The PCT Translation Division of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) organizes a Fellowship Program for assistant terminologists, translators, and translation technologists, with the aim of providing on-the-job experience at an international organization. WIPO is now accepting applications for the 2021 edition of the Program.

In 2021, applications are invited from native speakers of Arabic, Chinese, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish, who also have excellent knowledge of English.

Staff of the PCT Translation Division at WIPO provide training and guidance to participants throughout the period of their fellowship in Geneva. Fellowships may vary in length but usually are not shorter than three months. Fellows are given a monthly stipend of 5,000 Swiss francs and are provided with medical cover. Additionally WIPO will assist with travel and visa arrangements.

Please note that the 2021 edition of the Program is taking place subject to the conditions prevailing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Successful applicants would likely not begin their Fellowship with WIPO before autumn 2021. In addition, we would like to inform applicants that WIPO staff and hence also Fellows are currently (February 2021) working from home within the Geneva area, rather than in the office at WIPO. It is not yet known when this situation may change, since it depends on the evolution of the pandemic.

Requirements for the Terminology Fellowship

Candidates should be currently pursuing or be a recent graduate of an advanced degree program (Master’s, Doctorate or an equivalent-level degree) in terminology, translation, a related linguistic discipline, or in a technical field provided they have a strong linguistic ability. Prior experience in applied terminology would be considered an advantage but is not a requirement, and applicants are expected to work in their native language.

Note: Candidates may apply to more than one type of Fellowship position, or to all three, if they meet the requirements. In such cases, a separate application must be submitted for each type of Fellowship position applied for.

Following initial screening, candidates will be requested to take a terminology test.

Candidates for a Fellowship in 2021 should ensure that their completed applications and letters of motivation are submitted through WIPO’s electronic recruitment system by 15 March 2021.

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Disclaimer: The above is provided as a heads-up only. Please refer to the WIPO website for all information.