Division Chief, Language Services Division

Job Posting Organization:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a global organization established to promote international monetary cooperation, facilitate sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world. Founded in 1944, the IMF has grown to include 190 member countries and employs over 2,700 staff members. The organization operates in various countries, providing financial assistance, policy advice, and technical assistance to its member nations. The IMF's mission is to foster global monetary cooperation and financial stability, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world.

Job Overview:
The Division Chief (DC) of the Language Services Division (LS) at the IMF is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing the division's operations, which include interpretation, translation, terminology, and editorial services in multiple languages. The DC will work under the guidance of the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of the Corporate Services and Facilities Department (CSF) and will be tasked with ensuring that the division meets the demand for high-quality language services that align with the IMF's broader communication objectives. The role requires a strategic approach to managing resources, optimizing human and technological assets, and ensuring that the division's outputs are delivered efficiently and effectively. The DC will also be responsible for promoting best practices in language services and advancing the use of AI technologies to enhance productivity and streamline workflows.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Division Chief will plan, organize, and oversee all operational activities related to interpretation, translation, terminology, and editorial functions within the division. This includes leading and managing a diverse team of professionals, such as the Chief Interpreter and Chief Translator, while identifying their training needs and evaluating their performance. The DC will also support staff supervision by contributing to performance evaluations and recommending personnel actions. A key responsibility will be to leverage a hybrid service delivery model that includes staff, contractual, and external freelance service providers to ensure high-quality outputs. The DC will consult with senior management on budgetary implications and provide policy advice on multilingual communication. Additionally, the DC will maintain ownership of language services policies, monitor industry best practices, and keep abreast of technological advancements in language services, including AI applications. The role may also involve performing translation or interpretation tasks as needed and representing the division in various forums.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in linguistics, translation, interpretation, or a related field, along with at least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience, including supervisory or managerial experience. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 19 years of relevant experience is acceptable. The successful candidate should demonstrate agility and intellectual leadership, with a proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse team of language professionals. Prior experience in managing complex language services operations is highly desirable, along with a high level of proficiency in one or more core languages. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset, as is substantial experience in interpretation or translation in fields related to the IMF's work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in linguistics, translation, interpretation, or a related field is required for this position. A bachelor's degree may be acceptable if supplemented by extensive relevant professional experience. The educational background should provide a strong foundation in language services and the complexities involved in multilingual communication.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience, including supervisory or managerial roles. Experience in a complex, multinational organization is preferred, with a focus on managing high-volume language services operations under tight deadlines. The ability to balance internal resources with freelance workforce management is crucial for achieving optimal efficiency in service delivery.

Languages:
A high level of written and spoken proficiency in one or more of the core languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish) is required. Knowledge of additional languages would be advantageous, enhancing the candidate's ability to manage diverse language services effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is a 3-year term appointment in accordance with the IMF's employment rules. The role requires Review Committee/Senior Review Committee approval for managerial appointments. The IMF is committed to non-discrimination in employment and welcomes requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities during the selection process.