frazier..
Thanks for your question. Becoming a translator for the UN would be
an extremely interesting profession and there are several requirements
that must be met. In order to become a translator, you must show
proficiency in at least three of the 6 official UN languages, which
are English, French, Russian, Arabic, Chinese and Spanish. The
minimum qualifications of a UN translator are that his or her writing
and comprehension of French must be very strong with at least 4 years
of training plus some experience through living abroad. The spoken
French does not have to be as strong. For Russian, the translator is
expected to know technical Russian. It is highly recommended to have
about 2 years of translation study or equivalent professional
experience. The translator's native language must be very strong and
complete because you are always working from French into English or
translating into their mother tongue.
Secondly, you cannot be older than 32 when you apply to take National
Competitive Recruitment Examination. The exams are given when there
is a need for staffing positions within the UN. Takeing the exam does
not guarantee a position and simply qualifies you for an interview.
Information regarding the exam can be found at United Nations National
Competitive Recruitment Examination
[http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/examin/exam.htm]
The UN Translation and Editorial Division is part of the Department
for General Assembly and Conference Management. The Chief of the
Documentation Department, which covers Translation Services, is Shang
Xian. Each language has a Chief as well. They are, with their phone
numbers:
Arabic Service-Khidir Abdel-Rizig 212-963-6485
Chinese Service-Chu Bon-Yu 212-963-6080
English Service-Stephen Sekel (Mr. Sekel is also the Deputy Chief of
the Documentation Department)212-963-6713
French Service-Alassane Diatta 212-963-6717
Russian Service-Valery Kotov 212-963-6630
Spanish Service-Ana Maria Wilhumsen 212-963-6634
German Service-Monika Torrey 212-963-4268
There is also a Contractual Translation Unit which is headed by Vitaly
Gamin.
All of these chiefs may be contacted by calling the UN General
Switchboard at 212-963-1234. Ms Xiang can be reached at 212-963-5870.
Thanks again for your question and if you need any additional
clarification, please let me know.
Regards,
-THV
Search Strategy:
become a UN translator
United nations translation services
"United Nations" "English Translation Unit"
References:
French Major + Spanish Minor = UN Translator
http://career.berkeley.edu/Article/030307b.stm
How Not to Become a Translator
http://accurapid.com/journal/23prof.htm
Department for General Assembly and Conference Management
http://www.un.org/Depts/DGACM/
Directory of Language Services in International Organizations and
Member States
http://www.aitc.ch/members/files/undirect.pdf
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