The position is located in the Interpreting Division of the Office of Language Services, European Interpreting Branch of the Department of State. The Division traditionally handles the most difficult interpreting assignments in the Federal Government, including service for the President, cabinet members, and congressional leaders. The Incumbent functions as a first level supervisor over a staff in the European Interpreting Branch.
Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level in the Federal service which provided you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience in translating, interpreting, or other work requiring the use of English and the other language; or a combination of work (that required English and the other language) and training at the Defense Language Institute, Foreign Service Institute, or comparable training. IN ADDITION, this position requires the following additional specialized experience: Experience leading a team of interpreters and project managers and managing interpretation projects. Experience communicating effectively with clients and partners at all levels to meet organizational goals and resolve issues. Experience in using data and analysis as management reporting and decision-making tools. Experience in strategic planning, e.g., developing organizational objectives that improve efficiency and effectiveness in work processes by applying technology. Experience with interpretation practices and technology to lead major initiatives designed to introduce new technology and tools in support of interpretation and translation programs. Experience with simultaneous and consecutive interpreting at the conference level for the senior level of Government or international organizations, including one-on-ones, bilateral meetings and press events. Experience with contemporary US foreign affairs and international relations. THE FOLLOWING SELECTIVE FACTOR IS REQUIRED: Must have experience in interpreting a Foreign Language into English and English into a Foreign Language. The following are examples of work in the required language that may have provided the required abilities: translator; interpreter; librarian or information specialist required to make abstracts, screen, index, and scan material; intelligence; writer or editor; international organizational work, such as the Peace Corps, World Bank, United Nations, business, or other organizations; or professor, teacher, or instructor work at the high school or college level that required use of the foreign language. **ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE TESTED BY THE AGENCY FOR PROFICIENCY ON A PASS/FAIL BASIS PRIOR TO APPOINTMENT.** There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-15 position. In addition, applicant's experience must also demonstrate that the candidate possesses the following qualities: Ability to assign, review, and supervise the work of others; Objectivity and fairness in judging people on their ability, and situations on the facts and circumstances; Ability to adjust to change, work pressures, or difficult situations without undue stress; Willingness to consider new ideas or divergent points of view; and Capacity to "see the job through."
Assigns interpreting tasks to staff and contract interpreters.
Directs scheduling and logistical support by project managers, assigning officers, and event team leaders where applicable. Supervises direct-hire Branch staff.
Performs administrative duties, as required, such as planning the assignment of contract interpreters to various projects and assisting with post-assignment procedures.
Provides authoritative guidance on language and terminology for target language in its spoken and written form. Serves as linguistic and cultural advisor to clients as appropriate.
Serves, as required, as a cultural interpreter for high-ranking foreign leaders or on escort missions of particular difficulty or sensitivity.