Chief, English Translation and Editing Unit

Special Notice

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. UNECA is committed to promoting geographical distribution and gender equality within its Secretariat. Therefore, women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Publications Section (PS) of Public Information and Knowledge Management Division (PIKMD). Under the supervision of the Chief, Publications Section, the incumbent will be in charge of the English Translation and Editing Unit (ETEU).

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the English Reviser/Chief of the English Translation and Editing Unit will be responsible for the following duties: Advises the Chief, Publications Section on all issues dealing with English translation and editing at ECA; - Plans medium-term activities of the English Unit and evaluates the temporary staff recruitment needs, in consultation with the Documents Planning and Monitoring Unit (DPMU); - Plans and supervises the day-to-day activities of the English Translation and Editing Unit; - Ensures that deadlines are met for English translation and editing, in consultation and coordination within and outside the Section; - Ensures that the English Unit provide, within specified deadlines, quality, clear, concise, edited documents in conformity with United Nations standards; - At the request of the Documents Planning and Monitoring Unit (DPMU), checks the quality of English translations subcontracted by ECA in order to give an opinion on subcontracted English translations in conformity with United Nations standards; - Takes part in the recruitment of the English Unit's permanent staff; - Acts as First Reporting Officer for all of the Unit's staff (e-PAS); - Supervises, counsels, motivates and trains the staff under his/her supervision; - Promotes teamwork and communication among staff members of the English Unit and those of the Publications Section; - In collaboration with the Documents Planning and Monitoring Unit (DPMU), assists in the computerization of the ECA English reference unit. As the English reviser, the incumbent takes part in the Unit's translation and editing activities. In this regard, he/she: -Revises translations on a broad range of subjects dealt with by the Economic Commission for Africa; - Translates without revision highly specialized or urgent texts. - Within multilingual teams composed of all categories of language staff using several languages, the Chief of the English Translation and Editing Unit contributes to the linguistic servicing of major ECA conferences, by directing, in particular, the work of the Unit at ECA ministerial conferences and other major events held in or outside Addis Ababa; performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism:- 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.
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 & 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.
Leadership:-Serves as a role model that other people want to follow-Empowers others to translate vision into results-Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives-Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support-Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions-Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo-Shows the courage to take unpopular stands.

Education

Degree from a university or from an institution of equivalent status is required. Must have passed the United Nations competitive examination for English translators.

Work Experience

At least five years of experience in translation and précis-writing experience, of which three preferably should have been within the United Nations is required. Knowledge of a broad range of subjects dealt with by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (political, social, legal, economic, financial, administrative, scientific and technical) with a recognized specialization in a particular substantive, technical or administrative area is desirable.

Languages

A perfect command of English, which must be the candidate's main language, and excellent knowledge of French is required. Knowledge of another official language of the United Nations (preferably Arabic), as tested by the appropriate United Nations competitive examination and demonstrated by performance in the Organization, is desirable.

Assessment Method

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

United Nations Considerations

Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. 

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of inspira account-holder homepage.

Applications are pre-screened by the system according to the published requirements of the job opening on the basis of the information provided in the application. In relation to the requirements of the job opening, applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their qualifications, including their education, work experience, and language skills. Each applicant must bear in mind that submission of incomplete or inaccurate applications may render that applicant ineligible for consideration for the job opening. Initial screening and evaluation of applications will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted. Applications cannot be amended following submission. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.

Chief, English Translation and Editing Unit