United Nations Opens German Language Competitive Exam for Professionals — Apply by 15 Feb 2026

The United Nations (UN) invites applications for the 2026 competitive examination for German translators. This examination aims to establish a roster to fill present and future vacancies (P-2/P-3) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This opportunity is hosted within the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM) and is designed for qualified language professionals seeking a career in international diplomacy and multilingualism.

This competitive examination provides a pathway for translators to contribute their linguistic expertise to global governance, ensuring accurate communication across Member States in political, social, legal, and economic fields.

About the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM)

The DGACM is responsible for the effective management of conference services and documentation at the United Nations. Within this department, the German Translation Section plays a vital role in ensuring that UN documents are accessible and accurately translated. The section handles a broad range of subjects, including international relations, development, human rights, and administrative matters.

The examination results will be used to recruit staff for the German Translation Section in the Documentation Division of the United Nations Secretariat in New York.

Role Overview

The positions are located at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Successful candidates will work under the general supervision of the Chief of the German Translation Section.

The recruitment process begins with a remotely conducted examination, tentatively scheduled for 27 March 2026. Successful candidates selected from the roster are normally offered an initial fixed-term appointment at the P-2 level for a trial period of two years, with the possibility of promotion to the P-3 level upon satisfactory completion of the trial.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The German Translator will support the German Translation Section through a range of technical and linguistic tasks, including but not limited to:

• Translating, subject to revision, documents covering a broad range of subjects dealt with by the United Nations
• Working on texts in political, social, legal, economic, financial, administrative, scientific, and technical fields
• Utilizing technological tools to ensure efficiency and accuracy in translation
• Collaborating with colleagues to maintain high standards of quality and consistency
• Meeting strict deadlines while handling complex terminology

Eligibility and Academic Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria at the time of application:

• Hold at least a first-level degree or an equivalent qualification in translation, interpretation, modern languages, or a related subject (e.g., law, economics, international relations) from a university or institution where German was the principal language of instruction
• OR hold at least a first-level university degree from a recognized school of translation
• Be born on or after 1970 (i.e., be 56 years old or younger at the end of 2026)

Required Skills and Competencies

Applicants must demonstrate the following linguistic skills and competencies:

Perfect command (UN Level IV) of English and German (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking)

Proficiency in French or Spanish at the following minimum levels:

• Reading: UN Level IV
• Writing: UN Level II
• Listening: UN Level III
• Speaking: UN Level II

Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) is desirable

Two or more years of practical experience in translation or a related field is desirable

Technological awareness and willingness to learn new systems

Application Requirements

Applications must be submitted through the UN Careers Portal (Inspira). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The application must include:

A Motivation Statement (150-200 words) written in German, explaining how experience and qualifications match the position

Evidence of language skills included in the "Other information" section

The rest of the application form must be completed in English

Language and Additional Information

The examination consists of three parts. Part 1 and Part 2 are written tests conducted remotely online. Part 3 includes a competency-based interview.

Candidates must have a computer and high-speed internet connection for the remote examination.

No fee is charged at any stage of the recruitment process.

Fluency in English and German is required; proficiency in French or Spanish is also required as detailed above.

Applications are open until 15 February 2026 (11:59 p.m. New York time) and must be submitted in English, except for the motivation statement which must be in German.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global Intern Desk (GID) is not the seeking organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GID, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.