irregular hours and/or outside Hong Kong, wear headphones and operate console while working.

Tools

  • Audio mixing consoles - Interpreter consoles
  • Digital voice recorders - Digital audio recorders

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