PAHO Consultant - English translator

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This is a requisition for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO).

PURPOSE OF CONSULTANCY

This consultancy aims to ensure linguistic accuracy, consistency, and clarity in all English-language materials translated by the Organization. The English Translator/Reviser Consultant will support the Organization’s communications, documentation, and reporting needs by providing high-quality translation and revision services in English.

• To provide accurate and contextually appropriate English translations of documents, reports, and communications from other PAHO official languages.
• To revise and edit English texts to ensure clarity, correctness, and compliance with organizational standards.
• To contribute to the quality assurance of written materials in English, supporting effective internal and external communication.
• To contribute to terminology projects to ensure appropriate and consistent use of technical terms.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

• Translate documents, reports, presentations, and correspondence from Spanish (translating from French and Portuguese is a plus) into English, maintaining the meaning, style, and tone of the original texts.
• Review, edit, and revise outsourced English translations for grammar, punctuation, spelling, style, consistency, and technical accuracy.
• Ensure that all translated and revised materials meet the Organization’s standards for accuracy and quality.
• Consult with subject matter experts to clarify terminology and context as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive information contained in documents.
• Provide timely delivery of translation and revision assignments according to agreed deadlines.
• Resolve external translators’ queries and/or work with technical programs to resolve them.
• Provide dedicated English translation and editing support and coordinate all language support needs for this language during Governing Bodies meetings.
• Support terminology projects conducted by LNG.
• Keep records of work completed and participate in feedback and quality assurance processes.

Deliverables:

• Accurate English translations of assigned documents, delivered in the required format and by specified deadlines.
• Revised and edited English texts ready for publication, distribution, or submission.
• Reports on completed assignments, including any challenges encountered and solutions proposed.

Duration and Location:

The consultancy is expected to commence on 16 February 2026 and conclude on 15 February 2027, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The consultant will work remotely.

Qualification and Experience:

• Excellent idiomatic and technical command of English as mother tongue and thorough knowledge of Spanish. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, in translation, linguistics, modern languages, public health, or in any other field related to the functions of the position. A master’s degree in a relevant field is an asset.
• Demonstrated high level of expertise in English translation, revision, and editing.
• Full command of all the skills involved in preparing technical translations, including the use of terminology databases, electronic dictionaries, online research, and post-editing of machine-translated output.
• Familiarity with translation software and editing tools.
• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards.

Payment term:

Compensation will be provided in accordance with the consultancy agreement, based on monthly deliverables.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level. Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently may be selected for consultancy assignments falling in this area of work or for similar requirements/tasks/deliverables. Inclusion in the Roster does not guarantee selection for a consultant contract. There is no commitment on either side.