Interpreter – Translator

Posting Title: Interpreter – Translator, French-Russian, LP, P3

Job Code Title: Translator, French

Organization: International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

Duty Station: Montreal, Canada

Posting Period: 25 July 2023 - 24 August 2023

Job Opening Number: 23-Language-ICAO-214645-R-Montreal (R)

Staffing Exercise: N/A

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Org. Setting and Reporting

Languages and Publications provides interpretation, translation, and editorial services in the six ICAO working languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish). Based on the principle of simultaneous distribution of meeting documentation to governing bodies, it ensures the issuance of papers and the provision of interpretation services to Council, its subsidiary bodies, the Air Navigation Commission and other ICAO meetings held within and away from Headquarters.
As a member of a team led by the Chief, Interpretation and Conference Services Section, the Interpreter-Translator provides high-quality interpretation and, when not assigned to interpretation, timely, accurate and stylistically appropriate translations, applying her/his linguistic skills. At times, the Interpreter-Translator may be asked to serve as team leader and to coach and guide other translators and interpreters. The incumbent’s translation work is assigned, supervised and evaluated by the Chief of the relevant Translation Section.
In this post, the incumbent will be interpreting from English and Russian into French.

Responsibilities

Function 1 (incl. Expected results)
Performs interpretation services during meetings on specialized ICAO subject matter areas, achieving results such as:
• Provide high-quality interpretation services into the target language, especially for important, confidential or sensitive formal meetings, as well as for informal meetings.
• Provide accurate and idiomatically-correct interpretation services on a wide variety of technical subjects.
• Grasp spoken words, concepts, statements and information accurately and convey them faithfully in the target language.
• Assimilate technical material rapidly.
• Adhere to interpretation and language services guidelines.
• Provide pro-active input to the development of multilingual glossaries.

Function 2 (incl. Expected results)
Translates texts of technical, legal or administrative specialised subjects dealt with by ICAO, achieving results such as:
• Produce accurate and complete versions in the target language, using the most appropriate vocabulary and the commonly accepted equivalents of professional, scientific or technical terms.
• Convey faithfully the full meaning of each text as befits the intended use and the target readership of the translated version.
• Use appropriate terminology or help identify new terminology where none exists in the target language.
• Ensure consistency with other translators working on the same document.
• Meet deadlines with regard to translation assignments, maintaining a high degree of quality.
• Type and format translations directly in a text-processing software.

Function 3 (incl. Expected results)
Ensures the quality of translations at all times, achieving results such as:
• Analyse the form and content of source and target texts.
• Proofread translated text to eliminate possible errors in spelling or grammar.
• Communicate with the originator if necessary, in order to ensure that the message of the source text has been accurately conveyed in the target text.
• Ensure that the translation is both accurate and stylistically appropriate.

Function 4 (incl. Expected results)
Carries out terminological research related to texts being translated and to meeting documentation, achieving results such as:
• Clarify the meaning of terms and expressions with the text originator.
• In collaboration with the Section Chief and the Terminology Officer, conduct terminological research using appropriate tools, search engines and modern software and systems.
• Ensure terminological consistency and cross-cultural equivalence between the translation and the source texts.
• Help develop, in coordination with the originator, the Section Chief, the Terminology Officer, and/or subject matter experts, new terminology for use where terminological equivalents do not exist in the target language.
• Alert the Terminology Officer of any new terminology or gaps in terminology databases and make recommendations to fill the gaps.
• Pro-actively provide input to the development of translation databases.

Function 5 (incl. Expected results)
Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Very good knowledge of interpretation rules and procedures and practices; ability to grasp the meaning of concepts and terminology and to provide rapid, accurate and idiomatically-correct interpretation services; well-developed translation skills; a good background of general culture; considerable experience in translating from English and Russian into French, preferably technical or legal texts of a difficult and complex nature; a very good degree of understanding of a wide range of technical or legal subjects. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Commitment to Continuous Learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Education

Essential
• A first-level university degree, preferably with emphasis on modern languages, or on technical, legal or scientific studies.
• A diploma from an internationally recognized interpretation school or programme or, alternatively, proven work experience as an interpreter.

Desirable
• Successful completion of United Nations Competitive Examination for French Interpreters or admission to the UN Global Language Roster (GLR) for French interpreters.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) from a recognized translation school or programme or, alternatively, proven work experience as a translator.

Work Experience

• At least five (5) years of experience in conference interpretation from English and Russian into French, for a government, an international organization (preferably in the United Nations Common System) or a large-scale private organization is required.

• At least two (2) years of experience in translation from English and Russian into French, preferably technical or legal texts of a difficult and complex nature is desirable.

Languages

Essential
A complete command of French as mother tongue or language of instruction, along with a thorough knowledge of its syntax, semantics and stylistics. The incumbent must also have excellent knowledge of English and Russian.

Desirable
Basic knowledge of one or more of the other three languages of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, Spanish).

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

The ICAO Assembly recently reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing gender equality and the advancement of women by supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.”

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for ICAO positions, especially in the Professional and higher level categories.

It should be noted that this post is to be filled on a fixed-term basis for an initial period of 3 years (first year is probationary for an external candidate).
ICAO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Secretary General and may be assigned to any activities or offices of the Organization, in accordance with the provisions of the ICAO service code (Staff Regulations).
ICAO staff members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants. In this connection, ICAO has incorporated the 2013 Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service into the ICAO Personnel Instructions.
ICAO offers an attractive benefit package to its employees in accordance with the policies of the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC).
The statutory retirement age for staff entering or re-entering service after 1 January 2014 is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete a term of appointment will normally be considered.
Remuneration: Level P-3 Rate Net Base Salary per annum + Post Adjustment (net) per annum(*)
USD $64,121 USD $33,343
(*) Post Adjustment is subject to change.

United Nations Considerations

In accordance with ICAO Staff Regulations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard shall be paid to the importance of recruiting staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible and ensuring equal gender representation. Subject to the foregoing, selection of staff members shall be made without distinction as to race, sex or religion, nor shall there be any discrimination on account of any disability of a candidate who meets the qualifications required to perform the tasks. Unless otherwise permitted under the ICAO Staff Regulations, appointment and promotion of staff members shall be made on a competitive basis.

Candidates will not be considered for employment with ICAO if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts.

Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, Inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the Inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in Inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised in Inspira will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

ICAO does NOT charge any fees or request money from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process, nor does it concern itself with bank account details of applicants. Requests of this nature allegedly made on behalf of ICAO are fraudulent and should be disregarded.

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