Translator (French)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Within the Department of Governing Bodies, the Office of Language Services (LNG) provides high-quality, timely and cost-effective translation, interpretation, editing, official records, word-processing and online services for the governing bodies, as well as language services for the Director-General's Office and WHO technical programmes, so as to make WHO health policy and technical information accessible to its target readerships in the official languages of the Organization.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Translates, mainly from English, a wide variety of texts dealing with medicine, public health and related subjects as well as administrative, financial and legal matters (resolutions and records of WHO's governing bodies, documents for WHO conferences and meetings, working papers, scientific articles, speeches, programme statements, reports, correspondence, web content, etc.).

2. Reviews and edits machine-translated content, ensuring the accuracy and correctness of the translation and appropriate fitness for the intended purpose.

3. Contributes to the establishment of accurate terminology and to the development of the terminology database.

4. Contributes to relevant projects and performs other related duties, as required.

In order to undertake the above activities, the incumbent is called upon to:

a) apply linguistic and analytical skills to ensure concise and accurate translations appropriate to the context and target audience;

b) undertake reference and terminology research work, as required;

c) consult with originator or competent units to clarify ambiguous points and solve problems relating to terminology or meaning;

d) draw attention to any errors or inconsistencies in texts to ensure that they are corrected in the original and in other language versions, as appropriate;

e) advise on language usage on request.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in translation and/or languages.
Desirable: University degree in sciences, medicine, health sciences or social sciences.

Experience

Essential: At least 5 years of experience in translation, of which at least three at international level, preferably within the UN system.
Desirable: Experience in terminology and in post-editing of machine-translated text.

Skills

Evident advanced knowledge of translation.

Knowledge of editorial and terminology work.

Ability to work from the output of computer-assisted translation tools and machine translation systems and keep abreast of latest developments.

Team spirit, tact and discretion.

Understanding of health and international development issues.

Ability to work to tight deadlines.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Moving forward in a changing environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of French.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of another WHO official language.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 62,120 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 4328 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level in different locations and for different contract types.

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO's workforce adheres to the WHO Values Charter and is committed to put the WHO Values into practice.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link: http://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.

• For WHO General Service staff who do not meet the minimum educational qualifications, please see e-Manual III.4.1, para 220.