Chinese language workflow coordinator

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Governing Bodies Servicing Division (CSG) houses the Secretariat of the Conference and the Council and supports all other Governing and Statutory Bodies of FAO. It provides corporate language goods and services, as well as protocol and meeting services to the Organization.

The Language Branch (CSGL) of CSG anchors multilingualism within FAO, housing the Organization’s language expertise, and providing interpretation, translation and terminology goods and services for all six FAO languages across the span of corporate governance, normative, operational and communication functions. It also supports the provision of FAO products in local languages and is responsible for language quality assurance within the Organization.

The position is located in the Interpretation team of the Governing Bodies Servicing Division (CSG) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Chinese Language Workflow Coordinator reports to the Head of the Interpretation Group, while also receiving guidance on translation from the Senior Reviser of the Chinese Translation Group.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will serve as a Chinese Language Workflow Coordinator, contributing expert linguistic, terminological, and subject-matter knowledge to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and quality of Chinese-language resources across FAO’s multilingual communication framework.

In addition to linguistic expertise, the consultant will provide coordination and guidance support to ensure effective delivery of multilingual services, including advising on terminology management, language consistency, meeting preparation, and workflow coordination. The incumbent will liaise with relevant FAO teams, translators, interpreters, subject-matter specialists, and external stakeholders to facilitate clear communication, resolve linguistic and terminological queries, and promote adherence to established quality standards. The consultant will provide guidance on best practices for Chinese-language content development, support the alignment of language outputs with institutional priorities, and contribute to the continuous improvement of translation and interpretation processes through knowledge sharing, feedback, and quality assurance activities.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Interpreter and in close collaboration with the Chinese Translation Group and relevant technical stakeholders, the incumbent will be responsible for performing the following tasks:

• Oversee and provide expert guidance on quality assurance processes for the translation of official FAO documents from English into Chinese, including meeting documentation, technical papers, analytical studies, communication products, background reports, periodicals, and official correspondence. Ensure that all translated outputs meet the Organization’s standards for linguistic accuracy, clarity, consistency, and adherence to FAO terminology and style requirements.
• Provide strategic support and technical input in the planning, coordination, and monitoring of Chinese translation workflows, ensuring alignment with FAO quality standards, terminology policies, and document management procedures. Coordinate and monitor the delivery and quality of external translation assignments into Chinese, ensuring consistency and compliance with established requirements.
• Undertake other language-related tasks and strategic initiatives as required, contributing to the continuous improvement, efficiency, and quality enhancement of Chinese translation services within the FAO multilingual framework.
• Provide expert support for the planning, organization, and coordination of interpretation services for FAO meetings and conferences, including sessions involving non-FAO languages, ensuring effective preparation and smooth delivery of language services.
• Provide high-quality simultaneous and consecutive interpretation from English into Chinese for high-level FAO meetings, including official sessions, technical discussions, and bilateral meetings, ensuring accurate and effective communication among participants.
• Prepare post-meeting reports and provide feedback on interpretation assignments, identifying areas for improvement and recommending measures to enhance the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of interpretation services.
• Provide professional linguistic and terminological guidance to interpreters, translators, revisers, and terminologists in the identification, development, and validation of new terminology, ensuring consistency and accuracy across FAO multilingual outputs.

Perform other related language and interpretation duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in interpreting/translation/terminology from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. In alternative, a first-level degree and two years of relevant experience may be considered.
• At least five years of relevant experience in interpreting/translation/terminology.
• Chinese mother tongue and excellent/working knowledge (level C) of English
• Knowledge of another FAO language is an asset.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge-Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For more information, visit the FAO employment website
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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