Interpreter

VN Category (INT / EXT / EOI):

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This is an external vacancy notice open to external candidates and WTO staff. It is posted on the WTO internal as well as external career site. Eligible WTO staff on short-term, fixed-term or regular contracts and interns must apply through the Workday internal career site.

This is a Fixed-term contract funded through the regular budget. The duration will be two years with the possibility of extension, unless specified in the vacancy notice.

The WTO seeks to attract and retain staff members offering the highest standards of competence, efficiency and integrity and to build an organization that is representative of the Members and People it serves. As an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, the WTO gives full regard to competence and welcome applications from qualified candidates irrespective of age, disability status, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, social origin or any other characteristic. Applications from non-represented Members (link) are particularly encouraged for all positions.

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The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a position of French Interpreter in the Interpretation Section, part of the Finance and Corporate Services Division. The Interpretation Section is key to upholding the multilingual nature of the WTO and its Secretariat, ensuring smooth communication and understanding among all WTO stakeholders. The Section comprises five staff Interpreters and one Assistant. We also work with a roster of temporary interpreters.

General Functions

Under the general supervision of the Chief Interpreter, the incumbent will carry out the following tasks:

1. Providing simultaneous and consecutive interpretation from English and Spanish into French at all WTO meetings.

2. Assisting the Chief Interpreter in coordinating staff and temporary interpreters and in training

and evaluating new and junior temporary interpreters.

3. Keeping informed of developments in all subject areas covered in the WTO through extensive study of WTO documents and other related materials.

4. Keeping abreast of technological developments related to interpretation and collaborating with other colleagues in the Secretariat to promote the use of new technologies as appropriate.

5. With colleagues in the Section, assisting temporary interpreters in familiarising themselves with WTO subjects, relevant terminology, and IT tools.

6. On a rotational basis, being in charge of the weekly interpretation programme, coordinating with the Conference Office and meeting organisers, and assigning interpreters to meetings.

7. Acting as head of team and replacing the Chief Interpreter whenever necessary.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

A university degree or equivalent professional qualification in languages, linguistics, economics, law, trade law or other relevant field; post-graduate degree or recognised professional qualification in interpretation.

Knowledge and Skills:

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

Ability to interpret specialized discussions quickly, accurately and in required style from English and Spanish into French. A retour from French into English is an advantage.

A good background knowledge of international trade, economics and legal affairs.

Behavioural Skills:

The following interpersonal capabilities are required: ability to relate to and build relationships with colleagues; ability to communicate and understand clear factual information; ability to persuade others to a point of view using facts; ability to face and cope with conflict situations with colleagues, and ability to work as a member of a group, relating to others, but working independently to achieve his/her objectives.

Organizational Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Communicating for Results

• Effective Collaboration

• Cultivating Progressive Growth

• Professional Accountability

• Relevant Digital Proficiency

• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Leadership & Management Competencies:

• Talent Centred Leadership

• Self-Aware Leadership

• Coordinated Cross Functional Leadership

• Strategic Leadership

Work Experience:

A minimum of 10 years' professional experience in interpretation at international conferences in a variety of subjects and particularly those related to the work of the WTO.

Additional Information:

Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted. 

The recruitment process will be undertaken as per Administrative Memorandum No. 976 (OFFICE(16)/15) on Staff Promotions and external recruitment through Vacancy Notices.

The initial fixed-term contract for positions up to grade 10 shall normally be two years, which shall be probationary, as per Administrative Memorandum No. 997 (OFFICE(23)/4) on Probation Policy. For Director positions, the Policy on evaluation of directors apply as per Administrative Memorandum No. 978 (OFFICE(17)/29).

The WTO may use various communication technologies such as video or teleconference for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. The recruitment process may also involve the use of various forms of testing, assessment centres, interviews and reference checks. 

Applicants may be required to sit a written examination. 

Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview. 

Candidates not selected whose performance in the selection process nevertheless shows them to be suitable for a similar position may be kept on a roster for up to 24 months, and may subsequently be called upon as and when the need arises for additional resources.

All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the closing date – Geneva (Switzerland) time – stated in the vacancy announcement. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 

The WTO is a non-smoking environment.