IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE\: please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.
1. Organizational Context
a. Organizational Setting
The post is located in the Asian Languages Section 1 in the PCT Translation Division of the Patents and Technology Sector. The PCT Translation Division is responsible for delivering high-quality publication-ready translation in relation to patent applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). In particular, the PCT Translation Division is responsible for translating scientific, technical and legal documents, mainly the abstracts of international patent applications and scientific, technical and legal reports relating to the patentability of inventions.
b. Purpose Statement
As part of the Asian Languages Section 1, the incumbent is required to translate and self-revise texts in a wide range of subjects, predominantly in the patent, scientific and technical subject fields from Korean into English, respond to translation-related queries from internal customers and end users, participate in terminology compilation, assess the quality of translations and be familiar with a wide variety of translation and terminology-related technology.
c. Reporting Lines
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head of the Asian Languages Section 1.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following principal duties\:
a. Translate and post-edit texts in a wide range of subjects, predominantly in the patent, scientific and technical subject fields from Korean into English, meeting the standards of quality, quantity and timeliness of the Division; self-revise said texts under the guidance of senior colleagues.
b. Participate in the compilation of the terminology database of the Division which is used to ensure the quality and consistency of the end product; identify potential subject fields requiring terminological research and support and conduct such research as requested.
c. Use, evaluate and make proposals for the improvement of computer-assisted translation, terminology and machine translation tools and keep abreast of technical developments in these areas.
d. Provide authoritative and comprehensive answers to queries from translation suppliers including agencies, freelancers and internal translators on a variety of complex translation issues.
e. Under the supervision of senior colleagues, assess the quality of translations by applying established quality control standards to the work, seeking guidance when required.
f. Perform other related duties as required.
3. Requirements
Education (Essential)
First-level university degree in modern languages, linguistics, in a scientific or technical field, or in a related field.
Education (Desirable)
Advanced university degree in translation, a scientific or technical field, or in a related field.
Experience (Essential)
At least six years of relevant professional experience, mainly in the translation and self-revision of technical and scientific texts.
Experience (Desirable)
Experience in translation in a technical or scientific field, or in the field of intellectual property.
Language (Essential)
Mother-tongue level of English and excellent knowledge of Korean (first translation language).
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Advanced translation skills, with an ability to produce accurate and idiomatically correct translations in line with established translation guidelines.
Ability to grasp scientific, technical and legal issues in a wide variety of fields.
Good knowledge of translation technology and software tools that aid the translation process.
Ability to work accurately and respect strict deadlines.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Job Related Competencies (Desirable)
Knowledge of the subject matter dealt with by WIPO.
Ability to translate from English into Korean.
4. Organizational Competencies
1. Communicating effectively.
2. Showing team spirit.
3. Demonstrating integrity.
4. Valuing diversity.
5. Producing results.
6. Showing service orientation.
7. Seeing the big picture.
8. Seeking change and innovation.
9. Developing yourself and others.
5. Information
Annual salary\:
Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment. Please note that this estimate is for information only. The post adjustment multiplier (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change (increase or decrease) without notice. The figures quoted below are based on the February 2026 rate of 93.8%
P3 |
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Annual salary |
$64,121 |
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Post adjustment |
$60,145 |
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Total Salary |
$124,266 |
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Currency USD |
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Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.
Please refer to WIPO’s Staff Regulation and Rules for detailed information concerning salaries, benefits and allowances.
Additional Information
Temporary appointments are renewable, subject to continuing needs, availability of budget and satisfactory performance with a maximum cumulative length of two years.
Applications from qualified women as well as from qualified nationals of unrepresented Member States of WIPO and underrepresented geographical regions are encouraged. Please click on the following links for the list of unrepresented Member States and the list of underrepresented regions and the WIPO Member States in these regions.
The Organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than that advertised.
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By completing an application, candidates understand that any willful misrepresentation made on this web site, or on any other documents submitted to WIPO during the application, may result in disqualification from the recruitment process, or termination of employment with WIPO at a later date, if that employment resulted from such willful misrepresentations.
In the event that your candidature is shortlisted, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of your identification and the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO recognizes higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed here\: http\://www.whed.net/. Some higher educational qualifications may not be listed in WHED, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Additional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening. Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references.
Additional background checks may be required.