IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicantโs location.
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1.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Organizational context
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a. Organizational Setting
The post of Associate Translator is located in the French Translation Section of the Language Division of the Patents and Technology Sector. The Language Division is responsible for delivering comprehensive and high-quality language services in relation to: the translation of treaties and other international instruments administered by WIPO, national legislative texts, documents for the Assemblies of Member States, publications, reports of meetings and conferences and working documents for committees of experts and other bodies, and the WIPO website; and the provision of interpretation services for the meetings of the WIPO Assemblies, committees and meetings organized by the various sectors.
b. Purpose Statement
The incumbent undertakes translation work in French, as well as post-editing of machine-translation output, that meets quality and quantity standards, participates in terminology and other related work. The incumbent is also responsible for ensuring the effective and timely coordination of the translation support work of the section, including the preparation of documents for conferences and meetings, and providing administrative support for the smooth operation of the section.
c. Reporting Lines
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head of the French Translation Section.
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2.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Duties and responsibilities
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The incumbent performs the following principal duties:
a.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Translate documents on a wide range of political, legal, administrative, scientific and technical subjects from English and from at least one other official UN language into French.
b.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Post-edit and process machine-translated texts, and perform a range of pre-translation tasks.
c.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Provide translation and related services during conferences and high-level meetings.
d.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Collect, compile, extract and propose new records or terms to support the development and maintenance of an integrated multilingual terminology, and participate in maintaining and updating translation memory databases.
e.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Perform referencing and research activities to ensure high-quality pre-translation and terminology work.
f.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Provide input and support in relation to computer-assisted-translation and terminology (CATT) tools, including tasks such as training colleagues, testing and exploring new tools, and provide regular feedback on the use of such tools.
g.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Provide administrative support to the Section Head in workflow management, monitoring receipt and dispatch of translated jobs, including outsourcing-related tasks.
h.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Carry out first-level quality control of translations to check for typographical and grammatical mistakes, ensure compliance with formatting standards and signal possible content-related inaccuracies to other Translators/Revisers.
i.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Respond verbally or in writing in French and in English to queries received from internal and external services and propose solutions to problems to ensure the efficient provision of services.
j.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Perform other related duties as required.
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3.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Requirements
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Education (Essential):
First-level university degree in Modern Languages, Linguistics, Translation or a related discipline.
Experience (Essential):
At least three years of relevant professional work experience in translation, editing and using CATT tools.
Experience (Desirable):
Translation experience acquired in an international organization.
Experience using Trados Studio, WorldServer, Smartling, ContentQuo, and other translation technology and software platforms and tools, such as XML, LaTex or Censhare.
Languages (Essential):
Mother tongue level of French and excellent knowledge of English and at least one other official UN language.
Languages (Desirable):
Knowledge of other official UN languages.
Job-Related Competencies (Essential):
Sound translation and editing skills, with the ability to produce accurate, clear and stylistically appropriate translations.
Familiarity with emerging translation technologies.
Ability to work with various file formats commonly used in translation projects.
Ability to manage time effectively and work rapidly and accurately within strict time limits.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Attention to detail.
Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the Internet and the ability to quickly adapt to new software.
Job-Related Competencies (Desirable)
Knowledge of the subject matter dealt with by WIPO.
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4.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Organizational competencies
1.ย ย ย ย Communicating effectively.
2.ย ย ย ย Showing team spirit.
3.ย ย ย ย Demonstrating integrity.
4.ย ย ย ย Valuing diversity.
5.ย ย ย ย Producing results.
6.ย ย ย ย Showing service orientation.
7.ย ย ย ย Seeing the big picture.
8.ย ย ย ย Seeking change and innovation.
9.ย ย ย ย Developing yourself and others.
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5.ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Information
Annual salary:
Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment.ย Please note that this estimate is for information only.ย The post adjustment multiplier (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change (increase or decrease) without notice.ย The figures quoted below are based on the October 2025 rate of 88.7%.ย
P2
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Annual salary
ย ย ย ย ย $50,377
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Post adjustment
ย ย ย ย ย $44,684
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Total Salary
ย ย ย ย ย $95,061
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Currency USD
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Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.
Please refer to WIPOโs Staff Regulation and Rules for detailed information concerning salaries, benefits and allowances.
Additional Information
Temporary appointments are renewable, subject to continuing needs, availability of budget and satisfactory performance with a maximum cumulative length of two years.
Applications from qualified women as well as from qualified nationals of unrepresented Member States of WIPO and underrepresented geographical regions are encouraged.ย Please click on the following links for the list of unrepresented Member States and the list of underrepresented regions and the WIPO Member States in these regions.
The Organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than that advertised.
By completing an application, candidates understand that any willful misrepresentation made on this web site, or on any other documents submitted to WIPO during the application, may result in disqualification from the recruitment process, or termination of employment with WIPO at a later date, if that employment resulted from such willful misrepresentations.
In the event that your candidature is shortlisted, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of your identification and the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO recognizes higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed here: http://www.whed.net/. Some higher educational qualifications may not be listed in WHED, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Additional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening.ย Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references.
Additional background checks may be required.
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