Head, Spanish Translation Section

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.

1. Organizational Context

a. Organizational Setting

The post is in the Spanish Translation Section of the Language Division, Patents and Technology Sector. The Language Division is responsible for delivering comprehensive and high-quality language services in relation to: the translation of treaties and other international instruments administered by WIPO, national legislative texts, documents for the Assemblies of Member States, publications, reports of meetings and conferences and working documents for committees of experts and other bodies, and the WIPO website; and the provision of interpretation services for the meetings of the WIPO Assemblies, committees and meetings organized by the various sectors.

b. Purpose Statement

The Head of the Spanish Translation Section is responsible for the strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the Section and its staff, driving digital transformation and implementing innovative solutions to ensure high quality, cost-effective, and timely delivery of texts translated into Spanish. The incumbent champions and oversees the integration of artificial intelligence, machine translation, and other language technologies, while ensuring standardization of best practices and continuous improvement in line with the Organization's strategic objectives.

c. Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Director of the Language Division.

d. Work Relations

The incumbent collaborates closely with Section Heads across the Division and other stakeholders including technology teams (Advanced Technology Applications Center (ATAC), Information and Communication Technology Department (ICTD), Translation and Terminology Technology Section (TTTS) of the PCT Translation Division) to ensure standardized adoption of language technologies.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a. Lead the digital transformation of the Section by championing the systematic adoption, integration, and standardization of artificial intelligence (AI), neural machine translation (NMT), computer-assisted translation and terminology (CATT) tools, translation management systems (TMS), and other emerging language technologies; drive change management initiatives to ensure smooth technology adoption, facilitate acceptance and address implementation challenges, and foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning within the Section.

b. Develop and implement a strategic vision for the Section aligned with organizational objectives, focusing on efficiency gains, cost optimization, and quality enhancement; establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and quality metrics, using data analytics to inform decision-making, optimize workflows, and measure and communicate impact and results in accordance with results-based management principles.

c. Lead, plan and control translation, revision, editing, machine translation post-editing (MTPE), terminological, reference and word processing work, determining priorities and allocating staff resources for the timely, quality and cost-effective delivery of outputs.

d. Manage and evaluate the work performed by staff of the Section (including temporary staff) and by contractual translators; guide, mentor and counsel staff; develop comprehensive training and capacity-building plans to promote the best utilization of their skills and support their professional development in line with evolving industry requirements.

e. Revise and approve complex, urgent, and sensitive texts; translate particularly complex, difficult or sensitive texts from English and at least one other official UN language; make authoritative linguistic determinations concerning the Spanish language and take decisions regarding terminology, style, usage, and quality standards.

f. Organize and supervise Spanish terminology and knowledge management work, including glossaries, technical vocabularies, translation memories, and related data collections; direct terminological research and, in collaboration with other language Section Heads, lead the development and optimization of terminology databases and CATT tools; promote knowledge management practices, ensuring effective documentation, sharing of best practices, and institutional memory preservation within the Section and across the Division.

g. Promote, supervise, and ensure the standardized use of AI-based modern translation technologies, including neural machine translation (NMT), adaptive machine translation, large language models (LLMs), and quality assurance automation tools, as a means to combine human and machine intelligence to ensure timely delivery of quality translation in a cost-efficient manner; ensure that the Section adopts and implements technology tools, processes, and procedures in a standardized manner consistent with other Sections across the Language Division, adapting as necessary for language-pair specific requirements.

h. Collaborate with technology teams in the Organization to test, evaluate, provide feedback on, and approve new technology solutions before roll-out; coordinate with project management function or designated technology roll-out teams to ensure seamless implementation of new tools and workflows; ensure staff receive adequate training and support during technology transitions.

i. Lead public tender processes for translation and related services, including documentation preparation, bid review, testing, and contractor selection in accordance with established procurement rules; establish and maintain contacts with translation institutions, translators, language technology providers, and academic institutions to expand service networks and stay abreast of industry developments.

j. Represent the Section in working groups, meetings, and professional networks; liaise with other language sections, PCT Translation Division, Translation and Terminology Section of the Brands & Designs Sector, technology teams, and relevant work units to achieve efficiencies, standardization, innovation, and knowledge sharing; build effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and communicate the Section's value and impact to senior management.
k. Perform other related duties as required.

3. Requirements

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in modern languages, linguistics, translation, computational linguistics, or related discipline. A first-level university degree plus two years of relevant experience in addition to the experience mentioned below may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Education (Desirable)

Additional qualifications or training in technology management, project management, change management, or digital transformation.

Experience (Essential)

At least ten years of relevant professional experience in translation, editing, revision, machine translation post-editing (MTPE), and using CATT tools and translation management systems, mainly acquired in international organizations or comparable multilateral institutions.
Demonstrated experience in supervising and managing staff, including performance management, mentoring, and capacity building.
Proven experience in leading technology adoption initiatives, implementing new tools and workflows, and driving change management in a translation/language services environment.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience with and understanding of results-based management.
Experience in budget management and resource optimization.
Experience in vendor management and procurement processes.
A proven track record of participation in professional networks, conferences, or research activities related to translation technology and language services.

Language (Essential)

Mother tongue level of Spanish and excellent knowledge of English; and good knowledge of French or one of the other official UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Excellent managerial and leadership skills to lead teams through change, provide strategic direction, develop staff; strong change management capabilities to drive technology adoption; proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under pressure.
Advanced translation and revision skills with deep understanding of translation quality standards and specialized terminology (legal, technical, intellectual property, etc.); good knowledge of machine translation post-editing (MTPE) techniques, quality assessment frameworks, and human-machine collaboration workflows.
Strong proficiency in translation technology including neural machine translation (NMT), adaptive MT, translation management systems (TMS), CATT tools, terminology management systems, and quality assurance automation; and ability to rapidly assimilate emerging technologies.
Excellent analytical and decision-making skills using data and metrics to drive improvements; strong problem-solving skills and ability to develop innovative solutions.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to influence and persuade; strong stakeholder management across organizational boundaries in a multi-cultural environment; effective knowledge-sharing and capacity-building skills.
Proficiency in digital tools, AI-enabled applications, and online collaboration platforms. Commitment to continuous learning and the adoption of emerging technologies.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Knowledge of the subject matter dealt with by WIPO.

Understanding of project management methodologies (Agile, Lean, PRINCE2, etc.), and familiarity with business intelligence, data analytics, or performance measurement tools.

Knowledge of content management systems (e.g., Censhare) and workflow management tools (e.g., JIRA).

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.

9. Developing yourself and others.

5. Information

Mobility: WIPO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director General and may be assigned to any activities, office or duty station of the Organization. Accordingly, the selected candidate may be required to move from time to time to new functions and/or to another duty station.

Annual salary:

Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment. Please note that this estimate is for information only. The post adjustment multiplier (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change (increase or decrease) without notice. The figures quoted below are based on the July 2026 rate of 84.7%.

P5

Annual salary

$92,731

Post adjustment

$78,543

Total Salary

$171,274

Currency USD

Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.

Please refer to WIPO’s Staff Regulation and Rules for detailed information concerning salaries, benefits and allowances.

Additional Information

* Initial period of two years, renewable, subject to satisfactory performance. No fixed-term appointment or any extension hereof shall carry with it any expectancy of, nor imply any right to, (further) extensions or conversion to a permanent appointment.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill other posts at the same grade with similar functions in accordance with Staff Rule 4.9.5.

Applications from qualified women as well as from qualified nationals of unrepresented Member States of WIPO and underrepresented geographical regions are encouraged. Please click on the following links for the list of unrepresented Member States and the list of underrepresented regions and the WIPO Member States in these regions.

The Organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than that advertised.

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By completing an application, candidates understand that any willful misrepresentation made on this web site, or on any other documents submitted to WIPO during the application, may result in disqualification from the recruitment process, or termination of employment with WIPO at a later date, if that employment resulted from such willful misrepresentations.

In the event that your candidature is shortlisted, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of your identification and the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO recognizes higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed here: http://www.whed.net/. Some higher educational qualifications may not be listed in WHED, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Additional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening. Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references.

Additional background checks may be required.