Chief of Translation Service, French, D1

This position is located in the French Translation Service, Documentation Division, Department for General Assembly and Conference Management. The incumbent will report to the Director, Documentation Division.
		Responsibilities
	The Chief of the French Translation Service is responsible for the following duties: Managing the staff and work programme of the Service to ensure the timely issuance in French of documents; participating in the senior management group of the Division and assuming the leadership role on ad hoc task forces or projects as required; making recommendations to the Director of the Documentation Division on policy, administrative and operational matters of the Service, including monitoring and highlighting technological advances that could facilitate the work of the Service/Division; organizing all activities of the Service to ensure maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness; supervising and monitoring the performance of all staff in the Service and preparing e-Performance reports as First Reporting Officer for the staff directly reporting to the Chiefs and acts as Second Reporting Officer accordingly; formulating and developing guidelines, instructions and priorities governing translation, revision, précis writing and terminology work of the Service; preparing internal information notes on work procedures; screening applications from and evaluating potential freelance staff and contractors, and preparing requests for contractual translation or the recruitment of temporary assistance as needed; carrying out quality control checks for work done in-house and by outside contractors; making long and short-term projections of the work of the Service and its staffing requirements; organizing training and preparing reports on all aspects of the Service; coordinating long-term meeting coverage with other precis-writing Services; making recommendations on such personnel actions as recruitment, renewal of contracts, transfers, assignments and promotions; selecting papers for examinations, marking scripts, establishing pass lists, participating in examination boards and interviews to ensure appropriate recruitment; serving as the final arbiter on all technical problems connected with the language of the Service; translating and/or revising particularly important, sensitive or confidential texts, as required; serving as Officer-in-Charge of the Division when required.
		Competencies
	Core Competencies: -  Professionalism: Knowledge of a broad range of subjects dealt with by the United Nations, i.e. political, social, legal, economic, financial, administrative, scientific and technical. Ability to work under continuous stress in dealing with a broad range of subjects. Ability to demonstrate tact and negotiating skills, good judgment, decision-making and analytical skills. Ability to serve as final arbiter on language, translation and other technical issues arising in the Service. 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. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. -  Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed -  Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and experties; 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 join responsibilities for team shortcomings. Managerial competencies -  Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly. -  Empowering Others: Delegates responsibilities, clarifies expectation and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds other accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibilities; genuinely values all staff members' input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decision that affect them.
		Education
	A first-level degree from a university or institution of equivalent status. Having passed the United Nations Competitive Examination for French Translators/précis-writers is desirable.
		Work Experience
	A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in translation,revision and/ or in the provision of other language or language related services. Significant language-related management experience in international, regional or national institutions is required.
		Languages
	Thorough command of French, which must be the candidate's main language, and an excellent knowledge of English and one other official language of the United Nations is required.
		Assessment Method
	Qualified applicants may be invited to take a substantive test which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
		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.

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