Language Careers at the United Nations

All language positions are located in the United Nations Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM). This is one of the largest departments in the Organization. Its mission is to enhance communication among Member States by facilitating dialogue and cooperation and, in the process, contributing to the realization of the goals and objectives outlined in the Charter of the United Nations. In performing their duties, interpreters, translators, précis-writers, revisers, editors, verbatim reporters, terminologists, reference assistants, copy-preparers and proof-readers make essential contribution to the work of the United Nations.

Thanks to the dedicated work of United Nations language professionals, delegates and participants at United Nations meetings can follow proceedings or read documents in the official language of their choice. As a rule, documents are processed and circulated prior to meetings. Afterwards, in order to document the discussions, recommendations and resolutions, summary or verbatim records are prepared. In addition, written materials need to be referenced, translated, and edited. These imperative tasks require the mobilization of the army of language staff. Reference assistants provide translators with an electronic reference folder prepared by comparing new documents with relevant material and consulting a multilingual electronic terminological database UNTERM maintained and updated by terminologists. After being translated and edited, documents are forwarded to proofreaders and production editors who prepare them for printing and electronic posting in all six official languages of the United Nations: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

The following pages will introduce language careers at the United Nations, providing a detailed description of each occupation, explaining their functions and reflecting on changes in the language professions over time. Familiarizing yourself with the principal competencies, qualifications and recruitment requirements for United Nations language staff and reading about some of these individuals online will allow you to gain better insight into the working environment of a diverse multilingual and multicultural community of language professionals.