Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Governing Bodies Servicing Division (CSG) houses the Secretariat of the Conference and the Council and supports all other Governing and Statutory Bodies of FAO. It provides corporate language goods and services, as well as protocol and meeting services to the Organization.

The Language Branch (CSGL) of CSG anchors multilingualism within FAO, housing the Organization’s language expertise, and providing interpretation, translation and terminology goods and services for all six FAO languages across the span of corporate governance, normative, operational and communication functions. It also supports the provision of FAO products in local languages and is responsible for language quality assurance within the Organization.

The position is located in the Interpretation team of the Governing Bodies Servicing Division (CSG) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Chinese Language Workflow Coordinator reports to the Head of the Interpretation Group, while also receiving guidance on translation from the Senior Reviser of the Chinese Translation Group.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will serve as a Chinese Language Workflow Coordinator, contributing expert linguistic, terminological, and subject-matter knowledge to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and quality of Chinese-language resources across FAO’s multilingual communication framework.

In addition to linguistic expertise, the consultant will provide coordination and guidance support to ensure effective delivery of multilingual services, including advising on terminology management, language consistency, meeting preparation, and workflow coordination. The incumbent will liaise with relevant FAO teams, translators, interpreters, subject-matter specialists, and external stakeholders to facilitate clear communication, resolve linguistic and terminological queries, and promote adherence to established quality standards. The consultant will provide guidance on best practices for Chinese-language content development, support the alignment of language outputs with institutional priorities, and contribute to the continuous improvement of translation and interpretation processes through knowledge sharing, feedback, and quality assurance activities.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Interpreter and in close collaboration with the Chinese Translation Group and relevant technical stakeholders, the incumbent will be responsible for performing the following tasks:

• Oversee and provide expert guidance on quality assurance processes for the translation of official FAO documents from English into Chinese, including meeting documentation, technical papers, analytical studies, communication products, background reports, periodicals, and official correspondence. Ensure that all translated outputs meet the Organization’s standards for linguistic accuracy, clarity, consistency, and adherence to FAO terminology and style requirements.
• Provide strategic support and technical input in the planning, coordination, and monitoring of Chinese translation workflows, ensuring alignment with FAO quality standards, terminology policies, and document management procedures. Coordinate and monitor the delivery and quality of external translation assignments into Chinese, ensuring consistency and compliance with established requirements.
• Undertake other language-related tasks and strategic initiatives as required, contributing to the continuous improvement, efficiency, and quality enhancement of Chinese translation services within the FAO multilingual framework.
• Provide expert support for the planning, organization, and coordination of interpretation services for FAO meetings and conferences, including sessions involving non-FAO languages, ensuring effective preparation and smooth delivery of language services.
• Provide high-quality simultaneous and consecutive interpretation from English into Chinese for high-level FAO meetings, including official sessions, technical discussions, and bilateral meetings, ensuring accurate and effective communication among participants.
• Prepare post-meeting reports and provide feedback on interpretation assignments, identifying areas for improvement and recommending measures to enhance the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of interpretation services.
• Provide professional linguistic and terminological guidance to interpreters, translators, revisers, and terminologists in the identification, development, and validation of new terminology, ensuring consistency and accuracy across FAO multilingual outputs.

Perform other related language and interpretation duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree in interpreting/translation/terminology from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. In alternative, a first-level degree and two years of relevant experience may be considered.
• At least five years of relevant experience in interpreting/translation/terminology.
• Chinese mother tongue and excellent/working knowledge (level C) of English
• Knowledge of another FAO language is an asset.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge-Sharing and Continuous Improvement