The United Nations Is Hiring a New Interpretation Boss in Geneva

The United Nations Division of Conference Management posted in January 2024 a vacancy notice for the post of Chief of Interpretation Service, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The division is part of the UN Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM) and will be accepting applications until February 2, 2024.

Reporting to the Director of the division, the selected candidate is expected to manage daily interpretation operations, with responsibilities over resources, staff, budgets, and technology in the fulfillment of interpretation requirements for meetings. The services apply to conferences both under the purview of the division and other stations within the department.

The new Chief of Interpretation Service will also need to monitor service quality, including client satisfaction and staff performance, as well as compliance with policies and procedures.

The successful candidate’s profile must include knowledge of international conference management, complete with an understanding of “major challenges and trends in conference interpretation,” and a minimum of 15 years of professional and managerial experience in the field. At least five of those years must have been spent within the United Nations Common System or similar international organizations and in related activities.

The educational requirements include a minimum of a master’s degree or equivalent in languages, communication, international affairs, management, public administration or related fields, but an equivalent qualification of a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience is also acceptable.

Slator 2024 Interpreting Technology and AI Report

The 50-page report provides a 360-degree view of interpreting technology and AI-enabled solutions for interpreting and real-time multilingual communication.

$590 BUY NOWIncluded in our Pro and Enterprise plan.
Subscribe now!

Other requirements are: fluency in English and French, demonstrated accountability, leadership, capacity for judgment and decision-making, and the ability to delegate.

Desirable qualifications include having passed the United Nations Competitive Examination for Interpreters, and knowledge of another UN official language. 

The evaluation process may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview. The complete job post can be seen on the UN Careers site.