Translation Assistant

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE:  please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.

1.      Organizational Context

a.    Organizational Setting

The post of Translation Assistant is located in the French Translation Section of the Language Division, Administration and Management 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 is primarily 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.

2.      Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.          Provide administrative support to the Section Head in workflow management, monitoring receipt and dispatch of translated jobs, drafting administrative correspondence, processing administrative forms, including for payment procedures where applicable, using the related software and office tools, following up on administrative actions and compiling workload statistics for internal use.

b.          Coordinate and follow up on text processing work and collaborate with translators to ensure documents are prepared and completed in a timely manner, raising any issues with the Section Head and proposing solutions to problems that may arise.

c.        Review the work of support staff to ensure efficient and timely processing of documentation and provide guidance in processing complex documents;  train temporary support staff.

d.          Word process in French texts of varying complexity in draft and final form in accordance with established guidelines;  ensure correct spelling and grammar, accuracy, consistency and completeness against original language texts.

e.          Proofread translations and assume responsibility for the final checking and formatting of texts, including those with tables, charts, figures, diagrams, references etc., for accurate presentation and technical consistency with the original.

f.            Perform standard searches using computer-assisted-translation and terminology (CATT) tools and replace the relevant text in the document prior to translation;  ensure correct alignment of documents for input in the translation memory, document database and translation management system (TMS).

g.          Respond verbally or in writing in French and English to queries received from internal and external services and propose solutions to problems to ensure the efficient provision of services.

h.          Perform other related duties as required.

3.      Requirements

Education (Essential)

Completion secondary education with relevant diploma, or equivalent qualification.

Experience (Essential)

At least five years of relevant administrative support work experience, including word processing and/or processing translations.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of French and good knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other official UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Ability to work independently and in a team.

Ability to guide and train staff.

Good organizational skills and ability to work accurately under strict time constraints.

Attention to detail.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the Internet.  Advanced user of Microsoft Office Word.