Linguistic Services and Publications

Linguistic Services and Publications

The Linguistic Services and Publishing Branch (LSP) provides services in translation, terminology, preparation and reproduction of publications (editing, layout, graphic design, printing, CD production) in the Organization’s six official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish).

LSP is responsible for:

• Translating all official WMO documents, publications, Web products and correspondence from and into the six official languages;

• Providing terminology and reference services to translators, editors and authors through METEOTERM and the LSP document base, which are online multilingual repositories for WMO official terminology and translations, respectively;

• Proofreading, formatting, graphic design and final preparation of official documents, publications and other print and Web material;

• Developing standards for the formatting of WMO documents and mandatory print and Web publications in all official languages as well as WMO publishing and editorial guidelines, and offering guidance on layout and graphics. Several tools are available online, such as the WMO Style Guide, Spelling List, Web Style Guide and corporate visual identity guidelines;

• Managing the entire production process of WMO publications, from editing the original manuscript to producing the final print or Web material.

Any queries related to linguistic services or publications may be addressed directly to the LSP Branch.

LSP has some 50 staff members, but frequently employs temporary staff on short-term contracts, notably freelance translators and editors, but also typists, proofreaders and desktop publishing specialists, who work either at the Secretariat or at home.

Together with their freelance colleagues, LSP staff translate some 5 700 000 words a year in all languages.

All fixed-term staff are recruited following the issue of a vacancy notice posted in the Vacancies section on the WMO Website. Experienced translators, editors, proofreaders, desktop publishing clerks or typists working in one of the six official languages and wishing to be considered for employment on a temporary basis with LSP should e-mail a current curriculum vitae or the WMO Personal History Form to the LSP Branch. While previous translation or editing experience is essential and having passed the United Nations translation and/or editing examination is considered an asset, candidates may be invited to sit an internal WMO test in order to be included on a freelance roster. Unpaid translation internships are occasionally provided.

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