Associate Director, Head of Language Services  

Purpose of Job

The Associate Director, Head of Language Services, is the Bank’s foremost expert on language policy, leading the language function at the Bank and providing specialist advice and in-depth professional expertise and experience.  The Associate Director manages the Language Services Unit, aligns objectives among different members of the team, shapes the flow of information, directs and controls the work programme, including contractual translation and interpretation, terminology and the heads of individual language units (French, German, Russian and Interpretation). 

The Associate Director leads, oversees and directs the translation, interpretation (via the Chief Interpreter) and verbatim reporting functions of the Bank, including the work of some 100 external freelance suppliers, to ensure that the Bank meets its statutory obligations in communicating accurately and effectively in its four working languages with its governance authorities (Board of Governors, Board of Directors), as well as in these and other languages with external stakeholders including business community, the public, and the civil society.  

The Associate Director, in addition, translates and revises a wide range of technical, legal and politically sensitive texts from at least two Bank languages into one of the other Bank languages.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of the Bank’s language policy by providing best-in-class, demand-driven and customer-oriented translation and interpretation service and related specialist advice and expertise to cater for institutional, corporate, operational and outreach needs of the Bank and its stakeholders in pursuit of its strategic mandate. 

• Oversee, direct, manage and support a team of five service units (English, French, German, Russian, and Interpretation) engaged together to ensure that in-house and outsourced resources are best used to meet the Bank’s varied translation, interpreting and verbatim reporting needs successfully and cost-effectively, with a special focus on individuals involved.

• Advise the Director AMPEM & Language Services, the Secretary-General and senior management on all matters relating to the Bank’s language and translation policy, with particular attention to political and institutional implications. 

• Be directly accountable for the engagement and effective overall management of staff including recruitment, compensation (as agreed with the Head of Department, if applicable), performance management, coaching and development. 

• Recruit, motivate, train and develop Language Services staff within agreed policies and practices to maintain an effective workplace capable of meeting its objectives. 

• Oversee and direct the management and work of some 100 external suppliers (translators, interpreters and verbatim reporters).

• Manage the development and updates of the annual work plans in line with the programme and budget.

• Oversee and direct the planning, logistics and implementation of translation, interpretation and verbatim reporting services for the Annual Meeting to ensure that those services contribute in a cost-effective way to the smooth running of the Meeting.

• Build on networks of specialists and counterparts in other international organisations, the public and private sector, to innovate Bank policies and methods for maximum efficiency of delivery.

• Drive the development of new processes and products to provide improvement and innovation in the delivery of language services. 

• Translate and revise a wide variety of complex legal, financial and politically sensitive texts into one of the Bank’s languages from two other languages, with the responsibility of reviewing and editing translations into English from other languages when required.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• University degree and post-graduate qualification (or equivalent experience) from an interpretation/translation school.

• Perfect command of one of the Bank’s languages and excellent knowledge of English and one other working language of the Bank.

• Highly proven ability and experience in managing diverse teams of language professionals in the multilateral context.

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to coach and mentor colleagues.

• Demonstrated capacity for effective teamwork in a multicultural organisation.

• Profound knowledge and experience of the translation and interpretation world with the capacity and know-how to source external expertise as required.

• Extensive experience as a translator or reviser with international organisations (such as the UN, IMF, EU) with a strong understanding and knowledge of language practices and requirements of multilateral organisations, including international financial institutions.

• Top-quality translation skills in a wide range of complex technical, legal, financial and politically sensitive subject areas.

• General understanding of the EBRD mandate and knowledge of the EBRD organisation and activities.

• High degree of political and cultural sensitivity and awareness.

What is it like to work at the EBRD?

Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people’s lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in. 

The EBRD environment provides you with:

• Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in;
• A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity;
• An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital  transformation at the heart of what we do.

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does.  A diverse workforce with the right knowledge and skills enables connection with our clients, brings pioneering ideas, energy and innovation. The EBRD staff is characterised by its rich diversity of nationalities, cultures and opinions and we aim to sustain and build on this strength. As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities.  As an inclusive employer, we promote flexible working and expecting our employee to attend the office 50% of their working time.

Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).

Job Segment: Bank, Banking, Sustainability, Performance Management, Manager, Finance, Energy, Human Resources, Management

Right to Work in the UK: Swiss nationals (and all other non-UK employees) can work in the UK without a Visa – working at the EBRD gives all employees “exempt status”. The Bank however encourages all non-UK employees to obtain an Exempt Vignette (EV) prior to relocating to the UK, as without an EV you may face more questions at Border Control and when required to show evidence of their exempt status when renting accommodation under the Right to Rent legislation. The application process may take 3 – 4 weeks approx. outside of the UK. 

This is how cinfo can support you in the application process for this specific position: 

• Application preparation: Before you apply for this position: Improve your application documents by registering for a Job Application Support. Our coaches are here to help tailor your application to the requirements of the job (service provided at your own cost). 

• Interview preparation: When invited to the interview: Prepare for the interview by registering for a Job Application Support. 

• Additional services for  Swiss nationals who get invited to  the selection process (written test, interview, assessment centre, etc.): 

  • Let us know by writing to [email protected]. We flag matching applications to HR partners and SDC/SECO for visibility. 

  • Benefit from free interview/assessment preparation by registering here: Interview and Assessment Centre Preparation for Jobs in Multilateral Organisations. Our coaches stand ready to help prepare for upcoming interview/assessment centre.​