ICAO Seeks Chief of Spanish Translation Section

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is recruiting a Chief of the Spanish Translation Section based at its headquarters in Montreal, Canada.

The role sits within ICAO’s Languages, Publications and Conference Management (LPC) unit, which is responsible for delivering interpretation, translation, editorial, and conference services across the organization’s six official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish) and supporting the implementation of ICAO’s multilingualism strategy.

The successful candidate will lead the Spanish Translation Section, overseeing the delivery of translation services from English into Spanish and ensuring quality, consistency, and timely delivery. The position also includes people management responsibilities, such as supervising staff, allocating workloads, and supporting training and performance evaluation.

In addition to managerial duties, the role remains hands-on, with the successful candidate translating and revising complex technical, legal, and administrative texts, and contributing to terminology work and quality control. The position may also involve interpretation duties when required.

The job description also highlights the use of language technology and the role’s involvement in efforts to streamline and digitalize language services.

Candidates are expected to have at least 12 years of experience in translation and revision from English into Spanish — preferably involving complex technical or legal texts — as well as experience managing translation teams. An advanced university degree is required.

Candidates must have native-level Spanish and excellent command of English, while knowledge of another ICAO language is an asset.

The position is offered at the P-5 level, a senior professional grade in the United Nations system, on a fixed-term contract of three years. 

ICAO lists annual remuneration of USD 103,165 in net base salary, plus USD 37,036 in net post adjustment, with the latter subject to change. The organization also offers a benefits package in line with International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) policies.

The application deadline is May 18, 2026, with candidates required to apply via ICAO’s e-recruitment platform.