Linguist (Arabic) (P-3)

Position Remarks

This fixed-term appointment is for the duration of two years with a six-month probationary period, and is subject to the OPCW Staff Regulations and Interim Staff Rules, as applicable. The OPCW is a non-career organisation with limited staff tenure. The Director-General retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description. Several vacancies may be filled.

Principal Functions

Under the supervision of the Head, Language Services Branch, and in accordance with the OPCW Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity/Gender Equality, the incumbent performs the following duties:\r\n\r\n1.Translation:\r\n·    Translates (from English and one other official language into the Section’s language and from the Section’s language into English) official OPCW documents on political, technological, legal, financial, administrative and scientific subjects. \r\n·    Translates (from English and one other official language into the Section’s language and from the Section’s language into English) confidential OPCW documents.\r\n·    Self-revises translated texts and revises translations prepared by free-lance and contractual translators, as required.\r\n\r\n2. Interpretation:\r\n·    Provides simultaneous interpretation (from English into the Section’s language and from the Section’s language into English) for sessions and meetings of the OPCW and its policy-making organs and subsidiary bodies. The work includes interpretation of politically sensitive and/or technically complex subjects.\r\n·    Provides consecutive interpretation (from English into the Section’s language and from the Section’s language into English) at bilateral negotiations and on official missions.\r\n\r\n3. Terminology:\r\n·    Undertakes terminological research necessary to solve problems of terminology and meaning prepares glossaries, technical vocabularies and related technical tools and develops new terminology for use where terminological equivalents do not exist in the Section’s language; maintains and updates the terminological database.\r\n\r\n4. Performs other related duties such as:\r\n·    Participates in consultations with substantive units concerning manifest or possible inconsistencies or errors in the original text.\r\n·    Keeps abreast of politically sensitive and technically complex issues, developments and terminology.\r\n·    Strictly complies with the OPCW confidentiality regime and performs all relevant procedures.\r\n·    Performs supervisory functions and participates in recruitment interviews for language staff as necessary in the absence of the Senior Linguist.\r\n

Knowledge and Skills

Education:\r\nA degree or equivalent qualification, preferably in translation and interpretation, from a university or an institution of equivalent status.\r\n\r\nSkills and Abilities (key competencies):\r\nEssential: \r\n·    High level skill and ability in translation (general, specialised, and technical subjects);\r\n·    Computer literacy, including knowledge and ability to work with Windows-compatible word-processing equipment;\r\n·    Ability to work effectively to meet deadlines as part of a team;\r\n·    Good interpersonal skills and ability to work harmoniously in a multicultural environment;\r\n·    Ability to plan and organise;\r\n·    Tact, accuracy, and respect for confidentiality;\r\n·    Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision in exceptional circumstances.\r\n

Experience

Essential: At least seven years of continuous translation and interpretation experience, preferably within the United Nations system.

Languages

A perfect command of the Arabic language, both written and spoken, which must be a first language. An excellent knowledge of English and a sound knowledge of at least one other official language of the Organisation (Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).

Salary Remarks

Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and provident fund deductions) in US$ and a post adjustment. The post adjustment (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change without notice in accordance with the rates as set within the UN Common System for salaries and allowances. The figure quoted on the right, is based on the September 2018 rate of 37.3 %.\r\n