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.

This post is a limited-term fixed-term post.

a.    Organizational Setting

The post is located in the Asian Languages Section 1, PCT Translation Division in the Patents and Technology Sector. The PCT Translation Division is responsible for delivering high-quality publication-ready translation in relation to patent applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).  In particular, the PCT Translation Division is responsible for translating scientific, technical and legal documents, mainly the abstracts of international patent applications and scientific, technical and legal reports relating to the patentability of inventions.

b.    Purpose Statement

As part of the Asian Languages Section 1, the incumbent is required to translate and self-revise texts in a wide range of subjects, predominantly in the patent, scientific and technical subject fields from Korean into English, respond to translation-related queries from internal customers and end users, participate in terminology compilation, assess the quality of translations and be familiar with a wide variety of translation and terminology-related technology.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head of the Asian Languages Section 1.

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.  Translate and post-edit texts in a wide range of subjects, predominantly in the patent, scientific and technical subject fields from Korean into English, meeting the standards of quality, quantity and timeliness of the Division; self-revise said texts under the guidance of senior colleagues.

b.  Participate in the compilation of the terminology database of the Division which is used to ensure the quality and consistency of the end product; identify potential subject fields requiring terminological research and support and conduct such research as requested.

c.  Use, evaluate and make proposals for the improvement of computer-assisted translation, terminology and machine translation tools and keep abreast of technical developments in these areas.

d.  Provide assistance to internal translators in response to linguistic queries concerning translation.

e.  Upon request, assess the quality of translations by applying established quality control standards to the work, seeking guidance when required.

f.   Perform other related duties as required.

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree or equivalent in modern languages, linguistics, in a scientific or technical field, or in a related field.

Education (Desirable)

Advanced university degree in translation, a scientific or technical field, or in a related field.

Experience (Essential)

With a first-level university degree in the above-mentioned disciplines, six years of relevant professional experience, mainly in the translation and self-revision of technical and scientific texts. With a one-year advanced university degree in modern languages, linguistics or translation, five years, and with a two-year advanced university degree in modern languages, linguistics or translation, four years of relevant professional experience are required.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in translation in a technical or scientific field, or in the field of intellectual property.

Language (Essential)

Mother-tongue level of English and excellent knowledge of Korean (first translation language).

Language (Desirable)

Ability to translate from English into Korean is considered an advantage.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Advanced translation skills, with an ability to produce accurate and idiomatically correct translations in line with established translation guidelines.

Ability to grasp scientific, technical and legal issues in a wide variety of fields.

Good knowledge of translation technology and software tools that aid the translation process.

Ability to work accurately and respect strict deadlines.

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

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 October 2024 rate of 95.3%

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

Additional Information

* Initial fixed-term appointment of two years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and other applicable conditions.  The selected candidate’s appointment will be subject to an overall term of five years in this position, with normally no possibility of renewal beyond that term.  S/he may, however, apply and be considered for other positions at WIPO.

This is not applicable to WIPO staff members on fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointments, who were recruited following a competition under Staff Regulation 4.10 (“Appointment Boards”).

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.