Head, Interpretation Service

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ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, with the mission to connect the world. To achieve this, ITU manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits at the international level, works to improve communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishes global standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communication systems.

Head, Interpretation Service

Vacancy notice no: 1884
Sector: SG
Department: C&P
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva

Position number: CF62/P4/719
Grade: P4
Type of contract: Fixed-term
Duration of contract: 2 years with possibility of renewal
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 12 February 2025

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

The General Secretariat directs administrative, human and financial resources and activities of the Union, including the implementation of the provisions of the administrative regulations on operational questions, the dissemination of information on telecommunication/ICT matters for operational and other purposes, and the provision of legal advice to the whole of the Union. The General Secretariat coordinates the implementation of the Strategic Plan, monitors the telecommunication/ICT environment and recommends as needed action relating to the Union’s future policies and strategy. The General Secretariat ensures inter-sectoral coordination and cooperation to advance a whole of ITU approach (One-ITU) in headquarters and the field. The General Secretariat provides logistical and information technology support to the Union’s activities including conferences and global forums; the coordination of the work of the Union with the United Nations system, and other international organizations; and the engagement of the Member States, Sector Members, and Academia.

The Conferences and Publications Department is responsible for ensuring communication between people involved in ITU activities and for the dissemination of ITU products, through its conference services (conference organization and logistics), language services (translation and interpretation in the six official languages, précis-writing, terminology and reference services) and documentation and publications services (text capture and text processing, electronic document management, publication composition, reproduction and distribution of paper and physical electronic products).

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Under the supervision of the Head, Document Management and Interpretation Division, the incumbent manages the interpretation staff and services for the full range of ITU conferences and meetings, supervising a pool of hundreds of interpreters based both in Geneva and abroad. The incumbent works autonomously to respond flexibly and professionally to evolving needs in the delivery of high-quality, strategically critical interpretation services, including planning, recruitment, quality control and staff management.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages the Interpretation Service and the delivery of interpretation services in the six official languages (and others, as requested) at all types of ITU multilingual conferences and meetings at headquarters in Geneva and around the world. Responsible for successful management of large teams of interpreters and flexible planning of complex interpretation needs at major high-level events such as ITU Plenipotentiary Conference and WRC.
• Identifies and plans interpretation needs based on meeting schedules and in consultation with the Sector or Department heads; takes the lead on recruitment and management of freelance interpreters in line with the UN-AIIC Agreement; evaluates and estimates interpretation costs; proposes and implements the most appropriate interpretation services strategy based on the needs of the organization, balancing quality and financial sustainability and cost-efficiency measures as appropriate.
• Establishes and maintains good working relations, trust and excellent lines of communication with the interpreters; creates and enforces objective mechanisms for quality assurance in interpretation services; identifies and supervises the implementation of best practices in interpretation and interpreter management, through benchmarking and constant exchange with counterparts in sister organizations.
• Represents the Union at regular inter-agency meetings of Heads of Interpretation Services on classification, recruitment and working conditions of interpreters; represents ITU as its key negotiator at the quinquennial UN-AIIC agreement negotiations and mid-term reviews; represents the ITU Interpretation Service at AIIC and inter-agency meetings on the classification, recruitment and working conditions of freelance interpreters.
• Liaises with colleagues responsible for conference logistics and infrastructure to ensure that interpretation booths and conference facilities meet industry standards, following up any issues relating to interpreters’ working environment in support of the interpretation team.
• Maintains contact with the heads of interpretation services of other organizations to exchange relevant information on interpreters and assess performance. Oversees the enforcement of relevant dispositions in the UN-AIIC Agreement, investigating reported cases of non-compliance and implementing corrective measures, as necessary; maintains relations with renowned universities and schools of interpretation to develop joint programmes aimed at ensuring a constant influx of new talent; maintains contact with regional AIIC representatives to exchange information and to find and place interpreters whenever required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (continuation)

• Advises the Head of the Division on innovative interpretation strategies, new technologies and trends, including remote simultaneous interpretation and mitigation measures for virtual or hybrid events, AI-powered interpretation; provides specialised advice to the Chief of the Conferences and Publications Department, the Secretariat-General and all other sectors of ITU on matters related to interpretation; creates, updates and disseminates policies on the optimal use of interpretation services at ITU; orders the maintenance of an online repository of information on interpretation for internal and external clients; supervises the development, updating and distribution of glossaries used for all ITU meetings.
• Defines and implements the most cost-efficient interpretation services strategy based on the needs of the organization; identifies, explores, pilots, evaluates and implements new technologies in interpretation; identifies, implements and supports initiatives on adoption of paper smart, remote interpretation systems and AI-powered interpretation at ITU; provides guidance on structural and technical measures for the construction and/or renovation of ISO-compliant interpretation facilities; provides guidance on the selection and use of simultaneous interpretation equipment and its compliance with the relevant ISO standards; identifies, seeks to procure and implements IT solutions and applications to streamline and digitize the administration of interpreter availability, scheduling and staffing.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Applying Expertise; Effective Communication; Learning and Knowledge Sharing; Organizational Commitment; Results-Focused, and; Teamwork and Collaboration.

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

Analysis, Judgement and Decision Making

Client and Service Orientation

Innovation and Facilitating Change

Successful Management

Planning and Organising

Networking and Building Partnerships

Leadership

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Proven ability to lead teams of interpreters assigned to conferences and meetings, providing guidance and advice as appropriate.
• Professional expertise to advise management on future interpretation trends and hybrid events, including knowledge of remote simultaneous interpretation, interpretation hubs with physical and remote interpreters, and AI-powered interpretation.
• Expert knowledge of technical requirements for RSI and ability to liaise effectively with the IS department.
• Openness to innovation and interest in new technologies in the linguistic field.
• Flexibility and positivity in addressing evolving demand for the recruitment of interpreters, often at short notice.
• Proven ability to work well under stress.
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relations with officials at all levels in administrations, national and international organizations, moving comfortably and respectfully in diverse multicultural, multi-ethnic environments.
• Demonstrated ability to create and implement realistic work plans.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education:

Advanced university degree in interpretation, translation, languages, business administration, international relations or a related field OR education from a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to that of an advanced university degree in one of the fields above. For internal candidates, a first university degree in one of the fields above in combination with ten years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree for promotion or rotation purposes.

Experience:

At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in the field of the work, including at least three at the international level. Working experience relating to conference organization in international organizations is an advantage. A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for three years of working experience.

Languages:

Knowledge of one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at advanced level and knowledge of a second official language at intermediate level. Knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage. (Under the provisions of Resolution No. 626 of the Council, a relaxation of the language requirements may be authorized in the case of candidates from developing countries: when candidates from such countries possess a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the Union, their applications may be taken into consideration.)

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

Salary:
Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment (PA) (cost of living allowance). The PA is variable and subject to change without notice in accordance with the rates as set within the UN Common System for salaries and allowances.

Annual salary from $ 77,326 + post adjustment $ 70,367

Other allowances and benefits subject to specific terms of appointment, please refer to:

The incumbent should be willing to travel and adapt to irregular and constantly changing working hours during conferences.

INFORMATION ON RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the ITU Careers website. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. ITU uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. Messages originating from a non ITU e-mail account - @itu.int - should be disregarded. ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

ITU applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. Achieving gender balance is a high priority for ITU.

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