Terminology Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Governing Bodies Servicing Division (CSG) houses the Secretariat of the Conference and the Council and supports all other Governing and Statutory Bodies of FAO. It provides corporate Language goods and services, as well as Protocol and Meetings services to the Organization.

The position is located in the Terminology Team of the Language Services Branch (CSGL). CSGL enables the Organization’s multilingualism by providing interpretation, translation and terminology services and products for all FAO languages across the span of corporate governance, normative, operational and communication functions. CSGL also supports the provision of FAO products in local languages, and is responsible for language quality assurance within the Organization.

The position may be home-based or located at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Terminology Specialist reports to the Terminology Officer, Language Services Branch (CSGL). The incumbent will operate independently, exercising initiative within assigned responsibilities. Supervision received will focus primarily on the quality and accuracy of outputs.

Technical Focus

As a member of the Terminology Team, the Terminology Specialist will contribute to the development, maintenance, and delivery of the Branch’s core terminology products and services – including the FAO Terminology Portal and the NOCS database. The incumbent is expected to exercise expert judgement and take informed decisions on linguistic and terminological matters to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and overall quality of outputs in alignment with institutional standards.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Terminology Officer and in close coordination with the Arabic Translation Group and relevant stakeholders, the incumbent will undertake the following responsibilities with a high degree of autonomy, professional judgement, and subject-matter insight:

•     Contribute to the ongoing development and quality assurance of Arabic entries in the FAO Terminology Portal by adding, revising, proofreading, and validating equivalents in line with current linguistic standards, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style. This involves conducting in-depth linguistic and terminological research using authoritative sources across FAO’s thematic areas, including FAO publications, FAOSTYLE, dictionaries, UN documentation, and specialized glossaries, to ensure linguistic precision and conceptual consistency.
•     Ensure the terminological integrity and scientific accuracy of Arabic technical terms by performing comprehensive terminology research. This will be done independently and/or in collaboration with the Terminology Team, subject matter experts, FAO technical divisions, and other internal or external stakeholders, ensuring alignment with FAO usage and terminology practices.
•     Review and validate definitions and contextual remarks associated with Arabic terms in the Terminology Portal, ensuring they are accurate, relevant, and reflect FAO’s institutional voice and technical standards.
•     Provide expert responses to terminology-related queries from Terminology Portal users, including revisers, editors, translators, and technical staff, applying established principles of terminology management and linguistic best practices.
•     Maintain and update the Arabic-language content of the NOCS (Names of Countries and Sovereignities) database, ensuring accuracy and consistency with FAO’s nomenclature standards.
•     Perform other related duties, as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     For Consultants: Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in linguistics, translation, terminology or a related field; Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
For PSAs: University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in linguistics, translation, terminology or a related field.
•     At least one year of relevant experience in terminology, translation or related areas. 
•     Working knowledge (level C) of English and working knowledge (mother tongue or equivalent) of Arabic.

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•     Extent and relevance of experience in linguistic services within international organizations or other multilingual environments.
•     Good knowledge of terminology science and principles.
•     Strong research and analytical skills.
•     High level of attention to detail and accuracy, combined with patience and perseverance.
•     Familiarity with FAO’s areas of work would be considered an asset.

Selection Criteria

•     Candidates will be assessed against the requirements listed above.
•     Excellent writing, editing and oral communication skills.
•     A limited knowledge of French, Chinese, Russian or Spanish would be considered an asset.
•     Some knowledge of terminography and lexicography would be considered an asset.