Consultant for Language Services

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has more than 7,000 employees worldwide. WHO's Western Pacific Region (WPRO) focuses on improving health outcomes and addressing health challenges in the region, providing essential services such as translation and interpretation to support its operations.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the delivery of language services, particularly in translation and interpretation, for various high-level events, including Governing Bodies meetings and the Regional Committee Meeting. This position requires working in a bilingual environment, providing language-related support in both English and French. The consultant will facilitate translation workflows, update reference systems, and assist in organizing multilingual meetings. The role is essential for ensuring that communication is clear and effective across different languages, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of WHO's operations in the Western Pacific Region.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Efficient Coordination and Delivery of Language Services: Coordinate the timely delivery of high-quality interpretation and translation services for upcoming events. Provide advice to technical units and country offices on translation and interpretation services in Chinese, English, and French. Ensure quality assurance for translated materials and assist in proofreading and editing English content for selected information products. Develop costed work plans and proposals for translation service delivery. Coordinate with external freelance translators and interpreters, including those in French and Chinese pools for the Governing Bodies meetings. Track translation assignments and ensure smooth workflow and timely delivery. Monitor the use of the United Nations’ eLUNa machine translation platform for official document translation.
• Documentation and Records Management: Conduct comprehensive reviews of documentation, correspondence, and records management practices to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to organizational standards and confidentiality requirements. Provide drafting and proofreading support for general correspondence, reports, and documentation in English and French, ensuring consistency with WHO formats and editorial standards prior to submission for Technical Lead clearance. Ensure accurate maintenance and timely updates of reference files, shared resources, and the freelancer database while safeguarding sensitive and confidential data.
• Quality Assurance and Process Innovation: Implement targeted quality assurance and process innovation initiatives to improve efficiency, ensure compliance with organizational standards, and foster sustainable improvements. Provide technical guidance and support to language contractors and conference staff as delegated by the Technical Lead. Monitor service quality and flag performance concerns of freelancers to the Technical Lead. Stay informed on innovations in the language services environment, including the development of digital tools and translation technologies, and recommend improvements where appropriate.

Required Qualifications:
Essential: A first-level university degree in linguistics, business administration, or a relevant field supplemented by formal training in language-related studies. Proficiency in written and spoken French and English is mandatory. Strong computer skills, including the use of standard office software and operation of computerized systems and databases. Strong organizational skills, including maintaining filing systems and managing documentation. Ability to conduct research and prepare reports and briefing materials. Desirable: Familiarity with procedures, rules, and regulations within the United Nations or WHO context is an advantage.

Educational Background:
A first-level university degree in linguistics, business administration, or a relevant field is essential. Formal training in language-related studies is also required to ensure the consultant has the necessary background to perform the duties effectively.

Experience:
At least three years of extensive experience in translation and language services (English and French) is essential. The candidate should have experience in providing strategic support in office management, executive coordination, and high-level communications within complex organizational environments. Relevant experience within WHO or another United Nations agency is considered an advantage.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of French and English is essential for this position. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is crucial for the successful execution of the consultant's responsibilities.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy assignment will follow regular working hours, with the expectation of flexibility to perform related tasks outside of standard office hours as required by the nature of the work. The duration of the consultancy is 11 months, from July 2025 to June 202

• The remuneration is set at Pay band A, USD 3,955.00 monthly. This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be used as a form of screening. Candidates will be required to provide scanned copies of their degrees/diplomas/certificates in advance if retained for an interview. WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and other types of abusive conduct.