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.

a.    Organizational Setting

The post is in the Russian Translation Section of the Language Division, Patents and Technology Sector.  The Language Division is responsible for delivering comprehensive and high-quality language services in relation to:  the translation of treaties and other international instruments administered by WIPO, national legislative texts, documents for the Assemblies of Member States, publications, reports of meetings and conferences and working documents for committees of experts and other bodies, and the WIPO website;  and the provision of interpretation services for the meetings of the WIPO Assemblies, committees and meetings organized by the various sectors.

b.    Purpose Statement

The Head of the Russian Translation Section is responsible for the day-to-day management of the work of the Section and its staff and shapes and implements the objectives for the Section, ensuring high quality and timely delivery of texts translated into Russian.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the Language Division.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Lead, plan and control translation, revision, editing, terminological, reference and word processing work, determining priorities and allocating staff resources for the timely, quality and cost-effective delivery of outputs in accordance with results-based management principles.

b.   Manage and evaluate the work performed by staff of the Section (including temporary staff) and by contractual translators.  Guide and counsel staff and develop training plans to promote the best utilization of their skills and experience.

c.   Revise and approve complex and urgent texts; translate particularly complex, difficult or sensitive texts from English and at least one other official UN language.

d.   Make informed linguistic determinations concerning the Russian language and take authoritative decisions regarding terminology, style and usage.

e.   Organize and supervise Russian terminology work, including glossaries, technical vocabularies and related data collections; direct terminological research within the Section, and in collaboration with other language Section Heads, participate in the enhanced design and development of terminology databases and computer-assisted-translation and terminology (CATT) tools.

f.    Promote and supervise the use of artificial intelligence (AI) based modern translation technologies, including machine translation, as a means to combine human and machine intelligence to ensure a timely delivery of high quality translation in a cost efficient manner and ensure that the most effective use is made by the Section of all the translation technologies available.

g.   Design and prepare the documentation required for and lead the process of public tenders for translation in the Section; promote, administer and execute the tender process, review the bids, select and administer the tests and select the successful bidders in accordance with established procurement rules and under the guidance of the Central Services Division.

h.   Establish and maintain contacts with translation institutions and individual translators with a view to expanding the network of translators; organize the testing of prospective translators and make decisions on their selection.

i.    Represent the Section in working groups and internal and external meetings; liaise with other language sections and relevant work units to achieve improved efficiencies, knowledge management and information sharing.

j.    Ensure cross collaboration within both the Language Division and the PCT Translation Division within the Patents and Technology Sector and ensure that any efforts on capacity building of employees and/or staff promote such collaboration;  and perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in modern languages, linguistics, translation or related discipline.  A first-level university degree plus two years of relevant experience in addition to the experience mentioned below may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience (Essential)

At least ten years of relevant professional experience in translation, editing, revision and using CATT tools, mainly acquired in international organizations.

Experience in supervising staff.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience with and understanding of Results-Based Management.

Language (Essential)

Mother tongue level of Russian and excellent knowledge of English and French or Spanish.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other official UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Excellent managerial skills and proven ability to provide leadership and to motivate and train staff.

Advanced translation and revision skills.

Thorough knowledge of concepts and terminology in various areas of specialization, as well as modern translation technologies, including machine translation and the related revision/post editing work.

Strong aptitude regarding translation technology and software tools that aid the translation process and ability to rapidly assimilate information regarding new technology.

Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.

Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the Internet.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Knowledge of the subject matter dealt with by WIPO.

1.     Communicating effectively.

2.     Showing team spirit.

3.     Demonstrating integrity.

4.     Valuing diversity.

5.     Producing results.

6.     Showing service orientation.

7.     Seeing the big picture.

8.     Seeking change and innovation.

9.     Developing yourself and others.

Mobility:  WIPO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director General and may be assigned to any activities, office or duty station of the Organization.  Accordingly, the selected candidate may be required to move from time to time to new functions and/or to another duty station.

Annual salary:

Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment.  Please note that this estimate is for information only.  The post adjustment multiplier (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change (increase or decrease) without notice.  The figures quoted below are based on the April 2024 rate of 84.8%.

Please refer to WIPO’s Staff Regulation and Rules for detailed information concerning salaries, benefits and allowances.

Additional Information

* Initial period of two years, renewable, subject to satisfactory performance.  No fixed-term appointment or any extension hereof shall carry with it any expectancy of, nor imply any right to, (further) extensions or conversion to a permanent appointment.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill other posts at the same grade with similar functions in accordance with Staff Rule 4.9.5.

Applications from qualified women as well as from qualified nationals of unrepresented Member States of WIPO and underrepresented geographical regions are encouraged. Please click on the following links for the list of unrepresented Member States and the list of underrepresented regions and the WIPO Member States in these regions.

The Organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than that advertised.

By completing an application, candidates understand that any willful misrepresentation made on this web site, or on any other documents submitted to WIPO during the application, may result in disqualification from the recruitment process, or termination of employment with WIPO at a later date, if that employment resulted from such willful misrepresentations.

In the event that your candidature is shortlisted, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of an identification and of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and these will be reviewed individually.

Additional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening.  Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references.

Additional background checks may be required.