Senior Language Assistant (Spanish) (GS-5)

About Us

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, which entered into force on 29 April 1997. The OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavor to permanently and verifiably eliminate chemical weapons.

The ultimate aim of the OPCW is to achieve our vision of a world free of chemical weapons in which chemistry is used for peace, progress, and prosperity, and to contribute to international security and stability, general and complete disarmament, and global economic development. Under the OPCW's oversight 96% of the chemical weapons stockpiles declared by possessor States have been verifably destroyed.

The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.

Our mission for a world free of chemical weapons makes people's lives better. Apply to be a part of our team to make the world a better place for all. 

General Information

• Contract Type
  Fixed-term General Service
• Grade
  GS5
• 
  Net Salary
  42,375
• Closing Date
  04/09/2020

Responsibilities

Job Summary

Are you experienced in proofreading translated documents in Spanish and do you have a good command of English? Do you like complex formatting, charts and images processing?

Do you have good organisational and coordination skills? Are you motivated to facilitate the communication between OPCW and Member States by providing effective and efficient linguistic support?

If yes, we would like to meet you!

Main Responsibilities

The Senior Language Assistant will be responsible for proofreading translated documents in Spanish, having English as a source language, following OPCW editorial style and checking for grammatical accuracy and correctness in terminology, references, dates, etc. (e.g. final inspection reports, declarations of States Parties, scientific texts and politically sensitive content (notifications, notes verbales). To ensure the quality required, the role will also involve the preparation of official-series documents for publication, observing prescribed deadlines and specific layouts.

Another important task will include participation in the selection of short-term staff and distribution of the workload during the sessions of the Executive Council, Conference of the States Parties and other peak work periods.

To view the complete Job Outline, click here.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

You should have a high school diploma or equivalent diploma of higher secondary education, preferably with emphasis on languages.

Knowledge and Experience

Make sure you have at least four years of progressively responsible and related experience, preferably in an international organisation.

• Experience in conference services, language services, or related area in an international organisation is an asset.

Skills and Competencies

To succeed in this role you will need the following skills and competencies:

• Advanced skills in using modern personal computer equipment are essential, including in-depth knowledge of Windows-based word processing, database and spreadsheet applications;


• Knowledge of standard proofreading practices and procedures, as well as familiarity with grammatical standards;


• Attention to detail: ability to identify and correct errors in grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation, formatting and consistency, in order to produce error-free final documents;


• Ability to apply complex formatting and process charts and images in final documents;


• Strong written and verbal communication skills;


• Ability to plan, organise and manage conflicting priorities;


• Tact, accuracy and discretion;


• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure: working within set, tight deadlines efficiently and independently;


• Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural environment;


• A thorough knowledge of Spanish, which must be a first language; Must have a good working knowledge of English.

Languages

Fluency in English is essential and a good working knowledge of one of the other official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is desirable.

Additional Information

Staff members in the General Services category are normally recruited and paid on a local basis.

This 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.

The Director-General retains the discretion to not 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.

Only applications submitted before the closing date and through OPCW CandidateSpace will be considered. Only applicants under serious consideration for a post will be contacted.

Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.

General Terms and Conditions

Important notice for applicants who are currently insured under the Dutch Social Security system

Although headquartered in the Netherlands, the OPCW is not a regular Dutch employer but a public international organisation with its own special status. Please be advised that if you are currently insured under the Dutch Social Security system, you will be excluded from this system as a staff member of the OPCW. You will consequently be insured under the organisation’s system. The above also applies to your dependents unless they are employed by a regular Dutch employer, they are self-employed in the Netherlands, or are receiving Dutch social security payments.

Please refer to the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment for more information about the possible consequences for you and your dependents, such as exclusion from ‘AWBZ’ and ‘Zorgverzekeringswet’ coverage: ‘Werken bij een internationale organisatie’.