Senior Translator/ Reviser (Head of German Unit)

Introduction

The position is located in the Official Documents German Translation Unit within the Department of Official Meetings, Documentation and Relations (RELMEETINGS). There are seven language units in the Department that provide language services in the ILO official languages (English, French and Spanish) and in the ILO working languages (Chinese, Russian, Arabic and German).

The Official Documents German Translation Unit  is responsible for the editing, translation and revision and text processing of  official ILO documents, including those submitted to the International Labour Conference, the Governing Body, Regional Meetings and Expert and Technical  Meetings as well as documents produced by the Office of the Director-General.

The position will report to the Deputy Director of RELMEETINGS.

Specific Duties

1. Organize and coordinate the work of the Unit. Plan recruitment of external staff and submit proposals to the management of RELMEETINGS for approval.  Liaise with external collaborators as required.
2. Prospect for, identify, test and select suitable candidates to replenish the roster of German freelance-translators and revisers.
3. Brief, guide and provide technical advice to external and temporary staff; assign and monitor their work to ensure quality standards and timeliness.
4. Ensure that the documents produced in the German language reflect the equivalent of the original text in terms of accuracy, completeness, meaning, style and effectiveness. Liaise with author units, as appropriate.
5. Revise in the German language from two or more language translations prepared by external translators and provide them with feedback to ensure high professional standards.
6. Translate, from two languages, and self-revise especially complex and technical texts without further revision.
7. Research terminology and contribute to the terminology database.
8. Hold preliminary consultations, organize and participate actively in the annual meeting with the German-speaking constituents to finalize the German version of the text of instruments adopted by the International Labour Conference. 
9. Under the guidance of the department management, liaise with the German-speaking constituents in relation to their specific needs for translation of ILO official documentation and ensure these are taken into account in the overall planning and delivery of work.
10. Promote the development and use of appropriate CATT (computer-assisted translation and terminology) tools.
11. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

These specific duties are aligned with the relevant ILO generic job description, which includes the following generic duties:

Generic Duties

1.     Revise in the target language from two or more languages translations prepared by other staff and by external translators.

2.     Translate, from two languages, and self-revise especially complex and technical texts for issue without further revision.

3.     Edit texts in the target language to ensure a style of presentation in conformity with ILO standards.

4.     Produce versions in the target language, which are in terms of accuracy, completeness, meaning, style and effectiveness, the equivalent of the original text. Conduct supplementary research to solve problems of terminology and meaning, and consult with substantive units regarding possible inconsistencies or errors in the original text.

5.     Carry out linguistic research and prepare terminological bulletins and glossaries and other reference tools.

6.     May organize and coordinate the work of other translators of the same language unit, monitoring the progress of work in relation to an agreed schedule or coordinating the work for simultaneous issue before or during a meeting.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in languages or experience deemed equivalent in professional translation and revision.  Translators must also be assessed in a competitive framework , which may include a written examination.

Experience

At least seven years of professional translation, revision and editing experience and at least three years at the international level.

Languages

Excellent command of German and English, and a working knowledge of French or Spanish.

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:

Technical competencies: Ability to use a wide range of vocabulary and professional and technical concepts and terms relating to the mandate of the Organization. Excellent drafting skills in German language, proven translation and revision skills and extensive knowledge of work practices, methods and processes in the language field.  Ability to plan and organise work. Knowledge and skills in utilising word processing and CATT tools. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to coordinate, guide and train lower level staff and external professionals. Ability to work autonomously as well as a member of a team.

Behavioural Competencies: Ability to work quickly and accurately under time pressure. Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills. Ability to maintain a harmonious working environment. Active interest in new developments in the linguistic profession and willingness to initiate and promote change. Keen sense of responsibility.  Flexibility, capacity to handle a high number of individual contacts with tact and discretion. Excellent coordination and networking skills. Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.