Overview
The Head of French Language Department is responsible for coordinating and supervising translation and revision of documents, as well as managing the department's operations and staff.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, organize and supervise the Department's translation, revision, editing and minute-taking work.
- Ensure adequate staffing cover, optimum productivity and efficient management and operation of the Department.
- Promote client-oriented services by providing direction, motivating staff, and fostering excellent performance and teamwork.
- Organize and manage assigned resources to provide timely and effective service delivery.
- Establish, monitor, and report on annual performance for Department staff.
- Evaluate staff performance within the Department.
- Provide individuals with regular coaching and training to enhance skills.
- Supervise and assess the work produced by the staff of the Department and by external language service providers.
- Review the quality and quantity of work produced.
- Ensure that quality standards are maintained and that texts are in keeping with the terminology and style used within the Organization.
- Provide instructions to the staff of the Department for dealing with translation challenges.
- Participate as required in training, visits, and international meetings.
- Achieve and maintain full proficiency in the main IT, CAT, AI and other tools and resources available in Language Services.
- Assess needs and make recommendations for the outsourcing of the Department’s work.
- Monitor the work accomplished by external language service providers.
- Perform administrative and management tasks related to outsourcing.
- Suggest improvements related to staff, workflows, and procedures.
- Participate in meetings or working groups to contribute to collaborative tasks and specific projects.
- Liaise with the General Secretariat’s client units.
- Obtain feedback from clients and other stakeholders on the quality of the services provided.
- Take part in every stage of the recruitment of staff for the Department.
- Lead onboarding efforts appropriately.
- Translate, review or edit originals drafted in the language of the Department, review translations into the language of the Department, perform minute-taking, and/or draft summary records of proceedings.
- Lead the Department’s terminology work and provide guidance on appropriate language and terminology use.
- Create, modify, and edit terminology term base records.
- Counsel and assist staff of the Department and brief them on procedures and practices.
- Act as a mentor and coach and provide guidance to other units on institutional matters.
- Liaise with all staff within Language Services to oversee the quality of outputs and ensure harmonized workflows.
- Keep abreast of developments in translation and terminology technologies.
- Define and implement the Language Department’s technology strategy.
- Maintain operational proficiency in relevant language and terminology technologies.
- Train, instruct and support other staff in the appropriate use of language and terminology technologies.
- Formulate evidence-based recommendations on tool selection, configuration, and evolution.
- Perform such other duties as may be required.
Required Experience
At least eight years of experience in translation, editing, revision, and (where appropriate) minute-taking, preferably in an international organization; Knowledge of working methods and procedures in international organizations; Demonstrable experience in managing small teams; Advanced experience in the use of language technologies and tools.
Qualifications
A master’s degree in Languages, Translation, Translation Technologies, or in a relevant discipline complemented by advanced management and translation experience.
