Deputy Chief of the Language Services Unit

POSITION DESCRIPTION DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE LANGUAGE SERVICES UNIT U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS BUREAU FOR NEAR EASTERN AFFAIRS OFFICE OF PROGRAM MANAGEMENT – MINISTRY OF INTERIOR RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA Introduction This position is located in the Office of Program Management-Ministry of Interior (OPM-MOI) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. OPM-MOI works with the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and with the Saudi State Security Presidency (SSP). OPM-MOI leads an interagency effort including several interagency partners. U.S. Chief of Mission staff working for the program in the Kingdom perform their duties primarily in Saudi facilities. Duties and Responsibilities The Deputy Chief of the Language Services Unit (LSU) will supervise a team of translators and will translate highly technical and complex written English and Arabic materials to the other language and simultaneously interpret spoken or recorded Arabic and English to the other language as required by OPM-MOI-US staff, as prioritized under the guidance of the Director and through the Chief of the LSU. The goal is to maximize success of communications within the LSU team members, and between U.S. and Saudi OPM-MOI interactions and serve as a front line manager, responsible for quality assurance of unit output. The incumbent is responsible for fostering an environment of equal opportunity and balanced workload, while providing performance feedback and support to ensure high quality and volume output from subordinate team. Sight translates a variety of documents, as directed. Briefly summarizes official correspondence, vital records, and other shorter documents, and goes into greater depth on lengthier documents, such as laws and court records. Self-reviews own translations to ensure accuracy; completeness; correct grammar and spelling; consistency; proper formatting; and appropriate terminology and register. Reviews and edits translations prepared by subordinates and provides feedback on proposed changes. Confers with and advises staff, contractor colleagues, and clients to resolve translation and terminology conflicts. Evaluates translation tests for prospective contract and staff translators. Assists OPM-MOI-KSA staff with translations upon request and as approved by the Chief and OPM-MOI-US Program Director. Prepares accurate memoranda of conversation, as requested, immediately after completion of important meetings as directed by OPM-MOI-US Program Director. Serves as linguistic, cultural, and information, advisor to the OPM-MOI-US team. Assists OPM-MOI-KSA colleagues with interpreting requirements upon request and as approved by the OPM-MOI-US Program Director. As the Deputy Chief of the Language Services Unit, supervises the local staff of the unit and manages the LSU workload. This work entails the following duties: Supervises, develops, and manages LSU team performance. Serves as Contracting Officer Representative for designated contracts. Accomplishes department objectives by supervising staff and organizing and monitoring work processes, including quality control. Coordinates between the various implementing agencies requesting translation/interpreting services, LSU team, and translation/interpretation contracted companies. Develops orientation for contracted companies' translators and interpreters. Develops and improves internal LSU processes. Serves as the official interpreter, as needed, for the Director. Provides quality service by enforcing quality and customer service standards. Completes operations by developing schedules, assigning, and monitoring work, gathering resources, implementing productivity standards, resolving operations problems, maintaining reference manuals, and implementing new procedures. Maintains safe and healthy work environment by establishing and enforcing organization standards and adhering to legal regulations. Accomplishes staff job results by coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees in line with Chief of Mission policies. Plans, monitors, and appraises job results. Conducts training. Identifies materials required to be translated through the official Department of State Office of Language Services, and handles the quotes, routing, and review of these materials. Prepares reports, as required. Position Requirements Ability to gain and maintain Contracting Officer Representative Certification Successful work experience in linguistics Extensive successful work as a team lead or manager U.S. Citizenship Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of State issued Medical Clearance Excellent communication skills in English and Arabic, both written and oral Travel may be required Applicants must also have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-XX/FS-04 level in the Federal Service, which provides the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Extensive experience working with linguistics, translation, and interpreting. Experience managing or leading teams. Experience providing advice and guidance to staff. Experience analyzing complex linguistics issues. Experience working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, and working accurately under pressure and in difficult circumstances. Experience establishing and maintaining effective and constructive working relationships with people of different national and/or cultural backgrounds with respect for diversity. Experience serving as a Contracting Officer Representative or a Contracting officer, preferred.