Translator in the German Translation Section

We are the European Space Agency. Our mission is the peaceful exploration and use of space for the benefit of everyone. We watch over Earth, develop and launch inspiring and unique space projects, train astronauts and push the boundaries of science and technology, seeking answers to the big questions about the Universe. We are a family of scientists, engineers and business professionals from all over Europe working together in a diverse and multinational environment. We are dedicated to united space in Europe and united Europe in space.

Closing Date:  27 November 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

Grade Band:  L2 - L4

Location

ESA Headquarters, Paris, France  

Description

Translator in the German Translation Section, Language Services and Minute-Writing Division, Director General’s Cabinet, Director General’s Services

Duties

Reporting to the Head of the German Translation Section, you will:

• translate into German, principally from English and to a lesser extent from French, a wide variety of texts relating to the Agency's work, with a particular emphasis on legal, financial, administrative and procurement subjects but also including scientific and technical matters;

• revise a wide range of German translations provided by internal and external translators (as soon as required level of proficiency is reached);

• contribute actively to the ongoing efforts to reinforce the translation technology capabilities of the Division and remain up to date with new technologies in the translation domain (CAT tools, machine translation, and other relevant technologies as and when they emerge);

• contribute to the Division-wide terminology efforts in cooperation with the Division’s Terminologist/Language Technologist by providing input for ESA’s multilingual term base;

• provide assistance and advice to ESA staff on the appropriate use of German. 

Technical competencies

Ability to produce accurate translations of high idiomatic quality from source texts of considerable complexity, and to do so quickly and under pressure

Ability to revise translations provided by internal and external translators, ensuring an accurate and high-quality result, and to do so quickly and under pressure

Proficiency in the use of computer-assisted language technologies (CAT tools, machine translation, and others)

Proficiency in terminology work and the use of multilingual terminology databases

Knowledge of the different domains of the space sector and the Agency’s programmes and activities

Proficiency in financial, legal, administrative and procurement language and concepts together with some knowledge of scientific and technical subjects

Proficiency in the use of the Agency’s information systems, tools and applications

Knowledge of the relevant Agency rules, processes and procedures

Education

A master's in translation with the following language combination is required for this post: A: German B: English C: French

Additional requirements

You must have German as your native language, and both a thorough knowledge and extensive practical experience of English and French. Knowledge of other languages of ESA member or partner states, especially Spanish or Italian, would be an asset.

Please note that you should provide your Motivation letter written in German.

You must have experience in professional translation, preferably in an international environment or in an industrial, legal, or scientific field relevant to the Agency’s work.

You must have up-to-date experience of translation technologies (CAT tools, machine translation, terminology databases and others).

A keen team spirit and the ability to work in harmony with persons of different nationalities are essential.

Closing Date:  27 November 2024 23:59 CET/CEST

For more information, please see here or click Apply.

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

At the Agency we value diversity, and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via email at contact.human.resources@esa.int.  

Important Information and Disclaimer

During the recruitment process, the Agency may request applicants to undergo selection tests. Additionally, successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment, which will be conducted by an external background screening service, in compliance with the European Space Agency's security procedures.

Note that ESA is in the process of transitioning to a Matrix setup, which could lead to organisational changes affecting this position.

The information published on ESA’s careers website regarding working conditions is correct at the time of publication. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all questions you would have. 

Nationality and Languages 

Please note that applications can only be considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.