German Translator

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. The UN operates in various fields including human rights, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization is headquartered in New York City and has offices in Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi, and other locations around the globe. The Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM) is responsible for providing language services, including translation, to facilitate communication and understanding among member states during UN meetings and conferences.

Job Overview:
The position of German Translator at the United Nations involves translating a wide range of documents that cover various subjects dealt with by the UN, including political, social, legal, economic, financial, administrative, scientific, and technical fields. The translator will work under the supervision of the Chief of the German Translation Section and is expected to demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and technological awareness in their work. The role requires a commitment to high-quality translation and the ability to meet deadlines while incorporating gender perspectives in all areas of work. The translator will also be involved in a competitive examination process to assess their translation skills and competencies, which includes multiple parts that candidates must successfully complete to be considered for recruitment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of the German Translator include: translating documents from English into German, ensuring accuracy and clarity; revising translations as necessary; collaborating with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; maintaining a high standard of professionalism in all translations; keeping abreast of technological advancements relevant to translation; and participating in the competitive examination process for language professionals. The translator must also be prepared to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines, while ensuring that all translations reflect the intended meaning and context of the original documents. Additionally, the translator may be required to work outside normal working hours, including weekends and holidays, depending on the needs of the service.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must possess a first-level degree or equivalent qualification in translation, interpretation, modern languages, or a relevant subject such as law, economics, or international relations. A Master's degree or PhD in a related field is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a strong command of the German language, as well as proficiency in English and either Spanish or French. Relevant work experience in translation or a related field is desirable, although no prior experience is required. Candidates must also exhibit competencies in professionalism, teamwork, and technological awareness, as outlined in the job description.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes at least a first-level degree from a recognized university or institution where German is the principal language of instruction. Alternatively, candidates may hold a first-level university degree from a recognized school of translation. An advanced degree (Master’s or postgraduate diploma) or PhD in translation, interpretation, modern languages, or a relevant subject is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and specialization in the field of translation.

Experience:
While no specific work experience is required for this position, candidates with two or more years of practical experience in translation or a related field will be viewed favorably. The competitive examination process will assess candidates' translation skills, and those with relevant experience may have an advantage during this evaluation. The UN seeks to recruit individuals who can demonstrate their ability to perform high-quality translations and contribute effectively to the organization's mission.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must also have a strong command of German, with the ability to read, write, listen, and speak at UN Level IV. Additionally, proficiency in either Spanish or French is required, with varying levels of proficiency expected in these languages. Desirable languages include Arabic, Russian, and Chinese (Mandarin), with candidates encouraged to demonstrate skills in these languages as well.

Additional Notes:
The competitive examination for the position of German Translator is scheduled to take place on 27 March 2026, and will be conducted entirely online. Candidates must submit their applications through the United Nations' online recruitment platform, Inspira, and provide a motivation statement in German. The position is a fixed-term appointment at the P-2 level for a trial period of two years, with the possibility of promotion to P-3 level upon successful completion of the trial period. Successful candidates are expected to serve a minimum of five years in a language post and may be required to work outside normal hours. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to maintaining a diverse workforce.