OACPS Secretariat

Translator (English)

 

Grade:  P3

Office:  Department Administration, Finance and Human Resources

Supervisor: Reviser

Duty Station: OACPS Secretariat, Belgium

Posting period: 21 December 2021 to 30 January 2022

Post Number:  ACP/41/65/21/AFHR/HR/CNA

No. of Vacancies: 1

Organisational Context

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Reviser, the Translator provides translation services to the various departments of the OACPS Secretariat, as well as to the organs of the OACPS (Summit of Heads of State and Government, Council of Ministers, Committee of Ambassadors, working groups and subcommittees). S/he translates a variety of texts from into French to English, respecting the deadlines and using the appropriate terminology. The Translator ensures a high standard of accuracy, consistency and faithfulness to the spirit, style and nuances of the original text; observes the established terminology and usage; and ensures, as far as possible, consistency with other translations produced in the Unit. The Translator must maintain a certain speed and volume of output, due account being taken of the difficulty of the text and the specified deadline. In the absence of the Reviser, the Translator may be required to temporarily coordinate the distribution of work for the Translation Unit. S/he identifies new terminology and submits it for the consideration of colleagues.

 

The Translator must be willing to cooperate and collaborate with other members of the Unit to create a healthy environment conducive to the proper provision of translation services. The Translator may need to contact the author(s) of the document(s) assigned to him/her for further clarification. If necessary, s/he may also need to consult with the translation services of other institutions as part of his/her terminological research. The Translator may also, as far as possible, contact external sources to obtain necessary information and explanations.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Performs translation assignments with diligence, commitment and professionalism, respecting to the extent possible, the deadlines, without prejudice to the quality of the work, to achieve the following result:

• Accurate and timely translation of speeches, reports and other texts to ensure availability to OACPS staff and participants in OACPS meetings

1. Undertakes terminological research, to achieve the following results:

• Constant enrichment of the Translator’s vocabulary and understanding of topics relevant to his/her work
• Contribution to the creation of a glossary for use by Translators and the wider Secretariat staff

1. Uses computer-assisted translation tools (CAT) for his/her work, to achieve the following result:

• Improvement of the performance of the Translator, in terms of speed, precision, and consistency of terminology

Impact of Result

The key results have an impact on:

- The quality of translation services

- The proper functioning of the OACPS Secretariat and

- The smooth running of all activities at the OACPS

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates and promotes the highest standard of integrity, impartiality, fairness and incorruptibility in all matters affecting his/her work and status
• Understands the structure and hierarchy of the OACPS Secretariat, the process flows throughout the Organisation, the products and services, the measures of effectiveness, and perceptions of clients
• Places the good of the Organisation above personal, national or other interests.

Functional Competencies:

• Good writing skills, high standards of accuracy, consistency, and faithfulness to the spirit, style and nuances of the original text;
• Ability to use all sources of references, consultation, and information relevant to the text at hand;
• Ability to maintain an adequate speed and volume of output, taking into account the complexity of the text and the specific deadline;
• Familiarity with terminology databases, computer-assisted translation tools, and knowledge of relevant computer software;
• Willingness to take initiative in the field of terminological research and thematic reading in order to improve and enrich his/her vocabulary;
• Professionalism, punctuality, ability and willingness to travel and keep flexible working hours;
• Conscientiousness and efficiency in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations as a team member and team leader, in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
• Commitment to continuous learning, ability and willingness to constantly improve linguistic skills

Behavioural Competencies:

• Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
• Demonstrates respect for and understanding of diverse points of view in daily work and decision-making;
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages, asks questions to seek clarification and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
• Demonstrates strength of character and the ability to stay calm and show maturity in stressful situations.

Education

Masters degree or equivalent in translation from a university or an institution of equivalent status; must pass the OACPS competitive translation examination

Experience

Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in translation, preferably in the context of an international organisation

Language Requirements

Excellent command of English (Mother tongue) and very good working knowledge of French. Knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

Assessment

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed and may be assessed through other methods.  

Special Notice

Candidates for the post must be nationals of Member States from the African, Caribbean and Pacific regions and must therefore attach a copy of their valid passport for proof of nationality. Applications from non-ACP nationals will not be considered.

Staff Members of the OACPS are subject to the authority of and duties assigned by the Secretary-General and will discharge their functions under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

All employment decisions are made on the suitability of the candidate and the needs of the OACPS. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

The appointment to this position is for an initial period of 3 years and renewal thereof is subject to the needs of the OACPS and availability of the post or funds. 

Applications for this post should be sent by e-mail to: hr@acp.int and must reach the Secretariat by midnight on the deadline date.

Applications must be accompanied by an updated curriculum vitae completed in the following format: https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/editors/en/cv/compose. Applications in another format will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further evaluation. Applicants must provide copies of degrees, diplomas, certificates and any other document attesting to their competence and professional experience.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and those under serious consideration will be subject to reference checks.