Language Specialist (Translation/Revision), Russian

Closing date: Friday, 6 February 2015

Post Title: Language Specialist (Translation/Revision), Russian

Vacancy Notice: 2015/01/P 105005

Level: P-4

Posting Period: 6 January - 6 February 2015

Duty Station: Montreal, Canada

Date for entry on duty: After 1 July 2015

THE ORGANI ZATIONAL SETTING

The Language and Publications provides interpretation and translation services in the six ICAO working languages and ensures the issuance of documentation, on the basis of simultaneous distribution, to Council, its deliberative bodies and the Air Navigation Commission and other ICAO meetings held at Headquarters and away from Headquarters. It is responsible for both translation and editorial services for ICAO publications to be provided to States.

As a member of a team led by the Chief, Russian Translation Section, the Translator/Reviser provides accurate, timely and stylistically appropriate translations of texts, applying his/her linguistic skills; he/she also revises texts translated by other translators, colleagues or by free-lance and contractual translators, ensuring their accuracy and high linguistic quality.

For this assignment, the incumbent will be working in the following language combinations: English and Russian.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILI TIES

Functi on 1 (i ncl . Expected resul ts) Translates texts covering a broad range of technical, legal or administrative subjects dealt with by ICAO, achieving results such as:

Accurate and complete versions in the target language using the most appropriate range of vocabulary and the commonly accepted equivalents of professional, scientific or technical terms.
Reflect faithfully the full meaning of each text in a manner appropriate to the intended use and target readership of the translated version.
Use appropriate terminology or identify new terminology material where none exists in the target language.
Ens ure consistency with other translators working on the same document.
Deadlines met with regard to translation/revision assignments, maintaining a high degree of quality.
Translations typed and formatted directly in a text-processing software.

Functi on 2 (i ncl . Expected resul ts) Executes terminological research related to texts being translated, achieving results such as:

Clarify the meaning of terms and expressions with the text originator.
In collaboration with the Documents Management and Outsourcing Section (DMO), 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.
Develop, in coordination with the originator, new terminology for use where terminological equivalents do not exist in the target language.
Alert DMO of any new terminology or gaps in the terminology databases and make recommendations to fill the gaps.
Pro-actively provide input to the development of translation databases.

Functi on 3 (i ncl . Expected resul ts) Ensures the quality of translations at all times and provides input to the development of guidelines, policies and standards for translation and revision practices, achieving results such as:

Analysis of the form and content of source and target texts.
Make the necessary changes to the translations.
Proofread translated text to eliminate possible errors in spelling or grammar.
Communicate with the originator if necessary in order to ensure the message of the source text has been accurately conveyed in the target text.
Ensure that the translation is both accurate and stylistically appropriate.
Provide explanation, if necessary, of any corrections made.
Identify the need for adaptation of guidelines to cases not covered in existing practices.
Exercise independent judgement, discretion and research in choosing or determining professional equivalence in dealing with the meaning and appropriate rendering of difficult texts.
Make recommendations for improving or revising the formulation and standardization of translation and revision guidelines.

Functi on 4 (i ncl . Expected resul ts) Self-revises and revises texts translated by other translators, including free-lance and contractual translators, ensuring their accuracy and high linguistic quality, achieving results such as:

Produce final versions in the target language that are equivalent to the original text in terms of accuracy, completeness, meaning, style and effectiveness.
By using the most appropriate range of vocabulary and scientific or technical terms, produce high-quality final versions of difficult, complex and urgent documents.
Incorporate results of any supplementary research as may be necessary to solve problems of terminology and meaning.
Avoid possible inconsistencies or errors in the original text, including the originator's misinterpretation of source material, through consultation with substantive units or originators.

Functi on 5 (i ncl . Expected resul ts) Performs other related duties as required, achieving results such as:

Perform interpretation, when required.
Provide guidance and training to new colleagues or temporary staff as required.
Advise clients on matters of terminology, style, grammar, etc.
Participate in symposiums and seminars of interest to the profession.
Acquire feedback from clients and other sources on the quality of the language services provided; adapt own work and make recommendations on the improvement of the work of the Section.
Develop and conduct training sessions and workshops for translators when required.

QUALI FICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Educati onal background

A first-level degree from a university or an institution of equivalent status, preferably with emphasis on modern languages, or on technical, legal or scientific studies.

Professi onal experi ence and knowl edge

Essential

At least seven years of professional experience in translating from English to Russian, as well as from Russian to English, preferably technical or legal texts of difficult and complex nature, in a government, a large-scale private organization, or an international organization.
Experience in revising the work of other translators.
A high degree of understanding of a wide range of technical or legal subjects.
Familiarity with the objectives and procedures of international organizations, and particularly of ICAO.
Ability to type and format documents in a text-processing software.
Excellent knowledge of revision rules and procedures and practices.

Desirable

Successful completion of United Nations exam for translators or interpreters is considered an asset.
The ability to perform interpretation, when required, is desirable.

Language Ski l l s

Essential

A complete command of Russian as the mother tongue or the language used for the purpose of education is essential, along with a thorough knowledge of its syntax and stylistics. The incumbent must also have excellent knowledge of English and a very good command of one of the other official languages of the Organization.

Competenci es

Professionalism: Well-developed analytical, writing and translation skills. Proven ability to produce, within established deadlines, translations and revisions that meet high standards of accuracy and consistency and retain the spirit, style and nuances of the original text. Ability to deliver output within prescribed time, while complying with UN productivity and quality standards.
Planning and organizing: Ability to work and lead teams under pressure. Ability to identify priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor the work of others.
Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively in a team and to provide leadership. Ability to maintain harmonious working relationships in a multinational environment.
Technological awareness: Ability to use contemporary terminology databases and computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools.
Commitment to continuous learning: Keep abreast of new developments in the translation field, e.g. CAT tools, digital dictation, voice recognition, translation memories and other productivity-enhancing software. Commitment to pursuing in-service training, external studies or independent studies.

CONDI TIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

It should be noted that this post is to be filled on a fixed-term basis for an initial period of three 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 within the duty station.

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 2001 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-4 Rate Net Base Salary per annum + Post Adjustment (net) per annum(*) Single USD 68,294 USD 32,507 Dependency USD 73,338 USD 34,908 (*) Post Adjustment is subject to change.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates must complete an on-line application form. To apply, please visit ICAO's e-Recruitment website at: https://careers.icao.int.

NOTICE TO CANDIDATES

ICAO does NOT charge any fees or request money from candidates at any stage of the selection 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.