Job Mission

Under the authority of the Head of Interpretation Department, the post holder provides simultaneous as well as consecutive interpretation in the official languages of the Council of Europe: from French into English and from English into French.

Key activities

The post holder performs all or a combination of the following duties:

• provides simultaneous as well as consecutive interpreting for meetings, assemblies, court proceedings, field missions, bilateral conversations, including those of a technical, political or legal nature;
• facilitates communication through use of correct spoken language (multicultural mediation and within the correct political, legal, social, cultural or other settings);
• renders the message faithfully, excluding personal opinions; conveys the content and spirit of the speaker, uses the language most readily understood by the person(s) being served;
• works perfectly in line with all his or her colleague(s);
• keeps all assignment-related information strictly confidential; respecting ethical codes for interpreters;
• performs background research necessary to the accurate understanding of subject matters;
• provides input for terminology databases, development of lexicons, glossaries;
• provides sound linguistic advice; helping/coaching interpreter colleagues;
• keeps linguistic knowledge up to date; develops technical jargon;
• keeps abreast with new fields of interest within the Organisation;
• keeps abreast with the linguistic needs of the client departments or units;
• promotes Council of Europe values internally and externally;
• reports to Manager on the status and progress of activities and if problems occur.

Specific activities

The post holder performs all or a combination of the following duties:

• acts as team leader for meetings in Strasbourg as well as for ministerial conferences or other outside meetings;
• may replace the Head Interpreter in his/her absence.

Competencies

Vision on international affairs: vision and strategic insight; awareness of the international political, economic, social and cultural context, organisational awareness.

Professional and technical competencies

• full university degree, preferably with a post-graduate qualification in interpreting or degree course in interpreting;
• preferably fully bilingual English/French, or failing this, of English mother tongue with a perfect command of French;
• at least five years of experience from interpreting from French into English and English into French;
• professional expertise: has advanced knowledge of source and target language, its terminology and including regional or dialectical varieties, has interpreting experience; understands typical jargon of specific/specialised work fields (legal, finance, media, medical, etc.); understands purpose, concept, content and interest of oral communication;
• ICT skills: has sound computer skills for standard tools in office applications; including terminology and specific computer tools;
• planning and work organisation;
• information-seeking;
• analytical thinking.

Interpersonal skills: service and client orientation, teamwork and co-operation; relationship-building.

Personal attitudes: initiative and responsibility, result orientation and sense of continuous improvement, concern for quality, efficiency and accuracy, adaptability, self-management and development;

Personal values: integrity, loyalty and conscience, discretion, independence and confidence, respect for diversity.

Language Requirements

Preferably fully bilingual English/French, or failing this, of English mother tongue with a perfect command of French.

Applications

Applications must be made in English or French using the Council of Europe on-line application system. By connecting to our website http://www.coe-recruitment.com/index.aspx you can create and submit your on-line application. Applications must be submitted by 13 August 2008 at the latest.

Additional Information

The recruitment procedure consists of three stages: shortlisting, a practical test and an interview.

The successful candidate will be appointed at grade LI on an initial two-year contract, constituting a probationary period. Provided the staff members' work is considered satisfactory, he/she will be offered a contract of indefinite or fixed term duration. The total length of employment under fixed-term contracts will not exceed five years. The compulsory retirement age is 65.

A reserve list with recommended candidates for similar posts or positions may be established. This list will be valid for two years with the possibility of extending it to a maximum of four years. During the period of validity of the reserve list, candidates on the list may be offered employment of indefinite or fixed term duration.

Details on conditions of employment including salaries, allowances, pension scheme and social insurance can be consulted on our recruitment website.

Under its equal opportunities policy, the Council of Europe is aiming to achieve parity in the number of women and men employed in each category and grade. In the event of equal merit, preference will therefore be given to the applicant belonging to the under-represented sex.  The Council of Europe welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief or sexual orientation.