Function

The Terminology/Language Technology (TLT) Unit is part of the Language Services Division (LGS) within the ECB’s Directorate General Secretariat and Language Services. The Unit is responsible for providing terminology and language technology support to the ECB’s Translators and Lawyer-linguists - and to the linguistic staff at the central banks of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) - in their work of preparing the ECB’s official publications, legal acts, and other communications-related activities in the official EU languages.

The successful candidate will join a team of 4 Terminologists/Language Technologists and a Terminology/ Language Technology Assistant and will be expected to work on several terminology and language technology-related assignments and to provide assistance to the users of the ECB’s chosen computer-assisted translation tools.

The successful applicant will be entrusted with the following main tasks:

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  on the terminology side: coordinating terminology-related work with the ECB’s Translators and Lawyer-Linguists, researching and compiling ESCB-related terminology in the official EU languages from a multiplicity of sources, and contributing to the development, maintenance, expansion and management of the ECB’s multilingual terminology databases in accordance with the needs of their users;
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  on the language technology side: implementing the language technology tools used at the ECB (including testing, upgrading and troubleshooting) and supporting the ECB’s Translators, Lawyer-Linguists and their collaborators in the use of these tools, incorporating them in the linguists’ workflow, and creating and administering translation memories;
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  monitoring the development of, evaluating and testing new language technology tools or software for their usefulness in facilitating the work of the ECB’s linguists and of their collaborators.

To enable the Unit to fulfil its tasks of supporting the ECB’s linguists in performing their work as well as to ensure smooth operation of the ECB’s language technology tools, the successful applicant will be expected to provide expert-level support and/or perform essential maintenance work occasionally during non-standard working hours.

Qualifications and experience

Applicants must have the following knowledge and competencies:

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  Masters university degree or professional training in the field of translation, language technology or terminology, or a proven ability to perform the tasks required by the position;
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  Professional experience: at least two years’ professional experience (preferably as a Terminologist or Language Technologist), with proven experience of practical translation-oriented terminology work, preferably with terminology management and translation memory software packages such as SDL MultiTerm and SDL TRADOS.
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  Language skills: Perfect command of an official EU language, excellent English and a very good knowledge of at least one other official EU language;
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  IT skills: Excellent knowledge of computer-assisted translation tools (preferably SDL MultiTerm and SDL TRADOS) and a very good knowledge of standard Microsoft Office applications;
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  An interest in economic and financial affairs would be an asset.

Behavioural Competencies

The successful candidate will have the following behavioural competencies:

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  show commitment and self-motivation to achieving the organisational goals assigned to the TLT unit: this will involve understanding the wider context in which the TLT unit works, pursuing projects with energy and drive, and delivering reliably;
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  adapt to changing plans and circumstances with ease, learn quickly when facing new challenges, take initiatives, and embrace new technology and processes with enthusiasm;
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  be comfortable working without close supervision, but know when to involve others in the TLT Unit;
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  establish and maintain cooperative relationships with staff and management at all levels;
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  understand the needs and expectations of the users in the Language Services and Legislation Divisions that rely on the TLT Unit to perform their daily tasks, and ensure a timely response to their requests for support;
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  use diplomacy and tact when supporting users, communicate ideas in an effective manner and be aware of the impact that her/his own actions have on others;
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  be culturally aware and have the ability to show respect for individual and cultural differences when working in a multicultural team providing support to Translators and Lawyer-Linguists from all EU Member States.
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  deliver results according to the set time frame: this will involve prioritising tasks, managing multiple assignments - tracking progress on these simultaneously - and demonstrating a conscientious attitude by paying attention to detail even when under time pressure.

Duration of contract / Closing date

Short-term contract initially until 31 December 2012 with a maximum duration of 24 months subject to organisational need and satisfactory performance.

Closing date for applications: extended until 13 March 2012

Further information

Applications are to be made in English and submitted using our online application form. An “Applicants’ Guide” can be downloaded from the “FAQs & Help” page.

The recruitment process may include a pre-screening exercise and interviews.

This is a call for expressions of interest from members of staff of ESCB institutions and international organisations - i.e. an applicant’s current employer should be: (i) the national central bank of an EU Member State or Croatia; or (ii) a European or international institution (e.g. the BIS, EBRD or IMF).

Applicants are encouraged to discuss their interest in being seconded to the ECB with their line management prior to applying.

Applications are accepted from nationals of Member States of the European Union and Croatia.

Further information on the ECB’s conditions of employment for short-term positions can be found at http://www.ecb.europa.eu/ecb/jobs/html/index.en.html

This position is allocated to salary band F/G