Senior Language Services Specialist (Spanish), SEC – Rome, Italy

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. It does so by investing in rural people. IFAD finances programmes and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and advocates at the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation. 

The Office of the Secretary of IFAD (SEC) is composed of the Front Office, the Documents and Languages Services (DLS) Unit, the Governing Bodies Services (GBS) Unit, and the Conference and Meetings Services (CMS) Unit. The corresponding units work together in support of the Fund’s institutional governance, organizing formal and informal sessions of IFAD’s governing bodies, from the Governing Council to the Executive Board and subsidiary bodies, through the provision of a series of services and interactions ranging from official contact with Member States and potential Member States, provision of documentation for Governing Bodies in the four official languages of the Fund, organization of formal and informal governing body meetings and safeguarding multilingualism through the provision of translation and interpretation services.

The Spanish Senior Language Services Specialist works under the overall strategic, policy and management guidance of the Secretary of IFAD and the direct supervision of the Chief, Documents and Language Services.

The Senior Language Services Specialist provides accurate, timely and stylistically appropriate translations into one of the IFAD main languages of texts written mainly in English for distribution to Member States and/or members of the Secretariat. Their duties may include revision of translations done by other staff and the planning and coordination of the work of small groups of translators.

The Senior Language Services Specialist translates and self-revises a range of administrative, legal, economic, scientific and technical texts, particularly in the field of finance, agricultural and rural development. The incumbent applies analytical, linguistic and drafting skills to translating and self-revising texts. The incumbent checks own work for accuracy, completeness, comprehensibility, style and presentation and is responsible for the quality of the translation of the texts. Within their areas of responsibility, Senior Specialists exercise a high degree of independence in providing the delivery of language services in the respective language. Senior Specialists may have direct or delegated responsibility in organizing and coordinating the work of teams of translators or lower-level staff.

Position specific: The incumbent is a Senior Language Services Specialist in Spanish.

1. MANAGEMENT OF TRANSLATION: As the primary function, the Senior Language Services Specialist revises in the target language from two other languages of the Organization, translations, including summary records, prepared by staff at lower levels and/or by free-lance and contractual translators, on a wide range of political, social, legal, economic, financial administrative, scientific and technical subjects or on a more limited range of subjects requiring considerable specialization. In particular, accountabilities may include but are not limited to:

a. Translate, mainly from English and normally from two languages of the Organization, revise and self-revise, especially important, complex, technical and urgent texts for issue without further revision.

b. In the case of both translation and revision, produce versions in the target language that reflect the more skilled point of view and approach of a senior translator or reviser and which are, in terms of accuracy, completeness, meaning, style and effectiveness, the equivalent of the original text, adapted as necessary to the intended target readership.

c. Such translations and revisions use the most appropriate range of vocabulary and professional, scientific or technical concepts and terms, and incorporate the results of any supplementary research by the incumbent as may be necessary to solve problems of terminology and meaning, or any consultations with substantive units concerning manifest or possible inconsistencies or errors in the original text, including the originator’s mistranslation or misinterpretation of source material.

d. Provide authoritative and comprehensive answers to queries from translation suppliers on a variety of translation issues and on the specifics; develop and update translation guidelines, reusable training materials, and reference materials; and contribute to the definition and implementation of translation quality assurance measures.

2. LINGUISTIC RESEARCH: The Senior Language Services Specialist carries out linguistic research and assists in compiling, developing and maintaining a uniform terminology suitable for translation of the documentation issued by the Organization, taking into account the terminology in use in the organizations of the United Nations system and incorporating it into the terminology database of the IFAD Language Services. The incumbent liaises with author units and other units involved in document production to harmonize the translation in the various languages and conducts supplementary research to resolve problems of terminology and meaning, and consults with substantive units regarding possible inconsistencies or errors in the original text.

3. MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW DIGITAL TOOLS TO SUPPORT LANGUAGE SERVICES DELIVERY, INCLUDING COMPUTER-ASSISTED TRANSLATION AND TECHNOLOGY TOOLS: The  Senior Language Services Specialist:

a. Keeps abreast of developments in new digital tools to support language services delivery, including computer-assisted translation and technology tools (CAT tools) to promote and implement their use within the unit and across language services within the Service.

b. Participates in the development and the use of new digital tools, including computer-assisted translation and terminology tools, providing regular input and feedback on and recommendations for their application within the Service.

4. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: The Senior Language Services Specialist at this level has typically the accountability for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources. This includes:

a. Depending on the structure and staffing of the translation service concerned, has direct or delegated responsibility for: 

• People management of the language unit, through performance and career management of staff while meeting the needs of IFAD.
• Organizing and coordinating the work of teams of translators of the same language group, and monitoring progress of such work in relation to an agreed         schedule, or coordinating the work of revisers engaged in the preparation of final versions of a text in several languages for simultaneous issue before or         during a meeting; and
• Guiding and training translators and trainee revisers, grading tests of candidates for employment, including prospective contractual translators, and       providing evaluations on lower-level staff for use in performance appraisals by higher-level staff.
• Building and maintaining an active and high-level roster of qualified language services providers for the language unit. 

b. Resource management by providing strategic and data input into the divisional budget preparation exercises.

c. Knowledge and content management by ensuring that knowledge content within functional area is continuously updated and available to colleagues, and best practices are continuously identified, documented and distributed.

d. Information Technology management through implementation and leveraging of ICT functionality, including new digital tools for language services delivery, for improved business results, simplification of translation process and improved client services.

The Senior Language Specialist is accountable for

(i) translation, revision and self-revision of texts covering a broad range of scientific, technical, administrative and legal subjects, ensuring that translations are equivalent in meaning and style to the original texts.

(ii) research points of terminology, language and subject matter and assist in the development of the central terminology database and reference archive.

(iii) people management of language unit team members in terms of performance and career development; and providing training and guidance to team members and (contracted) language services providers as necessary.

Decisions take the form of individual judgements and final determinations, often based on research conducted by the incumbent. They include the suitability of translations in terms of accuracy, completeness, technical competence, clarity and readability, and of producing a revised text or a self-revised translation which is ready for processing in final form, and the determination of appropriate terminology. Given the nature of the tasks and the degree of independence at this level, errors could have a disruptive effect on the processing and utilization of documentation for publication or at meetings could affect the quality and acceptability of the Organization’s services in the target language and could have financial, political, technical or operational implications.

Internally, the Senior Language Specialist liaises with author units and other units involved in document production, to clarify difficulties arising from texts submitted for translation as to ensure that there is neither mistranslation nor misinterpretation of source material.

External contacts include work contacts with counterparts in translation services in other international organizations and with libraries and professional associations, with a view of obtaining and exchanging information on relevant reference material, technical subjects, translation standards, procedures and policies and questions of terminology. Contacts are made with members of delegations to conferences and the staff of permanent missions in order to ensure that translations correspond faithfully to the intent of official communications and ensuring the accuracy of translated texts before issuance.

Organizational Competencies – Level 2

• Strategic thinking and organizational development: Strategic leadership.
• Demonstrating Leadership: Leads by example; initiates and supports change.
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating: Challenges, innovates and contributes to a learning culture.
• Focusing on clients: Contributes to a client-focused culture.
• Problem solving and decision making: Solves complex problems and makes decisions that have wider corporate impact.
• Managing time, resources and information: Coordinates wider use of time, information and/or resources.
• Team Work: Fosters a cohesive team environment.
• Communicating and negotiating: Acquires and uses a wide range of communication styles and skills.
• Building relationships and partnerships: Builds and maintains strategic partnerships internally and externally.
• Managing performance and developing staff: Manages staff and teams effectively.

Education: 
 

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) from an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php in a job related field*.
• Areas – Language studies.

(*) Note:  For internal candidates, this requirement will be assessed in line with the provisions set forth in the IFAD’s Human Resources Implementing Procedures. 

Certification:
 

• Specialized professional certification (e.g. membership in AICT or AIIC) is desirable.
   

Work experience: 

• At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in and a demonstrated ability to perform the translation, revision and quality assessment of technical texts.
• Position-specific experience:  Good working knowledge of standard MS Office applications and ability to work with new digital tools to support language services delivery, including Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools. Knowledge of terminology in the area of finance, agriculture and rural development will be an advantage.

Languages: 

• Required:  Spanish (perfect command or should be the mother tongue or principal language of education and English (4 Excellent).
• Excellent command of French or Arabic is an asset.

Skills: 

• IFAD governance & mandate, In depth knowledge of IFAD’s governance structure, mandate, strategic priorities and technical work.
• UN and IFI documentation & processes: Knowledge of the relevant policies, rules, regulations and guidelines on document processing and distribution within the UN and other IFIs.
• Languages: Strong technical know-how and professional expertise related to Arabic, English, French, Spanish translation of official written documents and correspondence on a wide variety of topics, accurately, consistently and faithfully to the spirit of the original meaning and style.
• Interpersonal skills: Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with others (e.g. visitors, clients, callers, etc.), including senior individuals (e.g. high-level meeting participants).
• Client orientation: strong critical thinking combined with communication skills to liaise between the business and technologies to understand business problems and needs, document requirements and identify solutions.
• Written communication, clear, succinct and convincing written communication in the language needed for specific role ; highly professional, balanced and diplomatic language (e.g. for drafting of position papers, briefings, etc.).
• Time management, adherence to deadlines under time constraints and pressure (e.g. to deliver governing body documents on time), and ability to facilitate Language Services’ output by being flexible in adapting to changing priorities and procedures; ability to coordinate and manage complex workflows and in-house and external teams.
• Text translation, Know-how in the translation of precise terminology of official written documents and correspondence on a wide variety of topics, accurately, consistently and faithfully to the spirit of the original meaning and style.
• Stakeholder management, Strong alignment capabilities and consultation skills, building on effective interactions and relationships with different stakeholders (e.g. for the co-creation of communication material with member states) and ability to build and maintain a strong network (e.g. with journalists, media outlets, etc.).
• Specialized communication and negotiation skills: ability to negotiate on behalf of IFAD and drive for creative and pragmatic solutions in complex negotiations with key partners; ability to ensure balance between LS capacity and client demand; ability to identify clients’ needs and match them with appropriate solutions; establish and maintain productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect, keeping them informed and anticipating problems.
• Budgeting, resource management,  know-how in budget administration, resource allocation and planning at divisional level.
• Project coordination: identification of key-priorities, ability to work with others, coordinate and structure work to meet deadlines and adjustment of workplan/resource allocation when needed, identification and management of project-related risks.
• Verbal communication: clear, succinct and convincing verbal communication; highly professional, balanced and diplomatic language.

Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD. In accordance with IFAD’s Human Resources Policy, the President can decide to assign them to any of the activities of the Fund. All International Professional staff members are required to be geographically mobile and positions in the professional category are subject to changes in location at any time in line with strategic priorities and reform initiatives in IFAD.

In accordance with IFADs provisions, all new staff members will normally be placed at the first step in the grade level for which they have been selected. For information on IFADs remuneration package, please visit IFADs compensation and benefits page on our website. Applicants are invited to use the ICSC compensation calculator to estimate the salary and benefit entitlements.  See here.

Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.

In the interest of making most cost-effective use of funds and resources, we are only able to respond to applicants who are short-listed for interview. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful.

IFAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnic, social or political background, colour, nationality, religion, age, gender, disability, marital status, family size or sexual orientation in line with its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and the Policy to prevent and respond to sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse.

Please be aware of fraudulent job offers. IFAD does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Official communication from IFAD will always come from e-mails ending in @ifad.org