Chief, Interpretation and Conference Services Section (Cancelled)

Contract

This is a P-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 10 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 168,853 USD and 211,612 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting Languages and Publications (LP) promotes and coordinates the activities of the ICAO Multilingualism Strategy; provides interpretation, translation, editorial and programme support services in the six ICAO working languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish); it also responsible for the logistical arrangements related to the organization of meetings and conferences held at and for ICAO. Based on the principle of simultaneous distribution of meeting documentation to governing bodies, it ensures and oversees the issuance of papers and the provision of interpretation and conference services to Council, its subsidiary bodies, the Air Navigation Commission and other ICAO meetings held within and away from Headquarters. The Interpretation and Conference Services Section is responsible for managing all logistical aspects related to the organization of meetings and conferences, including the provision of interpretation services and the management of activities at the ICAO Conference Centre. The incumbent, as Chief of the Section, is accountable for the timely and high quality delivery of these services. S/he leads and supervises all staff in the Section in terms of delegation of duties, performance evaluation, technical guidance, training and coaching. The Chief reports directly to the Deputy Director, Languages and Publications (DD ADB/LP), with whom s/he consults on complex technical matters. The incumbent will be interpreting from English and one other official language of ICAO, into another official language. Two passive languages and one active language are required, provided those languages are ICAO official languages.

Responsibilities Function 1 (incl. Expected results) Leads, supervises and manages the work and staff of the Section, achieving results such as: - Promote customer-oriented services by providing direction, motivating staff and fostering good performance and teamwork. - Organise and manage assigned resources to provide timely and effective service delivery, overseeing absence management of staff. - Develop operational plans for the Section and supervise, monitor and report on their implementation. - Define work strategies for the Section to ensure provision of comprehensive interpretation and conference services to the Organization. - Ensure compliance with Administrative Instructions and other policies, rules and procedures related to the provision of language and conference services. - Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly and periodic reports as well as statistical data and analysis on the work of the Section for DD/ADB LP. - Establish, monitor and report on annual performance and work plans for Section staff, ensuring appropriate distribution of workload, and adjusting priorities, as required, in order to meet operational needs. - Evaluate the performance of Section staff and coach them, recommending training as required. - Provide input on tasks assigned by the Deputy Director, Languages and Publications, as required.

Function 2 (incl. Expected results) Manages the provision of interpretation for ICAO meetings, achieving results such as: - Plan, coordinate and manage the assignment schedules of all staff and freelance interpreters in accordance with meeting requirements. - As required, and following the LP procedure for the recruitment of temporary/freelance interpreters, prepare testing material for prospective freelance interpreters, administer tests, assess results and make recommendations on their suitability for specific assignments. - Adhere to the terms and principles of the Agreement between the United Nations Common System Chief Executives Board for Coordination and the “Association internationale des interprètes de conférence” (CEB-AIIC) - Oversee the preparation of contract offers for the signature of DD/ADB LP and arrangements for facility access. - Contribute to the expansion of the freelance roster. - Obtain feedback from clients and other sources on the quality of the interpretation services provided, adapt own work and make recommendations for the improvement of the work of the service. - Identify the need for adapting guidelines to cases not covered in existing practices. - Make recommendations for improving or revising the formulation and standardization of interpretation guidelines.

Function 3 (incl. Expected results) Performs interpretation services during meetings on specialized ICAO subject matter areas, achieving results such as: - Provide high-quality interpretation services into the target language, especially for important, confidential or sensitive formal meetings, as well as for informal meetings. - Provide accurate and idiomatically correct interpretation services on a wide variety of technical subjects. - Grasp spoken words, concepts, messages and information accurately and convey them in the target language. - Assimilate technical material rapidly. - Adhere to interpretation and language services guidelines. - Provide pro-active input to the development of multilingual glossaries.

Function 4 (incl. Expected results) Supervises all logistical arrangements for the organization of internal and external meetings/events, achieving results such as: - Ensure efficient management of internal and external meeting activities. - Provide strategic input on meeting/conference policies and services. - Perform quality assurance, through regular evaluation of current services, and propose updates of ICAO policies and activities to ensure continuous improvement. - Oversee timely provision of meeting requirements in terms of services and facilities as requested by substantive Bureaus. - Keep up to date with the best practices in meeting management both within and outside the UN system. - Develop procedures, administrative instructions and policies for all ICAO meetings. - Coordinate timely distribution of information to meeting delegates and organizers.

Function 5 (incl. Expected results) Manages other aspects of interpretation and conference services, achieving results such as: - Oversee the preparation of detailed information on required conference arrangements for budgetary estimates and accounting control, creating dashboards and generating statistics and KPIs. - Oversee the preparation of the Programme of ICAO meetings with substantive Bureaus to ensure that there is capability, and that there are resources to implement the Programme, as proposed. - Oversee the monitoring, assessment and administration of contracts and Service Level Agreements with sub-contractors for conference services - As required, oversee relationships with substantive departments and the efficient servicing of meetings. - As required, participate in the preparation, negotiation and finalization of host country agreements for ICAO conferences held abroad, in coordination with the relevant departments; visit the proposed venues and advise accordingly. - As required, attend inter-agency meetings on conference matters. - Participate in and promote the implementation of the ICAO Multilingualism Strategy and, in particular, the streamlining and digitalization of language and conference services.

Function 6 (incl. Expected results) Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Competencies Professionalism: A thorough knowledge of language issues, policies on meetings and conferences as well as administrative policies and practices; knowledge of, and ability to provide specialized advice on a broad range of issues relating to interpretation and all of its complexities; Proven leadership skills in the areas of interpretation and conference services; ability to handle highly confidential material with discretion and difficult situations with diplomacy and tact; ability to work under sustained stress and serve as arbiter on all quality of service and technical issues arising in the Interpretation Service; ability to write clearly and concisely and to present articulate verbal reports. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands.

Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

Education Essential - An advanced level university degree (Master’s degree or academic equivalent) in interpretation, preferably with emphasis on modern languages, or on technical, legal or scientific studies. - Successful completion of the United Nations Competitive Examination for Interpreters in any of the ICAO official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish). Candidates who have not successfully completed the required UN examination will be given the opportunity to take it as part of the recruitment process for this post.

Desirable - A diploma in conference management.

Work Experience - A minimum of twelve (12) years of progressively responsible work experience in the provision of language services in an international organization or a government administration, including solid experience as a conference interpreter is required.

• Sound and proven experience in the planning, management, coordination and supervision of interpretation and/or other language services is required.

• Proven experience in interpreting from at least two ICAO languages, using an exacting sense of expression and style, oral and written is required.

• Familiarity with the Agreement between the United Nations Common System Chief Executives Board for Coordination and the “Association internationale des interprètes de conférence” (CEB-AIIC), governing the conditions of employment of short-term conference interpreters is required.

• Proven experience in supporting change initiatives, promoting quality management and fostering innovative reforms is required.

• At least six years of management and leadership experience, coordinating international conferences within a UN system organization is desirable.

• Experience in the modernization and implementation of an innovative solution for language, conference or administrative services is desirable.

• Experience with outsourcing practices of language services and related business processes is desirable.

  Languages Essential A complete command of one of the six languages of the Organization (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) as the mother tongue or the language of education, including a thorough knowledge of its syntax, semantics and style, as well as a very good knowledge of two additional languages of the Organization (one of which must be English if English is not the mother tongue or the language of education).

Desirable Basic knowledge of one or more of the remaining three languages of the Organization.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice The ICAO Assembly recently reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing gender equality and the advancement of women by supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.”

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for ICAO positions, especially in the Professional and higher level categories.

It should be noted that this post is to be filled on a fixed-term basis for an initial period of 3 years (first year is probationary for an external candidate).

ICAO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Secretary General and may be assigned to any activities or offices of the Organization, in accordance with the provisions of the ICAO service code (Staff Regulations).

ICAO staff members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants. In this connection, ICAO has incorporated the 2013 Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service into the ICAO Personnel Instructions.

ICAO offers an attractive benefit package to its employees in accordance with the policies of the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC). The statutory retirement age for staff entering or re-entering service after 1 January 2014 is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete a term of appointment will normally be considered. Remuneration: Level P-5 Rate Net Base Salary per annum + Post Adjustment (net) per annum(*) USD $92,731 USD $43,027 (*) Post Adjustment is subject to change.

HOW TO APPLY Interested candidates must complete an on-line application form. To apply, please visit: ICAO's e-Recruitment website

United Nations Considerations In accordance with ICAO Staff Regulations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard shall be paid to the importance of recruiting staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible and ensuring equal gender representation. Subject to the foregoing, selection of staff members shall be made without distinction as to race, sex or religion, nor shall there be any discrimination on account of any disability of a candidate who meets the qualifications required to perform the tasks. Unless otherwise permitted under the ICAO Staff Regulations, appointment and promotion of staff members shall be made on a competitive basis.

Candidates will not be considered for employment with ICAO if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts.

Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, Inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the Inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in Inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised in Inspira will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee ICAO does NOT charge any fees or request money from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process, nor does it concern itself with bank account details of applicants. Requests of this nature allegedly made on behalf of ICAO are fraudulent and should be disregarded.