Senior Linguist; Chinese; P

About Us

The OPCW’s mission is to implement the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention to achieve our vision of a world free of chemical weapons in which chemistry is used for peace, progress, and prosperity, and to contribute to international security and stability, general and complete disarmament, and global economic development.

The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.

• Contract Type
  Fixed-term Professional
• Grade
  P4
• Total Estimated monthly remuneration depending on post adjustment and family status: USD
  10,653
• Closing Date
  04/06/2026

The Secretariat for the Policy-Making Organs (PMO) facilitates meetings and wider consultations between States Parties—as well as meetings and consultations between States Parties and the Secretariat—by providing substantive and operational support to their decision‑making process, coordinating the preparation of official‑series and other formal documents. The Language Services Branch provides the policy‑making organs of the Organisation and the Technical Secretariat with editorial, translation, and interpretation support.

The Senior Linguist (Chinese) works under the direct supervision of the Head, Language Services Branch (Head, LSB), and serves as the final authority for the Chinese language in the OPCW. The Senior Linguist (Chinese) plans, organises, supervises, and monitors interpretation, translation, and revision work as well as terminology research for Chinese.

1) Lead the Work Portfolio for Assigned Language:

• As the final authority for the Chinese language in the OPCW, plan, organise, supervise and monitor interpretation, translation and revision work and terminology research within the language section including contractual translations. Allocate work to the section staff, assign staff to specific duties and control the quality and quantity of output;
• Evaluate the performance of staff within the section and ensure the best use of their knowledge and experience. Recommend action on personnel, budgetary, procedural and other matters relevant to the efficient functioning of the section. Liaise with relevant OPCW units on the provision of linguistic services.

2) Provide Interpretation, Translation and Revision Services:

• Revise and/or translate texts of highly sensitive political, confidential or technically complex nature, provide simultaneous and/or consecutive interpretation services;
• Advise on language matters to Secretariat staff and relevant delegations and make authoritative language determinations in Chinese;
• Formulate and develop guidelines governing the work of the Chinese language section;
• Strictly comply with the OPCW confidentiality regime and other relevant policy documents.

3) Perform other duties as required.

Essential:

• An advanced degree in Languages, Translation and Interpretation;
• A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (minimum 9 years) may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Essential:

• A minimum seven years of continuous translation and interpretation experience, preferably in international organisation and/or the United Nations Common System.

Desirable:

• Knowledge or experience working with the CWC and member states is desirable. Work experience in the UN Common System is also desirable.

• Knowledge and ability to translate and interpret highly specialised technical subjects;
• Effective management skills, with good planning and team building capacities;
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work harmoniously in a multi‑cultural environment;
• Understanding of international affairs. Thorough knowledge of the Chemical Weapons Convention and related disarmament and technical issues is desirable;
• Computer literacy, including knowledge and ability to work with Windows‑compatible word processing equipment, Share Point and computer‑assisted translation tools;
• Tact and discretion, particularly the ability to work within a confidentiality regime and a diplomatic environment.

A perfect…