JOB DESCRIPTION

Principal Duties

The incumbent’s duties are:

1. Reports to Section Head, Linguistic Services Section (LIN).
2. Ensures that language evaluation is performed correctly and uniformly in all ACO HQs and elements.
3. Evaluates existing English and, if qualified, French language tests and updates or prepares new tests for use within ACO.
4. Advises the Section Head and provides recommendations on language testing.
5. Co-directs the work of the SHAPE Language Testing Centre (SLTC).
6. Conducts English language testing in accordance with STANAG 6001.
7. Provides counselling to test-takers on how to improve their language skills and possibly advice on and assistance with the conduct of self-study programmes.
9. Conducts testing and acts as a qualified language advisor (QLA) to assist selection boards involved in the recruitment of NATO International Civilian staff in accordance with ACO Directive 50-13.
10. Trains qualified language advisors (QLAs) throughout ACO (and other NATO commands upon request.
11. Proponent for SD 75-4, Verification of Language Proficiency of Military Personnel.
12. Facilitates Allied Command Transformation and Marshall Center Language Training Seminars (LTS) held at the Marshall Center when requested by Director, Partner Language Training Center Europe.
13. Conducts language testing training workshops and seminars for nations and subordinate commands when required.
14. Ensures that all administrative work for the preparation of tests and retests, including test appointments and the notification of test results is performed.
15. Maintains statistical records of test results.
17. Performs other duties as assigned by the Section Head.

Special Requirements and Additional Duties

The incumbent may be required to undertake deployments in support of military operations and exercises, and/or TDY assignments, both within and without NATO boundaries up to 180 days.

The employee may be required to perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the organization at the same grade without there being any change to the contract.

Essential Qualifications

1. Professional/Experience
2. Familiarity with NATO language-proficiency standards and directives;
3. Three years spent teaching the English language;
4. Solid experience working as an English-language proficiency tester;
5. Experience in an international treaty-based organization, a military headquarters or other relevant language-training setting.

1.  Education/Training

Higher Secondary education and completed higher vocational training in relevant modern languages, any subject if education accomplished in both of the mandatory languages or related discipline leading to a formal technical or professional certification with 3 years function related experience, or Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 5 years post related experience.

1.  Language

English – SLP 4444 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)

Desirable Qualifications

1. Professional/Experience
2. Familiarity with STANAG 6001 descriptors;
3. Public speaking or completion of the Language Testing Seminar and Advanced Language Testing Seminar at the George Marshall Center in Garmisch-Partenkirchen or participation in the work of the Bureau for International Language Coordination (BILC);
4. Graduate – level education (Master’s degree or higher) in English, testing/Test Design or a similar field;
5. Native–speaker of English with demonstrated writing ability performing at a level expected in a professional context and of a quality appropriate for a professional working in a linguistic discipline.
6.  Language

French – SLP 3333

Attributes/Competencies

Personal Attributes:

–  Thought and Judgement: Uses own judgement in performing routine duties; proposes courses of action to supervisor and to Section in other areas.

–  Adaptability and Ability to Reframe Problems: Incumbent must be able to devise and adapt systems to handle the work in his/her domain, to adapt to a variety of situations, and to adopt new working practices and technology; incumbent must be able to reframe problems and recommend alternative courses of action.

–  Tact and Diplomacy: Tact and diplomacy are required of the incumbent in all phases of the job.

–  Desire to See Others Do Well: Works within the Section to ensure that success is a team endeavor and not merely a personal achievement; works with customers to support continued improvement in the area of language skills and create conditions for success for test candidates; explains shortcomings to test candidates in an encouraging, constructive way.

–  Nuanced Approach to Linguistic Expression: Demonstrates attentiveness to detail and nuance in their own speech and writing (a prerequisite for assessing and helping others), and in turn displays attentiveness to detail and nuance when evaluating the speech and writing of others.

–    Sensitivity to Other Languages and Cultures: Display sensitivity to the great variety of cultures and languages within the NATO Alliance, and shown awareness of how and where other languages impact test results or interfere with success; will put test candidates at ease.

–    Listening and Communication Skills: Writes with attention to detail; displays attention to nuanced listening and reading skills needed both for language testing and for becoming part of a team within the Linguistic Services Section; communicates well.

Managerial Responsibilities:

Assists the Section Head and fund managers in managing language-testing budgets.

Professional Contacts:

With work associates, requestors and providers of language – proficiency testing, linguistic and other services (officers organizing meetings/courses, fund managers,  hotels, travel office, etc.).

Contribution to Objectives:

Assists in achieving the objectives of the Linguistic Service to which they are assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

–  Supervises that language evaluation is performed correctly and uniformly in all ACO HQs and elements.

–  Evaluates existing English (and French, if qualified) language tests and updates or prepares new tests for use within ACO.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Date Posted: 2025-03-17

Application Deadline: 06-Apr-25

Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM

Experience in Months: 60