CHIEF OF UNIT, LANGUAGE (French)

Economic Commission for Africa  is seeking a CHIEF OF UNIT, LANGUAGE  position in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia

Job Descriptions

Job Opening ID: 240612
Job Network: Public Information and Conference Management
Job Family: Language
Category and Level: Professional and Higher Categories, P-4
Duty Station: ADDIS ABABA
Department/Office: Economic Commission for Africa
Date Posted: Aug 22, 2024
Deadline: Oct 6, 2024

Org. Setting and Reporting
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is seeking a Chief of Unit, Language (French) to join its Publications, Conference and Knowledge Management Division (PCKMD) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Under the overall guidance of the Director of PCKMD and the direct supervision of the Chief of Publications and Conference Management Section (PCMS), the incumbent will be responsible for the French Translation and Editing Unit.

Responsibilities
The key responsibilities of the Chief of Unit, Language (French) include:

• Revising translations and/or original summary records to high standards while meeting workload and deadlines, and providing feedback to help translators become autonomous, self-revising professionals.
• Translating a broad range of texts on United Nations subjects, particularly those requiring specialized expertise, while meeting workload and deadlines.
• Effectively utilizing relevant language technologies and tools, and assisting the Chief in promoting their utilization.
• Identifying new terminology material, submitting it for approval, and contributing to the setting of terminology standards.
• Advising and assisting translators, briefing them on procedures, practices, terminology, and subject matter as required.
• Coordinating the work of translators, assigning individual tasks, and supporting the Chief with long-term work programming.
• Performing quality control of externally produced translations and contributing to the establishment of quality control criteria and procedures.
• Undertaking cross-assignments to perform other language functions as required.
• Screening and evaluating potential freelance staff and contractors, and preparing requests for selection.
• Carrying out programmatic/management and administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Unit, including performance evaluation.
• Collecting and analyzing data to support data-driven planning, decision-making, presentations, and reporting.
• Acting as First Reporting Officer, if required.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Professionalism: Excellent writing skills, high accuracy, consistency, and faithfulness to the original text, with a strong grasp of subject matter. Ability to work under stress and exercise flexibility and adaptability. Comprehensive knowledge of a broad range of United Nations subjects.
• Teamwork: Collaborative, values others’ ideas and expertise, willing to learn, places team agenda before personal agenda, shares credit and accepts responsibility.
• Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals, identifies priorities, adjusts plans as needed, uses time efficiently, foresees risks and allows for contingencies.
• Leadership: Serves as a role model, empowers others, proactive in developing strategies, anticipates and resolves conflicts, drives for change and improvement.

Education
A first-level university degree or equivalent. Candidates must have passed the relevant United Nations Competitive Examination for Translators/Précis-Writers or the relevant combined United Nations Competitive Examination for Translators/Précis-writers, Editors, and Verbatim Reporters.

Work Experience
A minimum of five years of experience in translation or a relevant language field, and in the use of language technologies. Three years of experience with the United Nations or a similar international organization is desirable. Proven experience in self-revising translations and one year or more of experience in data analytics or a related area are also desirable.

Languages
A perfect command of French, which must be the candidate’s main language, is required. An excellent knowledge of English and knowledge of another official United Nations language, as tested by the relevant United Nations competitive examination, are also required.

Assessment
Qualified candidates may be subject to an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

Special Notice
The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity. Applicants from unrepresented or under-represented Member States are strongly encouraged to apply.