HQ KFOR has an opening for the post “Linguist Support Director” to work in the J1/J4 Office in Film City, Pristina, Kosovo.

The functions of the Linguist Support Director, assisted by senior linguists, will be to control the activities and to monitor the performance of the linguists, set linguistic standards, establish and maintain a terminological data base for use by linguists, assist in recruitment (inter alia by testing candidates), train new recruits and generally ensure that the requisite level of quality is achieved in the most cost-effective manner.

GENERAL BACKGROUND:

• University-level degree in relevant languages or in another subject if education accomplished in the mandatory languages, or equivalent professional experience
• English – educated mother-tongue level (level 5)
• Albanian – very good knowledge (level 4)
• Very good knowledge of Serbian (level 4)
• Good passive knowledge of other languages (specially French)
• About ten years’ experience as professional linguist
• Ability to interpret or translate and revise at the required level of quality
• Experience of management, preferably of supervising and/or training professional linguists
• Ability to manage and organization at this level
• Broad and up-to-date knowledge of political, cultural, scientific and technical matters, especially as related to former Yugoslavia
• Sound knowledge of NATO and KFOR organization and terminology
• Ability to use office automation System and specially tools for translators
• A Valid NATO SECRET Security Clearance is required prior to start working.

The working place is a high pace operational, multinational, military/civilian environment.

Please refer to the attached Job Description for detailed information on the position.

Complementary information can be obtained at the HQ KFOR Civilian Personnel Office through:

• E-mail: 
• Phone: +389-922-68 21 50
• Fax: +389-922-68 27 50
• Mail: HQ KFOR, BFPO 561, J1/J4–CPO, Film City, Pristina, Kosovo

PART I - CIVILIAN JOB DESCRIPTIONS IN HQ KFOR

CE POST NUMBER: CI J1/J4 103
DATE:  February 2004

HEADQUARTERS/UNIT:  HQ KFOR
DUTY LOCATION:  Pristina, Kosovo  

BRANCH/SECTION:  J1/J4
JOB TITLE:  Linguist Support Director

NATIONALITY:  NATO country citizen
GRADE:  ICC 3                      

PART II - CE DUTIES 

A. Post Context.

The functions of the Linguist Support Director, assisted by senior linguists, will be to control the activities and to monitor the performance of the linguists, set linguistic standards, establish and maintain a terminological data base for use by linguists, assist in recruitment (inter alia by testing candidates), train new recruits and generally ensure that the requisite level of quality is achieved in the most cost-effective manner.

B. Reports To.

Chief J1/J4

C. Principal Duties.

1. Managerial: Manages the Branch, including linguists detached to other units to ensure that services are of appropriate quality and are produced in the most cost-effective manner.  Formulates KFOR linguistic policy. Provides budget inputs related to his or her field of activity. Gives professional advice on linguistic matters to KFOR.  Ensures KFOR linguists receive adequate training on and off the job and that professional practices and working conditions are adhered to. Tests candidates for KFOR linguistic posts following SHAPE guidelines. Keeps records of services provided. Liaises with Chief Linguistic Service SHAPE as regards recruitment, manning, professional standards etc.  Monitors performance of KFOR linguists. Keeps abreast of issues related to NATO and KFOR policy.
2. Linguistic:  Interprets in simultaneous and consecutive modes at a full professional standard from Albanian to English and vice versa OR translates and revises translations from Albanian to English.  Interprets in liaison mode from Albanian to English and vice versa. If qualified, translates from English to Albanian and possibly from other languages to English. If qualified, performs similar duties from Serbian to English and vice versa. Gives editorial assistance in English to authors of texts.  Maintains knowledge of specific and technical fields and related terminology.
3. Terminology: Ensure all KFOR linguistic services are harmonized to the maximum extent, especially as regards terminology.  Devises terminology to cover new concepts, initiates research in relevant fields.  Supervises compilation of glossaries.
4. Performs other related functions as required.

D. Additional Duties.

1. The incumbent may be required to perform other related duties as may be directed.
2. The incumbent is required to deploy on operational tasks, or undertake TDY assignments elsewhere, both within and without NATO's boundaries.

PART Ill - QUALIFICATIONS

A. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

1. Professional/Experience. 

1. About ten years’ experience as professional linguist.
2. Ability to interpret or translate and revise at the required level of quality. Experience of management, preferably of supervising and/or training professional linguists.
3. Ability to manage an organization at this level.
4. Broad and up-to-date knowledge of political, cultural, scientific and technical matters, especially as related to the former Yugoslavia.

2. Education/Training.

1. University-level degree in the relevant languages or in another subject if education accomplished in the mandatory languages, or equivalent professional experience.
2. English: educated mother-tongue level.
3. Albanian: excellent knowledge

3. Security Clearance.

NATO Secret Clearance

4. Language.

1. English  – LWSR 5555
2. Albanian – LWSR 4444

5. Standard Automated Data Processing (ADP) Knowledge.

1. Word Processing:  Advanced Knowledge.
2. Spreadsheet: Working Knowledge
3. Graphics presentation:  Working Knowledge.
4. Database:, Working Knowledge

B. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

1. Professional/Experience

1. Sound knowledge of NATO and KFOR organization and terminology.

2. Education/Training

1. Advanced university degree in relevant languages or related fields.
2. Ability to use office automation systems and specially tools for translators.

3. Language

1. Very good knowledge of Serbia (level 4).
2. Good passive knowledge of other languages – especially French.

C. CIVILIAN POSTS

1. Personal Attributes.   

The Linguist Support Director must be a mature and experienced person, who displays sound judgment, excellent interpersonal and communication skills and an unquestionable integrity. The LSD must be a highly motivated individual, capable of balancing the care and the welfare of civilian interpreters with the operational requirements of the organization. The LSD must display above average leadership skills, the ability to work under considerable stress, and the ability to make decisions on the basis of policies, directives, laws and precedents requiring interpretation and adaptation to ad hoc circumstances. The LSD must demonstrate above average managerial skills, determining a priority of competing requirements, making the best use of limited resources. The LSD must demonstrate the ability to work as part of a wider human resources management team characterized by cultural, linguistic, ethnic and professional diversity. The LSD must have a comprehensive grasp of the military culture.

2. Managerial Responsibilities.  

The LSD manages the activities of the Linguist Branch, staffed by paraprofessional level local civilians and professional level international staff. 

3. Professional Contacts.      

The LSD establishes and maintains good working relations with supervisors and J-heads, within NATO and outside the organization, and with professional peers responsible for interpretation/translation sectors of KFOR.

4. Contribution to Objectives.

The LSD provides the highest level of customer service and support to all assigned linguists and supervisors.  The LSD participates in the development of strategic plans for KFOR related to the position. Continuous internal evaluations are required to ensure the best possible working environment is achieved, within the constraints of the existing policies.

5. Work Environment.   

Fast-paced, multinational, multicultural environment. 

Living conditions in Pristina are described as “military camp”. 

D. REMARKS

The incumbent must be able to use his managerial skills to set up the Linguist Branch with about 30 civilians spread in different Branches as referred in Part I - A (post context).         

For more information, please visit the Official website of the Kosovo Force.