Senior Language Assistant (Spanish) (GS-5)

Principal Functions

Reporting to the Senior Linguist (Spanish) and in accordance with the OPCW Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity/Gender Equality, the Senior Language Assistant (Spanish) performs the following duties:

1. Transcribes translation in the section’s language and English, ensuring that spelling, punctuation and format are correct; proof-reads for correctness in terminology, reference, date, etc. and checks for grammatical accuracy. Subjects of documentation include, inter alia, confidential information (e.g. final inspection report, mandate, declaration of States Parties), scientific and technical text (e.g. chemistry, disarmament, finance, law) and politically sensitive content (notification, notes verbales). The incumbent is required to work under a strict confidentiality regime and comply with rules, procedures and practices currently in operation;
2. Operates word-processing equipment, database and spreadsheet applications; determines practical solutions to computer problems; customises the software applications by creating new styles and templates to adapt them to the requirements of the language section; decides on the most appropriate presentation and format of the documents in that language, taking into consideration the unique features of the language;
3. Populates the ISYS-related database for the in-house linguists and creates the corresponding indexes for all freelance revisers and/or translators recruited during the CSP and the EC sessions in order to streamline the translation process;
4. Creates and updates the external and internal official-series document database in the section’s language used by OPCW staff members and Member States; prepares lists of all official documents in that language;
5. Aligns previously translated text in section’s language with the corresponding English document in preparation for the use of computer aids to translation (together with following responsibilities);
6. Pre-processes (electronically) text in section’s language to expedite the translation process;
7. Converts from different software and reformats documents translated outside the OPCW; converts, retypes and proof-reads archived documents or missing documents of the Preparatory Commission of OPCW and of other organisations;
8. Participates in the selection of short-term staff recruited to provide, on a substitute or supplementary basis, the same services as the incumbent within the language section: provides training and administrative assistance to the short-term staff and reviews their work;
9. Organises and co-ordinates work-flow, determines work priorities, distributes work-load to the short-term staff during the sessions of the Executive Council and Conference of the States Parties and other peak work periods, as applicable;
10. Within the specific language section, assists the short-term language staff in using OPCW terminology and seeking reference document; prepares background and reference file for short-term and contractual language staff; in the absence of linguists, advises short-term and contractual language staff on internal practices and procedures;
11. Assists the linguists with research, compilation and editing of a list of abbreviations and in-house glossaries of specific terminology.
    
    

Knowledge and Experience

Education

Essential

Minimum high school diploma or equivalent diploma of higher secondary education.

Experience

Essential 

At least four years of progressively responsible and related experience, preferably in an international organisation.

Skills and Abilities (key competencies)

1. Advanced skills in using modern personal computer equipment are essential, including in-depth knowledge of Windows-based word processing, database and spreadsheet applications;
2. Ability to plan, organise and manage conflicting priorities;
3. Tact, accuracy and discretion;
4. Flexibility and ability to work under pressure;
5. Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural environment.

Language Requirements

A thorough knowledge of the Spanish language, which must be a first language. Must have a good working knowledge of English.