Computational Linguist

Job Posting Organization:
NATO’s Council Secretariat (CONSEC) is responsible for the overall enablement of Alliance consultation and decision-making processes. Established to provide organizational support, advice, and linguistic services to the NATO Secretary General and the North Atlantic Council (NAC), it also serves individual Allies and Partners. The organization focuses on effective and efficient implementation of its processes and operates in multiple countries, reflecting its international nature and collaboration with various member states.

Job Overview:
The Computational Linguist position is integral to the Linguistic Tools and Resources Management Unit within NATO. The role involves assisting the Deputy Head of Linguistic Services and the Digital Transformation Lead in developing strategies and methods for enhancing Linguistic Services. The incumbent will manage the lifecycle of linguistic data, ensuring that outputs meet high standards of linguistic quality and client expectations. A significant aspect of the role includes leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) based linguistic technology to optimize data usage for clients. Flexibility in working hours is required to accommodate workload demands, highlighting the dynamic nature of the position.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Computational Linguist encompass several key areas:

• **Expertise Development**: Advising on the selection and use of IT tools tailored to Linguistic Services, adapting AI-based Machine Translation solutions with relevant multilingual data, and providing training to HQ staff on these tools.
• **Project Management**: Coordinating with NATO entities on the design, administration, and maintenance of CAT/NMT systems, solving technical issues independently, and participating in the acquisition process for translation tools.
• **Knowledge Management**: Managing a library of procedures and tool settings, maintaining the Linguistic Services intranet, and overseeing access to linguistic data for NATO staff.
• **Stakeholder Management**: Collaborating with various NATO departments to ensure compliance with technical requirements and maintaining a network of contacts within the AI-tools community.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed university-level training in translation or hold a relevant degree with proven translation capabilities. A minimum of three years’ experience in administering database-supported tools and processes is required, along with familiarity with translation processes and computer-assisted translation (CAT) software. Experience in implementing AI-based Machine Translation systems in a language department is essential. Proficiency in NATO’s official languages, English and French, at an advanced level is mandatory. Additional qualifications that would be advantageous include excellent communication skills, experience in developing user-friendly IT procedures, and managing CAT tools in an international public administration context.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in translation or a related field. This academic foundation should be complemented by practical experience in translation and linguistic technology, ensuring that candidates possess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of relevant experience, particularly in managing database-supported tools and processes. Candidates should have a solid understanding of translation processes and experience with computer-assisted translation (CAT) software. Familiarity with AI-based Machine Translation systems is also crucial, as the role involves implementing and adapting such technologies within the organization.

Languages:
Proficiency in NATO’s official languages, English and French, at an advanced level (V) is mandatory for this position. While not required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse linguistic contexts within NATO.

Additional Notes:
The successful applicant will receive a definite duration contract of three years, with the possibility of an indefinite duration contract thereafter. If seconded from a national administration, the contract will also be for three years, renewable for up to three additional years, subject to national authority agreement. The position may require travel and working outside normal office hours. NATO emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and encourages applications from all member nations, particularly from women and individuals with disabilities. The organization offers flexible working arrangements, including teleworking, subject to business needs. NATO operates in a non-smoking environment and does not charge any fees related to the application process.