This post is located in the French Translation Section, Languages Service, Division of Conference Management, United Nations Office at Geneva.
The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
- Revises translations covering a broad range of subjects dealt with by the United Nations.
- Revises summary records.
- Translates, mostly without revision, texts covering a broad range of subjects dealt with by the United Nations, particularly those subjects requiring experience and recognized proficiency.
- Performes quality control of translations produced externally.
- Developes new terminology for use where none exists in the target language.
- Carries out linguistic research and, as appropriate, preparing glossaries, technical vocabularies and related reference tools.
- Counsels and assists translators and briefing them on the procedures and practices of the Section, terminology and a broad range of subjects, as required.
- Maintains a certain speed and volume of output, based on established standards.
- Meets deadlines established for the production of documents.
- Supervises the work of small groups of translators.
- Performs other related duties as required by the Chief of Section.
PROFESSIONALISM
- Solid writing and analytical skills.
- High standards of accuracy, consistency and faithfulness to the spirit, style and nuances of the original text such as to require little or no revision.
- Good grasp of terminological and reference research techniques.
- Ability to use all sources of reference and information and to do research.
- High level of versatility, judgement and discretion.
- Ability to work under pressure and maintain adequate speed and volume of output.
- Ability to work as a self-reviser.
- Shows pride in work and in achievements.
- Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of translation.
- Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
- Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns.
- Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges.
- Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
PLANNING AND ORGANIZING
- Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies.
- Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required.
- Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work.
- Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning.
- Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary.
- Uses time efficiently.
TEAMWORK
- Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.
- Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others.
- Places team agenda before personal agenda.
- Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position.
- Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS:
- Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office;
- Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks;
- Shows willingness to learn new technology.
A first-level degree from a university or institution of equivalent status. Must have passed the United Nations Competitive Examination for French Translators.
At least five (5) years of translation experience, preferably including three years within the United Nations and some experience of self-revision. Experience in a broad range of subjects dealt with by the United Nations (political, social, legal, economic, financial, administrative, scientific and technical), with a recognised specialisation in a particular substantive, technical or administrative area is required.
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in French, which must be the candidate's main language, and an excellent knowledge of at least two other United Nations official languages are required. The requirement for a third official language is waived for applicants who passed the Language Competitive Examination without a third language.
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.