The International Maritime Organization offers a Junior Professional Officer Translation opportunity for professionals with a relevant degree and two years of technical translation experience. Member State nominations close 31 December 2026.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced a Junior Professional Officer (JPO) opportunity for a Translation Officer within its Conference Division. The position is intended for professionals with experience translating technical documents into one of IMO’s six official languages.
Successful candidates will translate specialised documents, conduct terminology research and support multilingual meetings and publications while gaining experience in an international organisation.
Important: Candidates cannot apply directly to IMO. Applications must be submitted through a sponsoring IMO Member State.
Opportunity Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | International Maritime Organization (IMO) |
| Position | Translation Officer |
| Programme | Junior Professional Officer (JPO) |
| Position number | JPO 23-05 |
| Administrative number | ADMIN/23/60 |
| Division | Conference Division |
| Location | IMO headquarters, London, United Kingdom |
| Languages | Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish |
| Minimum experience | 2 years in technical translation |
| Qualification | Relevant university degree |
| Appointment level | P-2 |
| Potential duration | Up to 3 years, subject to funding and performance |
| Nomination deadline | 31 December 2026 |
About the IMO Translation Officer Opportunity
The IMO JPO Programme enables Member States to sponsor young professionals for assignments within the organisation. Participants undertake substantive work and receive on-the-job training and familiarisation.
The Translation Officer position falls under the Conference Division and supports the preparation of documents for IMO meetings and publications.
The selected candidate will work under the supervision of the relevant Head of the Translation Section for the language concerned.
Key Responsibilities
The Translation Officer will undertake duties including:
- Translating technical, legal and administrative documents into the relevant IMO official language.
- Researching specialised subjects to improve translation accuracy.
- Conducting terminology research for inclusion in IMO’s terminology database.
- Supporting multilingual meetings and related documentation.
- Participating in night shifts during meetings when required.
- Travelling on mission when necessary.
- Performing other duties assigned by the translation section’s leadership.
The role requires strong language proficiency, research skills, accuracy and attention to detail.
Who Can Apply?
Academic Qualifications
Applicants must hold a university degree in one of the following fields:
- Translation or languages
- Naval architecture
- Law
- Physics or chemistry
- Environmental sciences
- Telecommunications
- Nautical studies
- Marine science
Knowledge of maritime terminology is an advantage.
Professional Experience
Candidates must have at least two years of professional experience translating technical documents into one of IMO’s six official languages:
Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish.
Translation experience in an international setting or administration is desirable.
Skills and Competencies
The general IMO JPO requirements include excellent research and analytical skills, the ability to prepare reports and briefing notes, strategic thinking, organisational skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Candidates should also demonstrate integrity, discretion, initiative and the ability to work effectively with people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Language Requirements
Excellent written and spoken English is required under the general JPO programme requirements. Knowledge of additional official IMO languages is an advantage.
Applicants should consult the specific vacancy circular to confirm the requirements applicable to their intended language section.
Contract Duration and Conditions
IMO JPO appointments are initially funded for one year, with the possibility of yearly extensions up to a total of three years, subject to funding, programme requirements and satisfactory performance.
JPOs are engaged at the P-2 level and receive on-the-job training alongside their substantive responsibilities.
The sponsoring Member State is responsible for the costs associated with the appointment under the programme’s financing arrangements.
Completion of the assignment does not guarantee permanent employment with IMO.
Application Process
The IMO JPO Programme requires candidates to be nominated by a sponsoring Member State.
The nomination must include:
- A nomination letter from the sponsoring Member State.
- A covering letter from the candidate explaining their motivation and relevant experience.
- An up-to-date IMO Personal History Form (PHF).
The sponsoring Member State must submit the nomination to rsd@imo.org, quoting JPO 23-05 in the email subject line.
Candidates should contact the appropriate national authority to find out whether their country will sponsor the position and what internal selection process applies.
Application Deadline
The deadline for Member State nominations is 31 December 2026.
This is the deadline for nominations to reach IMO. National authorities may set earlier internal deadlines, so candidates should begin the process well in advance.
How to Apply
Read the official vacancy circular and general programme requirements before contacting your national sponsoring authority.
Read the Official IMO Translation Officer Vacancy Circular
Explore the IMO Junior Professional Officer Programme
Direct applications to IMO are not accepted. Candidates must follow their sponsoring Member State’s nomination procedure.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This opportunity may suit professionals with backgrounds in translation, languages, law, maritime studies, environmental sciences and related technical disciplines.
The most important requirements are a relevant degree, at least two years of technical translation experience and strong written and spoken language skills.
Candidates should also consider the role’s practical demands, including possible night shifts during meetings and travel on mission when required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IMO Translation Officer JPO Programme?
It is an international professional opportunity within IMO’s Conference Division, involving technical translation and terminology research.
Which languages are covered?
The position lists Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.
What degree is required?
Applicants need a university degree in translation, languages or one of the specified relevant technical and academic fields.
How much experience is required?
At least two years of professional experience translating technical documents into an IMO official language is required.
Where is the position based?
The position is associated with IMO headquarters in London, United Kingdom.
How long is the appointment?
The appointment may last up to three years, subject to funding and satisfactory performance.
What is the salary?
The circular identifies the appointment level as P-2 but does not specify an exact salary amount.
Can I apply directly to IMO?
No. Applications must be submitted through a sponsoring IMO Member State.
What documents are required?
The nomination must include a Member State nomination letter, the candidate’s covering letter and an up-to-date IMO Personal History Form.
What is the deadline?
Member State nominations must reach IMO by 31 December 2026.
Disclaimer
Opportunities Feed is sharing this vacancy for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with the International Maritime Organization and do not recruit applicants on its behalf. Candidates should verify the eligibility criteria, language requirements and nomination procedures through the official IMO documents and their relevant national authority.
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