Head of Language Services Unit (P-4)

24498 | OTP

A roster of suitable candidates may be established for this post as a result of this selection process for fixed-term appointments against both established posts and positions funded by general temporary assistance (GTA).

Organisational Context

The Integrated Services Division (ISD) within the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) centralises the specialised support functions that provide cross-cutting support to the Office. The Division is headed by a Director who is responsible for managing the reliable and cost-effective delivery of integrated services and ensuring that the OTP is adequately supported through all relevant service functions, technologies and equipment, and that appropriate services are available to allow the implementation of the Office’s mandate. The services include information knowledge and evidence management,  forensic science,  language services, tracking and information fusion. The Division works to develop new approaches and strategies that promote the use of modern tools and advanced technology as mechanisms to strengthen the effectiveness of the Office.

The Language Services Unit (LSU) forms part of the Integrated Services Division (ISD) providing critical, close support functions to the Office of the Prosecutor in order to fulfil its mandate. In this respect, during the preliminary examination, investigation, and prosecution phases, the Unit provides field, event and remote interpretation; transcription of audio and video material; translation of OTP evidence and core Office documentation; as well as other services requiring language expertise, such as summary translation, redacting, and editing. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Integrated Services, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Supervises and oversees the daily operations of the Interpretation, Transcription, and Translation teams in the Language Services Unit (LSU);
• Develops and implements policies and procedures to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of language services. Develops and implements strategies and plans for the short, medium and long-term vision of the LSU;
• Coordinates with other divisions, sections and teams of the OTP to meet their language service needs through weekly coordination meetings and ensures timely delivery of services;
• Monitors and evaluates the quality of language services provided and implement improvements as necessary;
• Ensures the unit maintains an updated list of external language service vendors in line with procurement and financial rules; 
• Prepares and manages the budget for the Language Services Unit;
• Oversees the management of the LSU, setting tasks and objectives for all staff members of the Unit, fostering high-quality connections based on respect, trust and active engagement, ensuring staff are empowered and grow professionally through coaching, guidance and training;
• Manages the recruitment of language services staff, ensuring candidates with relevant professional skills are hired through efficient, timely and compliant recruitment processes; and coordinates with relevant internal units to identify language service requirements, assesses feasibility and negotiates timelines and resources;
• Reports regularly to the Director of Integrated Services on the performance and needs of the Language Services Unit.
• Performs any other duties as assigned by the Director of Integrated Services.

Essential Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced university degree in linguistics or any other related field, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience is accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Additional training and certification in translation techniques and methods would be considered an asset.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years (9 years with a first-level university degree) of work experience in translation, interpretation, linguistics or law preferably in an international organisation, is required.
• Familiarity with topics dealt with by the Court, e.g. legal, military, medical, forensic, human rights, administrative and financial matters, and linguistic terminology related to those areas, is required
• Proven track record of successful operational management of translation and/or interpretation teams in an international organisation, and language quality assurance is required.
• Experience in budget planning and preparation is desirable.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Demonstrated management and leadership skills;
• Ability to prepare a budget for the needs of the LSU in the preparation of the OTP budget and monitor the implementation of the approved funds;
• Ability to interact with the teams supervised, internal and external clients and stakeholders;
• Excellent eye for detail, accuracy, style and usage;
• Sound knowledge of relevant computer software, e.g. Microsoft 365, Records Manager, Relativity One, CAT tools and machine translation;
• Ability to manage projects concerning provision of linguistic support to the organisation’s sections and teams, delivering time-sensitive results
• Ability to work effectively and constructively as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team;
• Ability to keep strict standards of confidentiality;
• Openness to skills development.

Knowledge of languages:

Proficiency in both working languages of the Court, English and French, is required. Knowledge of another working language of the Court (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) would be considered an asset.