IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.
This post is a limited-term fixed-term post.
1. Organizational Context
a. Organizational Setting
The post is located in the English Translation Section, PCT Translation Division in the Patents and Technology Sector. The PCT Translation Division is responsible for delivering high-quality publication-ready translation in relation to patent applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). In particular, the PCT Translation Division is responsible for the translation of scientific, technical and legal documents, mainly the abstracts of international patent applications and scientific, technical and legal reports relating to the patentability of inventions.
b. Purpose Statement
As part of the English Translation Section, the incumbent is required to translate and self-revise texts in a wide range of subjects, predominantly in the patent, scientific and technical subject fields from German and one other PCT language into English, respond to translation-related queries from internal customers and end users, participate in terminology compilation, and be familiar with a wide variety of translation and terminology-related technology.
c. Reporting Lines
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head of the English Translation Section.
2. Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:
a. Translate and post-edit texts in a wide range of subjects, predominantly in the patent, scientific and technical subject fields, from German and one other PCT language into English, meeting the standards of quality, quantity and timeliness of the Division; self-revise said texts under the guidance of senior colleagues.
b. Participate in the compilation of the terminology database of the Division which is used to ensure the quality and consistency of the end product; identify potential subject fields requiring terminological research and support and conduct such research as requested.
c. Use, evaluate and make proposals for the improvement of computer-assisted translation, terminology and machine translation tools and keep informed of technical developments in these areas.
d. Provide assistance to internal translators in response to linguistic queries concerning translation.
e. Upon request, assess the quality of outsourced translations by applying established quality control standards to the work, seeking guidance when required.
f. Perform other related duties as required.
3. Requirements
Education (Essential)
First-level university degree in modern languages, linguistics, in a scientific or technical field, or in a related field.
Education (Desirable)
Advanced university degree in translation, in a scientific or technical field, or in a related field.
Experience (Essential)
With a first level university degree in the above-mentioned disciplines, six years of relevant professional experience, mainly in the translation and self-revision of technical and scientific texts. With a one-year advanced university degree in modern languages, linguistics or translation, five years, and with a two-year advanced university degree in modern languages, linguistics or translation, four years of relevant professional experience are required.
Experience (Desirable)
Translation experience in the field of intellectual property.
Language (Essential)
Mother-tongue level of English and excellent knowledge of German and one other language chosen from Arabic, French, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish (first working languages).
Language (Desirable)
Knowledge of other PCT publication languages (specifically Arabic, French, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish).
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Advanced translation skills, with an ability to produce accurate and idiomatically correct translations in line with established translation guidelines.
Ability to grasp scientific, technical and legal issues in a wide variety of fields.
Good knowledge of translation technology and software tools that aid the translation process.
Ability to work accurately and to respect strict deadlines.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Job Related Competencies (Desirable)
Knowledge of the subject matter dealt with by WIPO.
4. Organizational Competencies
1. Communicating effectively.
2. Showing team spirit.
3. Demonstrating integrity.
4. Valuing diversity.
5. Producing results.
6. Showing service orientation.
7. Seeing the big picture.
8. Seeking change and innovation.