Language Proficiency:
Language proficiency testing in the source language(s) and English is required for all levels of linguists in the four basic communications skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking). Evidence of language proficiency testing with acceptable results is required for all linguists prior to assignment to a DoS contract. Testing shall be performed by the U. S. Department of State - Office of Language Services. Language Services will test the ability to interpret and translate. The contractor must assess the ability of the applicant to listen, read, write and speak in English and Arabic/Kurdish. Other qualifications: Undergraduate Degree or Graduate Education: Major Study - the appropriate foreign language from an English-speaking college or university, English from a college or university in the other country, or translating or interpreting where English and the foreign language were prerequisites. A university level is not needed for all positions. Individuals with a "clear idiomatic command" of the language will be acceptable for some positions.
OR
Specialized Experience: Experience in translating, interpreting, or other work requiring the use of English and the other languages; or a combination of work (that required English and the other language) and training at the Defense Language Institute, Foreign Service Institute, or comparable training. Following are examples of work in the required language that may have provided the required abilities and specialized experience: Translator; Interpreter; Librarian or Information Specialist required to make abstracts, screen, index, and scan material; Intelligence; Writer or Editor; International Organizational Work, such as the Peace Corps, World Bank, United Nations, Business or other Organizations; or Professor, Teacher, or Instructor work at the high school or college level that required the use of the foreign language. b. An excellent command of the English language with the ability to provide clear and concise oral and written communication. c. Ability to understand basic elements of speech in a standard dialect. Standard dialect refers to the listening skill that is the ability to understand the essentials of all speech in a standard dialect including technical discussion within a special field. d. Skills necessary to listen and comprehend the required foreign language(s) with native or near-native ability; and ability to follow accurately the basic elements of conversations and telephone calls. e. Skills necessary to read and comprehend the required foreign language with native or near-native ability, and to read and understand various text-types. f. Ability to comprehend slang and colloquial expressions in the required foreign language and translate them into their English equivalent. g. Effective understanding of face-to-face speech with sufficiently broad vocabulary that paraphrasing or explanations are unnecessary. h. Ability to work well under pressure to meet specific deadlines. i. Basic typing/word processing skills of at least 30 wpm. The Government may waive the basic typing skill proficiency level under extenuating circumstances. The COR will evaluate the circumstances on a case-by-case basis. j. Ability to understand requirements necessary to perform specific tasks being processed and produced. k. State certification, as required.
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