Language Technology Assistant (G4, 50%)

Background:   

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, combating human trafficking, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

The OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chairmanship in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions. The Office of the Secretary General (OSG) plays a key role in supporting the Secretary General in the effective implementation of his/her mandate and specific tasks given to him/her by the OSCE participating States. This includes primarily assisting the Secretary General in his/her activities, serving as a focal point for liaison and support to the Chairperson-in-Office, and co-ordinating tasks across the Secretariat. Conference and Language Services (CLS) provides professional support to the decision-making bodies of the OSCE and the respective delegations on matters dealing with the organization of meetings, including interpretation and translation, documents control, editing and text processing services, terminology work.

The post is located in Conference and Language Services, in the Office of the Secretary General and and is responsible for the technical and organizational aspects of the computer-assisted translation (CAT) and machine/AI translation tools and terminology-related work.  The Language Technology Assistant provides guidance and advice to the language assistants, freelance translators and editors on the technical aspects of their CAT and machine/AI translation tools and terminology-related work. Contributes to the delivery of Language Services’ objectives in relation to translation and terminology work. 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision and guidance of the Chief Linguist, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1.  Supporting and co-ordinating the computer-assisted translation (CAT) and machine/AI translation tools related work of Language Assistants where necessary;
2. Reviewing the CAT and machine/AI translation tools related workflows, and proposing improvements; 
3. Administering the ticketing process vis-à-vis the external language technology providers; 
4. Co-ordinating with ICT in relation to updates and other technical aspects of language technology tools used at LS; 
5. Providing support and advice to Language Assistants and freelance translators and editors on technical aspects of terminology work; 
6. Implementing technical aspects of terminology work and co-ordinating terminology workflows: e.g., splitting and merging of term bases, co-ordination of the review of term bases, merging with the central term base, etc.;
7. Acting as a focal point for requests to add, deleting or correcting entries in the central term base; 

8. Responsible for the maintenance, update and data integrity of the term bases and related files.

   Performing other related duties as assigned.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see https://www.osce.org/ secretariat.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Completed secondary education;
• minimum of 4 years of working experience in language technology; a university degree in a relevant field may be considered as a substitute for up to two years of working experience only to determine eligibility;
• Computer literate with practical experience using computer-assisted translation (CAT), machine/AI translation and terminology tools; 
• Excellent knowledge of Trados Studio and MultiTerm;
• Knowledge of latest CAT, machine/AI translation and terminology tools developments;
• Ability to collect information from a variety of sources; 
• Experience in co-ordinating the work of others;
• Good team working skills.
• Professional fluency in English with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills; Working knowledge of at least one other language from the OSCE region is an asset;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity;
• Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deduction, is around EUR 2,000 (12 times a year) depending on family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund.

Appointments are normally made at Step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale. In exceptional cases, an initial appointment at up to Step 3 may be considered. This depends on factors such as relevant experience exceeding minimum requirements or higher previous remuneration. Any such request by a candidate must be reviewed and approved by the OSCE before the appointment.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration. 

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

Candidates interviewed and found suitable in the recruitment process for this vacancy notice will be placed on a roster of suitable candidates (valid for three years) for fixed-term posts, should a suitable opportunity arise. The placement on a roster does not guarantee a future appointment or assignment.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see https://www.osce.org/participating-states.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please note that for this position the OSCE does not reimburse expenses such as travel in connection with interviews, tests, visas and relocation.

Please be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance. 

The mandatory retirement age at the OSCE is 65 years for contracted positions at the general service, professional and director level. The Organization shall apply an age limit of 62 years at the time of appointment as the incumbent selected is normally expected to carry out the contractual obligation of two years. 

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.