Head of the Translation Division

Job title:

Head of the Translation Division

Company:

OECD

Job description

Company DescriptionTHE OECD – Who we are, what we doThe Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ( ) is an international organisation comprised of 38 member countries, that works to build better policies for better lives. Our mission is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. Together with governments, policy makers and citizens, we work on establishing evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a range of social, economic and environmental challenges. From improving economic performance and creating jobs to fostering strong education and fighting international tax evasion, we provide a unique forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis, exchange of experiences, best-practice sharing, and advice on public policies and international standard-setting.THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORATE (EXD)The Executive Directorate ( ) is the steward of OECD resources, on behalf of the Secretary-General. Our focus is on people and their wellbeing; the effective and efficient management of the budget; the safety and security of staff, Delegations, visitors, and of the OECD’s data; maintaining and sustaining physical and digital infrastructure; and enabling the convening power of the OECD through conferences, meetings and events, whether virtual, physical or hybrid. As well as providing corporate services, functions and management support to our staff and Members, we provide integrated, strategic and expert advice on corporate policies and management issues to the Secretary-General, to Council and to Standing Committees, to which we regularly report on corporate matters. We also provide risk management functions (for management areas under our purview). Ours is a fast-paced environment focused on delivering management excellence across all our functions.THE CONFERENCE, SECURITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICE (EXD/CSI)Within the OECD’s Executive Directorate (EXD), the Conference, Security and Infrastructure Service (EXD/CSI) is responsible for the conference services, language services (interpretation and translation), safety and fire security of OECD staff, delegates and visitors and the management and operation of OECD buildings facilities in Paris and at OECD Centres abroad. The Translation Division (EXD/CSI/TRA) translates official OECD documents and publications into the Organisation’s official languages (French and English) and into other non-official languages, and conducts other linguistic activities, including work on terminology and leading the digitalisation of certain translation activities.THE POSITIONReporting to the Head of Service, the Head of the Translation Division leads a division of approximately 50 staff and is responsible for managing a complex operational budget. S/he ensures the timely and efficient delivery of high-quality translation services to the Secretary-General’s Office and internal clients. S/he will also play a key role in driving transformative change by promoting the strategic use of digital translation tools and AI-powered technologies. They will optimise resources, modernise workflows, and foster innovation to adapt to a rapidly evolving environment and further enhance the Division’s efficiency and impact.Job DescriptionMain ResponsibilitiesStrategic Vision and Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership for the Translation Division, including the development of multi-year plans to evolve the organisational structure, to ensure flexibility, efficiency and delivery of high-quality, cost-effective services, while ensuring that the Head of Service and the Executive Director are informed of activities.
• Develop and implement a forward-looking strategy for translation services, aligned with evolving business needs, digital developments and outsourcing where appropriate.
• Oversee the development of a billing framework to ensure full recovery of translation costs while offering flexibility to meet the specific needs of client directorates.
• Develop and update policies and service level agreements for translation services delivered across the Organisation to establish effective and transparent client relationships.
• Keep abreast of developments in translation technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), and evaluate their potential to enhance OECD translation services. Lead the identification, adoption, and governance of AI-powered and other digital solutions to support the division’s strategic goals.
• Monitor and analyse existing processes to maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of digital translation tools and resources.
• Conduct feasibility studies and implementation reviews in consultation with stakeholders to guide innovation and transformation initiatives within the division.

Management and Co-ordination

• Lead and manage a multicultural and multidisciplinary team, promoting excellence through effective performance management and professional development, ensuring staff have the skills needed to achieve the division’s future and evolving priorities.
• Oversee the recruitment of staff, aligned with operational needs and corporate guidelines while fostering diversity and an inclusive work environment within the division and across EXD.
• Under the supervision of the Head of Service and in coordination with Resource Management Unit and Finance Team, manage all aspects concerning the execution of the Division’s budget.
• Establish efficient processes and systems for managing translation requests, including setting priorities, allocating assignments, monitoring service quality, and ensuring the timely resolution of operational issues.

Representation and Liaison

• Represent EXD/CSI/TRA, EXD and the OECD on translation services matters, both in internal and external fora as required.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with public and private sector counterparts to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and explore opportunities for collaboration in the area of corporate translation services and strategic development.
• Actively engage with OECD directorates to co-develop and regularly update the annual translation programme. Gather feedback on service quality, identify evolving needs, and collaborate to resolve any issues effectively.

QualificationsIdeal Candidate ProfileAcademic and Professional Background

• An advanced university diploma in translation, digital technologies or equivalent is a requirement.
• A minimum of ten years’ experience in the field of translation and related digital systems, preferably acquired in an international or intergovernmental setting.
• Solid experience managing complex projects, budgets and resources especially during periods of change management and limited resources.
• Solid experience and proven ability to lead and manage diverse teams and develop staff particularly in a multicultural environment.
• Proven experience working with and analysing translation workflows at a high level of responsibility.
• Experience with the implementation of digital translation projects would be an advantage.
• Good general knowledge of a broad range of subject matters related to OECD domains and content management would be an advantage.

Tools

• Very good knowledge of computer-assisted translation tools would be an advantage.
• Sound knowledge of different approaches to terminology and ontology management and tools and recent evolutions in Machine Translation or other advanced technologies.
• Good knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite.

Communication and Languages

• Outstanding oral and written knowledge of the two OECD official languages (English and French).

Core Competencies

• OECD staff are expected to demonstrate behaviours aligned to six core competencies which will be assessed as part of this hiring processes: Vision and Strategy (Level 3); Enable People (Level 3); Ethics and Integrity (Level 3); Collaboration and Horizontality (Level 3); Achieve Results (Level 3); Innovate and Embrace Change (Level 3).
• To learn more about the definitions for each competency for levels 1-3, please refer to

.Closing Date

• This vacancy should be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight 7 July 2025 (Paris time).

Contract Duration

• Three-year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.

What the OECD offers

• Monthly base salary starting from 12 448 EUR plus allowances, based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax.
• Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.

Additional InformationProcessAll applications are screened based on the criteria for the position. For candidates who are screened-in, written tests and/or video-recorded interviews are foreseen in July/August, and panel interviews will follow for retained candidates. A leadership assessment will also be requested by candidates in the final selection stage.The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates who are nationals of or [derogations to hire non-Member nationals], irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities. Our selection processes are merit-based; we strive to enhance diversity both from national and gender perspectives while running fair, transparent and competitive selection processes.The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.about what we offer and why the OECD is a great place to work.Browse our to learn more about all aspects relating to people at the OECD, our workplace environment and on policies supporting staff in their daily life.

Expected salary

Location

Paris

Job date

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 22:28:57 GMT

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