Head, French Translation Section - 25201-FT – World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO
Overview
The Head of the French Translation Section is responsible for the day‑to‑day management of the section within the PCT Translation Division, delivering translation and quality assurance services from the official languages of the PCT into French. The role includes line management, administrative and supervisory responsibilities, and coordinating with other sections and units as needed. Contract duration: 2 years. Duty Station: CH-Geneva. Application Deadline: 25-Sep-2025.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.
Responsibilities
1. Manage staff of the Section and evaluate their work. Lead, plan, control and supervise translation, revision, and quality control work; determine priorities and allocate resources for timely delivery of work products in line with results‑based management principles. Make informed linguistic decisions on English to French translation and decisions on quality control outcomes and style.
2. Plan and organize the distribution of translation work to a global network of translation suppliers including agencies, individual contract suppliers, and internal translators; administer requisitions and ensure timely and satisfactory delivery of services.
3. Plan and oversee the translation quality assurance process for the Section, monitor performance of translation suppliers and take necessary measures to maintain quality standards.
4. Design and prepare documentation for and lead the process of public tenders for translation in the Section; promote, administer and execute the tender process, review bids, select and administer tests, and select successful bidders in accordance with procurement rules under guidance from the Procurement and Travel Division.
5. Organize, coordinate and participate in preparing and updating guidelines and learning materials; counsel and assist translators on division procedures and practices; formulate draft instructions and guidelines governing the work of translation staff.
6. Guide, counsel and train or supervise the training of translators, trainee revisers, revisers and fellows; evaluate their performance and promote the optimal utilization of their skills and experience; manage personnel, budgetary and other matters for efficient operations of the Section.
7. Work with the Translation and Terminology Technology Section (TTTS) to ensure workflows are optimal; oversee testing and implementation of new technologies to maximize use of translation technology.
8. Establish and maintain contact with translation institutions and universities; prospect for prospective translators; coordinate examinations and testing of candidates; make recommendations on staff selection; coordinate with other sections and units as necessary.
9. Represent the PCT Translation Division in WIPO working groups, meetings and international or inter‑agency conferences.
10. Perform other related duties as required.
Requirements
Education and Experience
1. Advanced university degree in a technical or scientific field, translation or modern languages, or a related field. A first‑level degree plus two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
2. Experience (Essential): At least ten years of relevant experience in scientific or technical translation, revision and terminology work, including experience in managing such work.
3. Experience in the field of intellectual property.
4. Experience in managing a team.
5. Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and excellent knowledge of written French.
6. Excellent knowledge of other PCT publication languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish).
Competencies
1. Strong aptitude regarding translation technology and software tools that aid the translation process and ability to rapidly assimilate information regarding new technology.
2. Strong client orientation.
3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships in a multi‑cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Desirable
1. Knowledge of the subject matter dealt with by WIPO.
For more information, including on salaries and benefits, please check the WIPO Careers website.
Job Details
* Seniority level: Director
* Employment type: Contract
* Job function: Other
* Industries: International Affairs
Application details: The page notes the role and includes standard notices. Applications are open until the deadline above.
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