Language Services Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP was established at the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, Sweden, and has since been instrumental in addressing environmental issues at the global level. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to various environmental initiatives. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it plays a crucial role in coordinating responses to environmental challenges worldwide, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Job Overview:
The Language Services Coordinator position is integral to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) within the Office of the Executive Secretary. The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing document processing, translation coordination, and quality control. This role requires a keen understanding of the translation process, including the ability to manage timelines and ensure the accuracy and consistency of translated documents. The coordinator will work closely with translators, providing guidance and support to ensure that all translations meet the high standards expected by the United Nations. Additionally, the role involves human resources and administrative functions, including liaising with finance and budget units, managing contracts for language personnel, and ensuring compliance with UN regulations. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and client orientation, as they will be working in a collaborative environment that values input from all team members.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Language Services Coordinator include:

• Document Processing: Sending out documents for translation, providing necessary instructions, and following up with translators to ensure timely delivery.
• Quality Control: Reviewing translations for consistency with the source language, ensuring completeness and adherence to formatting guidelines.
• Coordination: Keeping detailed records of translation flow and liaising with other translation shifts to ensure seamless delivery.
• Team Leadership: Acting as a translation team leader during in-session periods, dividing tasks, and providing guidance.
• Terminology Management: Conducting terminology work and maintaining an in-house multilingual glossary.
• Document Formatting: Formatting documents according to existing guidelines and templates.
• Human Resources Support: Assisting the HR Unit with hiring and payment processes for contracted language personnel.
• Financial Coordination: Liaising with finance units to obtain funding confirmations and creating purchase orders.
• Data Management: Assisting with data collection, analysis, and preparation of reports. 1
• Visual Communication: Updating information materials such as web pages or brochures. 1
• General Administrative Tasks: Performing any other related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Language Services Coordinator position include:

• Professionalism: A strong understanding of administrative functions, including budget coordination and human resources support.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to perform analysis and interpretation of data to support decision-making.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with proficiency in French being desirable.
• Teamwork: Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues and value others' ideas and expertise.
• Client Orientation: A commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of clients.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School diploma or equivalent. Supplementary training in languages, business administration, finance, human resources, translation, or related fields is desirable. This educational foundation will support the candidate's ability to perform the various administrative and language-related tasks required in this role.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in language services, documentation management, administrative services, translation, finance, accounting, human resources, or related areas. Experience with an Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) system, such as Umoja, is required. Additionally, experience working within the UN system or a similar international organization is desirable, as is experience in data analytics or in an international environment.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, which is required at UN Level II proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered desirable, also at UN Level II proficiency. This bilingual requirement reflects the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat and is essential for effective communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The appointment is classified as fixed-term and is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work in Canada. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.