Head, Language Services (P-5)

PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONS

1. Direct, co-ordinate and control the Organisation’s language services (editing, translation, interpretation, and directly supporting services, including those provided in relation to OPCW Confidential Material), as well as the document issuance and dissemination services in languages other than English, through direct and indirect supervision, coordination of the diverse units of the Branch, and establishment of operative guidelines. (40%)
2. Take managerial and administrative action for the staffing and efficient functioning of the Branch, specifically through the selection, assignment, training, supervision, performance assessment and career development of staff, as well as through the preparation and justification of the Branch’s budgetary provisions and the effective and efficient use of allocated resources. (20%)
3. Monitor, through the Senior Linguists, the work of the language sections on a regular basis; and on an ongoing basis, through the Reference Assistant, the timely progress of all editing and translation work assigned to the Branch, ensuring in all cases, where appropriate, the maintenance of Confidentiality. (20%)
4. Advise other officers of the Secretariat as well as Members of Delegations on language practice; prepare documentation reports and correspondence on language and documentation policies and practice, and participate in meetings, both at headquarters and internationally, where these are discussed. (15%)
5. Substitute the Director of the Secretariat for the Policy-Making Organs, providing adequate advice and support to the Secretariat staff as well as Members of the Delegations on his or her behalf, as required during his or her absences, on all matters under the Director’s purview. (5%)

RECRUITING PROFILE:  

Education (Qualifications): 

Essential:  Advanced or bachelors university degree or equivalent qualification in languages (translation and interpretation) from an institution of equivalent status.#

 Experience: 

Essential:  A minimum of 10 years of translation and interpretation experience (and 12 years with a First Level Degree), preferably within the United Nations system, 5 years of which should be leading and directing a multiple-language team.

Skills and Abilities (key competencies):

-Proven experience in translating and interpreting politically sensitive and highly specialised technical subjects;

-An understanding of international affairs. Thorough knowledge of the Chemical Weapons Convention is desirable, and a knowledge of related disarmament and technical issues is essential;

-Knowledge of operating procedures of an international organization based on application of its Rules of Procedure and/or other statutory documents;

-Computer literacy, including knowledge and ability to work with Windows-compatible word processing equipment;

-Proven ability to work effectively to meet deadlines while leading a team;

-Proven ability to set up ad-hoc language teams to provide linguistic services for events held both at and outside headquarters;

-Good interpersonal skills and ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment;

-Ability to plan and organise;

-Proven capacity to assist staff in their career development;

-Initiative and problem-solving skills; and

-Tact, accuracy and respect for confidentiality.

Language Requirements:  

A fluent knowledge of English, which must be a working language, and a solid working knowledge of at least two of the other official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish).