Language Tools Officer – PL6  

THE BANK:

Established in 1964, the African Development Bank is the premier pan-African development institution, promoting economic growth and social progress across the continent. There are 81 member states, including 54 in Africa (Regional Member Countries).  The Bank’s development agenda is delivering financial and technical support for transformative projects that will significantly reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic growth.  In order to sharply focus the objectives of the Ten-Year Strategy (2024-2033) and ensure greater developmental impact, five major areas (High 5s), all of which will accelerate our delivery for Africa, have been identified for scaling up, namely energy, agro-business, industrialization, integration and improving the quality of life for the people of Africa. The Bank is seeking to build a management team that will lead the successful implementation of this vision.

THE COMPLEX:

The Vice-Presidency, Technology and Corporate Services (TCVP) is responsible for the design, development and delivery of efficient, client-oriented, corporate services and information-technology solutions to ensure overall institutional effectiveness in all aspects of the Bank’s corporate services. The Complex provides leadership in the formulation and implementation of the Bank’s strategies, policies, controls and approaches on organizational information technology systems, software applications, cyber security, IT support and infrastructure systems. The Complex is also responsible for management of the Bank’s real estate assets, institutional procurement, language services and business continuity.

THE HIRING DEPARTMENT/DIVISION:

The Language Services Department is responsible for ensuring quality translation of major Bank documents primarily into English and French, but also into Arabic and Portuguese, as well as other languages as required; providing high standard interpretation in English and French or Arabic and Portuguese, editing documents meant for publication and ensuring quality; analyzing and evaluating strategic choices and making relevant recommendations on the use of English and French within the Bank Group; reviewing, updating and implementing practical guidelines and procedures for the efficient delivery of language services; and assisting partner organizations eliciting the Bank’s assistance in establishing, restructuring or improving their language services; promote bilingualism so as to enhance communication among staff and with the Bank’s clients and partners.

THE POSITION:

The primary role of the Language Tools Officer is to oversee the installation, configuration, management, update and maintenance of the language processing tools and resources of the Technology and Corporate Language Services Department of the African Development Bank, in coordination with the IT Department. Essentially, the Language Tools Officer works in coordination with the IT Department of the Bank to ensure that the translators, editors, interpreters and other professionals serving the AfDB have access to the most recent technology and attendant software and resources needed to perform their tasks. The Language Tools Officer enjoys reasonable autonomy. However, on complex, urgent and highly technical assignments, he/she may receive guidance from Senior colleagues (especially the Lead Reviser and the Division Manager).

KEY FUNCTIONS:

Under the supervision of the Manager, French and English Translation Division (TCLS.1), the Language Tools Officer is expected to perform the following duties and responsibilities:

Language Tools Management

1. Oversee the operation of the computer-aided translation (CAT) tools and workflow of TCLS.1.
2. Develop and/or oversee the development of translation memories and terminology databases for the computer-aided translation tools of the Bank.
3. Monitor language technology trends and tools to evaluate and advise on their potential benefits to the AfDB.
4. Manage all the software licenses used within the Corporate Language Services Department.

Relations with Staff

1. Organize and/or facilitate training and support for staff members on the effective use of language tools and resources.
2. Coordinate the staff responsible for document selection and alignment to develop translation memories or with term extraction to develop terminology databases.
3. Monitor the operation of the Bank’s language tools, on a daily basis to resolve any technical issues encountered by the staff.
4. Provide customized technical support to interns, new recruits and external consultants (freelance translators and editors) who use the Bank’s language tools.

Relations with Management

1. Assess the language tool needs of translators, revisers, editors and other stakeholders and advise management on the appropriate tools and solutions.
2. Work in conjunction with the IT department to advise Management on the procurement of language tools (CAT and editing tools, e-dictionaries, etc.).
3. Represent Management, in conjunction with the IT department, to negotiate the procurement and maintenance of CAT and other language tools
4. Submit a monthly report to Management on the status of the language tools used within the TCLS.
5. Perform all other duties as requested by Management and as dictated by the circumstances of the job.

COMPETENCIES (skills, experience, and knowledge):

1. A Master’s degree in translation, translation studies, linguistics, computational linguistics or related disciplines; qualifications in any other discipline relevant to the business of the African Development Bank Group would be an added advantage.
2. Proficiency in translation or localization tools (SDL Trados, MemoQ) or project management; certification in this area would be an added advantage.
3. At least 4 (four) years of practical experience in translation memory systems, computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, terminology management software and machine translation systems.
4. Basic understanding of programming or scripting languages (Python, XML, etc.) for customization or integration tasks.
5. Knowledge of database systems for managing linguistic resources and tools.

Behavioural Competencies

1. Broad general knowledge and ability to quickly adjust to a complex multicultural environment.
2. Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with team members, clients and stakeholders.
3. Ability to integrate a multilingual team and maintain smooth working relationships.
4. Ability to work effectively under pressure.

Language Proficiency

1. Excellent English and French. Knowledge of other international languages, especially Portuguese, Arabic and Spanish, will be an advantage.

THIS POSITION IS CLASSIFIED INTERNATIONAL STATUS AND ATTRACTS INTERNATIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT.

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.​