Translator-Reviser (Korean/English), Geneva

World Intellectual Property Organization; Genf; On-site; CHF 57,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

World Intellectual Property Organization seeks an experienced translator for the Asian Languages Section 1, PCT Translation Division in Geneva. You will assess translation quality, translate and post-edit technical texts from Korean into English, and support terminology management within a dynamic, multi-cultural team.

The role requires advanced translation skills, strong subject understanding, and the ability to train translators while delivering high-quality, timely outputs in a cutting-edge

Qualifications

• Advanced translation, revision, editing and quality assessment skills.
• Ability to translate and revise texts accurately across scientific and technical fields.
• Experience in intellectual property translation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assess translation quality and provide feedback to suppliers and in-house translators.
• Translate, post-edit and self-revise texts from Korean into English meeting quality standards.
• Train and mentor translators and trainees on translation processes and guidelines.
• Contribute to terminology database development and quality assurance measures.

Skills

Advanced translation skills

Quality assessment

Terminology

Digital tools proficiency

Mentoring translators

Education

Advanced degree in translation or related field

Tools

CAT tools

NMT / AI-based tools

Job description

Asian Languages Section 1, PCT Translation Division, Patents and Technology Sector

Grade - P4

Contract Duration - 2 years *

Duty Station

CH-Geneva

Publication Date

06-Oct-2026

Application Deadline

05-Nov-2026, 10:59:00 PM

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local date and time.

Organizational Context

• The post is located in the Asian Languages Section 1, PCT Translation Division in the Patents and Technology Sector. The PCT Translation Division is responsible for delivering high-quality publication-ready translation in relation to patent applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). In particular, the PCT Translation Division is responsible for translating scientific, technical and legal documents, mainly the abstracts of international patent applications and scientific, technical and legal reports relating to the patentability of inventions.
• This role exists to ensure high-quality translation of specialized scientific and technical texts relating to the international patent applications. The incumbent assesses translation quality, translates and self-revises complex material and answers translation-related questions from customers, suppliers, and end-users. The incumbent is also responsible for strengthening translator and supplier capabilities, improving translation and terminological assets, as well as QC processes, and maximizing the use of the latest language technology solutions to support high-quality delivery and improved client experience.
• The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head of the Asian Languages Section 1.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assess the quality of translations provided by the Division's translation suppliers (internal and outsourced) in the patent, scientific and technical subject fields for accuracy of meaning and terminology from Korean into English, to ensure accuracy of meaning of terminology as well as the application of established guidelines; provide feedback to suppliers; revise the translations of in-house translators as needed.
• Provide authoritative and comprehensive answers to queries from translation suppliers including agencies, freelancers, internal translators and end users on a variety of complex translation issues; review processes and feedback to improve delivery.
• Translate, post-edit and self-revise texts in a wide range of scientific and technical subjects from Korean into English meeting the standards of quality, quantity and timeliness of the Division.
• Train, mentor and provide feedback to translators, novice revisers and translation trainees (fellows) and contracted agencies on translation of a wide field of subjects and on the specifics of PCT Translation; contribute to the development of re-usable training materials; prepare guidelines and reference materials for the improvement of quality; and provide input for the development of the quality assurance measures of the Division.
• Participate in the compilation of the terminology database of the Division which is used to ensure the quality and consistency of the end product; identify potential subject fields requiring terminological research and support and conduct such research as requested.
• Participate in the selection and assessment of translation tests to identify suitable candidates for employment and external translation providers.
• Use and evaluate the latest translation technology and terminology tools (CAT, NMT, AI-based tools, etc.). In close collaboration with the technical team, provide linguistic expertise to ensure the adoption of efficient solutions and evaluate the effect of these solutions on translation performance and quality.
• Keep abreast of developments in the area of translation.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

Advanced university degree in translation, modern languages, a technical or scientific field, or in a related field.

A first-level university degree in one of the aforementioned subjects plus an additional two years of relevant professional experience in addition to the essential experience mentioned below may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience (Essential)

• At least seven years of relevant professional experience, mainly in technical or scientific translation.
• Experience in translation in a technical or scientific field, or in the field of intellectual property.
• Mother-tongue level of English and excellent knowledge of Korean (first translation language).
• Ability to translate from English into Korean.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

• Advanced translation, revision, editing, and quality assessment skills, with an ability to produce accurate and idiomatically correct translations in line with established translation guidelines.
• Ability to give authoritative and meaningful feedback to others on translation.
• Ability to grasp scientific, technical and legal issues in a wide variety of fields.
• Ability to train and provide guidance to translators.
• Ability to work with the latest translation technology and software that aid the translation process.
• Ability to work accurately and respect strict deadlines.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and client engagement skills and an ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Proficiency in digital tools and online collaboration platforms.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and the proactive adoption of the latest technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to improve productivity, collaboration and service delivery.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

• Knowledge of the subject matter dealt with by WIPO.
• Ability to analyze business intelligence data relating to translation activities.
• 1. Communicating effectively.
• 2. Showing team spirit.
• 3. Demonstrating integrity.
• 5. Producing results.
• 6. Showing service orientation.
• 7. Seeing the big picture.
• 8. Seeking change and innovation.
• 9. Developing yourself and others.

Mobility

WIPO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director General and may be assigned to any activities, office or duty station of the Organization. Accordingly, the selected candidate may be required to move from time to time to new functions and/or to another duty station.

Salary

P4

$77,326

Post adjustment

$64,722

$142,048

Currency USD

Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.

* Initial period of two years, renewable, subject to satisfactory performance. No fixed-term appointment or any extension hereof shall carry with it any expectancy of, nor imply any right to, (further) extensions or conversion to a permanent appointment.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill other posts at the same grade with similar functions in accordance with Staff Rule 4.9.5.

The Organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than that advertised.

By completing an application, candidates understand that any willful misrepresentation made on this web site, or on any other documents submitted to WIPO during the application, may result in disqualification from the recruitment process, or termination of employment with WIPO at a later date, if that employment resulted from such willful misrepresentations.

In the event that your candidature is shortlisted, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of your identification and the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO recognizes higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed here: http://www.whed.net/ . Some higher educational qualifications may not be listed in WHED, and will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis.

Additional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening. Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references.

Additional background checks may be required.