Language Assistant (English) (GS-5)

Post Level	GS-5	Closing Date	21 December 2012 (29 days left)
Vacancy Ref	E-PMO/LSB/LA/GS-5/F0066/46/11-12	This appointment is for a duration of three years, with a six-month probationary period. The Director-General retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description.
Branch	Language Services Branch
Division	Secretariat for the Policy-Making Organs
Date	22 November 2012
Principal Functions		Requirements
Under the supervision of the Senior Linguist (English) , the incumbent performs the following duties: · Transcribes translation in English, ensuring that spelling, punctuation and format are correct; proof-reads for correctness in terminology, reference, date, etc. and checks for grammatical accuracy. Subjects of documentation include, inter alia, confidential information (e.g. final inspection report, mandate, declaration of States Parties), scientific and technical text (e.g. chemistry, disarmament, finance, law) and politically sensitive content (notification, notes verbales). The incumbent is required to work under a strict confidentiality regime and comply with rules, procedures and practices currently in operation; · Operates word-processing equipment, database and spreadsheet applications; determines practical solutions to computer problems; customises the software applications by creating new styles and templates to adapt them to the requirements of the language section; decides on the most appropriate presentation and format of the documents in that language, taking into consideration the unique features of the language; · Creates and updates the external and internal official-series document database in the section’s language used by OPCW staff members and Member States; prepares lists of all official documents in that language; · Pre-processes (electronically) text in section’s language to expedite the translation process; · Converts from different software and reformats documents translated outside the OPCW; converts, retypes and proof-reads archived documents or missing documents of the Preparatory Commission of OPCW and of other organisations; · Participates in the selection of short-term staff recruited to provide, on a substitute or supplementary basis, the same services as the incumbent within the language section: provides training and administrative assistance to the short-term staff and reviews their work; · Organises and co-ordinates work-flow, determines work priorities, distributes work-load to the short-term staff during the sessions of the Executive Council and Conference of the States Parties and other peak work periods, as applicable; · Within the specific language section, assists the short-term language staff in using OPCW terminology and seeking reference document; prepares background and reference file for short-term and contractual language staff; in the absence of linguists, advises short-term and contractual language staff on internal practices and procedures; · Assists the linguists with research, compilation and editing of a list of abbreviations and in-house glossaries of specific terminology; · Performs other duties as required.		Knowledge and Skills
		Essential: · High School Diploma or equivalent diploma of higher secondary education. · Advanced skills in using modern personal computer equipment are essential, including in-depth knowledge of Windows-based word processing, database and spreadsheet applications; Ability to plan, organise and manage conflicting priorities; Tact, accuracy and discretion; Flexibility and ability to work under pressure; Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural environment.
		Experience
		Essential: Minimum four years of progressively responsible and related experience, preferably in an international organisation
		Languages
		A thorough knowledge of English, which must be a first language. A working knowledge of one of the other official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is desirable.
Annual Salary Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and provident fund deductions)		Net Salary	EUR 40,204
CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO USE ONLY THE ONLINE APPLICATION SYSTEM. Interested applicants who are unable to submit an application online at www.opcw.org , due to technical problems, are requested to send an e- mail to Recruitment@opcw.org explaining the problem. Only applications received before the closing date will be considered. Only applicants under serious consideration for a post will be contacted. Applications from qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged. There are job advertisements and offers that falsely state that they are from the OPCW. Please be aware that the OPCW does not request any payments or require any financial information (bank account details, credit card numbers) from you at any stage of the application and review process. If you are contacted with these requests, please contact Recruitment@opcw.org and notify us at once.