Section Head (French Language)(P5)
JOB DETAIL
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please note that the closing date for submission of applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.
Organizational Setting
The Department of Management (MT) provides a ‘platform of services’ that serves as a foundation for the successful delivery of the IAEA’s scientific and technical programmes. Its mission statement is as follows: “MT is a partner and a business enabler that champions change and efficiency, leveraging a common purpose”. Thus, among other support activities, it assists a scientific manager in recruiting the right expert, helps a technical officer coordinate the purchase of radiation equipment, and ensures that all Board documents are translated and distributed on a timely basis to Member States.
One of the main functions assigned to the IAEA by its Statute is to foster the exchange of scientific and technical information and the dissemination of knowledge in the nuclear field among Member States. To facilitate the effective exchange and dissemination of information relevant to the IAEA’s work and mandate, the Division of Conference and Document Services coordinates and supports the implementation of these activities for its users and clients, both internal and external, by organizing meetings and conferences, issuing documents in the six official IAEA languages, i.e. Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish, and editing, printing and distributing publications.
The French Translation Section is one of six translation sections in the Division providing translations of a broad range of documents and publications into the official languages. It is responsible for translating documents into French. High quality translations are required and often short deadlines have to be met.
Main Purpose
Reporting to the Director, the Section Head leads a professional team in shaping and implementing the programmatic objectives for the Section, ensuring the high quality and timely delivery of texts translated into French for distribution to Member States and/or members of the Secretariat.
The functional title, organizational structure and reporting lines of this position may be subject to change in the near future.
Role
The Section Head is: (1) a leader and manager, providing guidance and managerial support to the team, and planning resources with a view to achieving efficient and effective results; (2) a substantive expert, leveraging knowledge and experience in the field to policy development and operations; (3) an adviser on matters of policy, strategy and complex cases.
Functions / Key Results Expected
Lead and manage an innovative and effective team of professionals and staff, promoting internal and external collaboration, and ensuring, through learning opportunities, work assignments and recruitment, an effective balance of skills and resources.
Provide leadership and structure: develop the annual workplans in line with the programme and budget.
Revise the translations done by other members of the Section, mainly from English into French, covering a broad range of scientific, technical, administrative and legal subjects, ensuring that translations are equivalent in meaning and style to the original texts.
Translate and self-revise such texts, especially those of an urgent or confidential nature.
Take authoritative decisions regarding terminology, style and usage in French.
Ensure strategic integration of the outputs: lead the collaborative planning of the programme of the Section, identifying and encouraging linkages with related work units; establish concrete objectives, milestones and performance indicators, and review effectiveness and the focus on priorities in line with the results based framework.
Oversee the development of best-practice policies and standards in French translation and ensure their efficacy.
Competencies and Expertise
Core Competencies(Competency Framework)
| Name | Definition |
|---|---|
| Planning and Organizing | Sets clearly defined objectives for himself/herself and the team or Section. Identifies and organizes deployment of resources based on assessed needs, taking into account possible changing circumstances. Monitors team’s performance in meeting the assigned deadlines and milestones. |
| Communication | Encourages open communication and builds consensus. Uses tact and discretion in dealing with sensitive information, and keeps staff informed of decisions and directives as appropriate. |
| Achieving Results | Sets realistic targets for himself/herself and for the team; ensures availability of resources and supports staff members in achieving results. Monitors progress and performance; evaluates achievements and integrates lessons learned. |
| Teamwork | Encourages teamwork, builds effective teams and resolves problems by creating a supportive and collaborative team spirit, remaining mindful of the need to collaborate with people outside the immediate area of responsibility. |
Functional Competencies
| Name | Definition |
|---|---|
| Client orientation | Examines client plans and develops services and options to support ongoing relationships. Develops solutions that add value to the Agency’s programmes and operations. |
| Judgement/decision making | Consults with and seeks advice at the appropriate managerial level when making complex decisions. Facilitates dialogue and development of best practice to support judgement/decision making, in full compliance with the Agency’s regulations and rules. |
| Knowledge sharing and learning | Identifies and establishes systems and mechanisms to facilitate development of best practice and knowledge management. Encourages staff members to learn continuously and to share knowledge through mentoring, networking and development, and training opportunities. |
Required Expertise
| Function | Name | Expertise Description |
|---|---|---|
| Management and Programme Analysis | Programme Management | Thorough knowledge of management principles and ability to foster an environment that promotes good performance, integrity, self-development and innovation. |
| Language and Conference Services | Translating | Demonstrated aptitude for technical and general translation work. Skill and initiative in researching points of terminology, language and subject matter. |
| Language and Conference Services | Translation Support Tools | Knowledge in using Microsoft Office software and IT translation tools, in particular SDL TRADOS Workbench and SDL TRADOS Multiterm. |
Qualifications, Experience and Language skills
- Advanced university degree in languages or in a relevant subject ( e.g. science, technology or law ).
- At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in translation.
- Experience in an international organization, public sector or non-profit organization, or equivalent, would be an asset.
- Some management experience in a language-related area.
- French as mother tongue or principal language of education, with a profound knowledge of its grammar, style and usage.
- Knowledge of scientific and technical subjects, particularly in the nuclear field, and the ability (not necessarily with a formal scientific background) to grasp scientific problems and handle difficult technical material.
- Familiarity with the working environment in international organizations.
- Knowledge of the IAEA mandate, history, current role and main activities.
- Excellent oral and written command of English and French. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.
Remuneration
The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $92731 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 44233*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; Other benefits include 6 weeks’ annual leave, home leave travel, pension plan and health insurance. More information on the conditions of employment can be found at: https://www.iaea.org/about/employment/professional-staff/conditions
General Information
- The IAEA’s paramount consideration in the recruitment of staff member is to secure employees of the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
- Staff Members shall be selected without any unfair treatment or arbitrary distinction based on a person’s race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, age, language, social origin or other similar shared characteristic or trait.
- The IAEA is committed to gender equality and to promoting a diverse workforce. Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are strongly encouraged.
- Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity.
- The IAEA has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and the IAEA, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
Evaluation process
- The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the selection criteria stated in the vacancy announcement. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information. Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
- Candidates under serious consideration for selection may be subject to reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.
Appointment information
- Appointment is subject to a satisfactory medical report.
- Staff members may be assigned to any location.
- Candidates appointed to posts in the Professional and higher categories are subject to IAEA rotation policy and their maximum tour of service shall normally be seven years.
- The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above.
