IMO Junior Professional Officer Programme: Translation Officer in London

What Is the IMO JPO Programme?

The IMO is the United Nations agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping and for preventing pollution from ships. Its JPO programme lets member countries send young professionals to work at the IMO for a set period.

JPOs join at the P-2 level, the entry level for UN professional staff. They do real, meaningful work while getting on-the-job training. It's a strong first step for anyone who wants a career in international organizations.

The Position: Translation Officer (JPO 23-05)

• Location: IMO Headquarters, London, UK
• Division: Conference Division, Translation Sections
• Language: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian or Spanish

What you'll do:

• Translate technical, legal and administrative texts into one of the six official UN languages
• Research and manage specialist terminology
• Work occasional night shifts during big meetings
• Travel on mission when needed

Important Dates

• Nomination deadline: 31 December 2026
• Duration: One year at first, extendable up to three years based on performance

Who Can Apply?

• A university degree in translation, languages, naval architecture, law, physics, chemistry, environmental sciences, telecommunications, nautical studies, marine science or a related field
• At least two years of technical translation experience
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Knowledge of other IMO official languages is an advantage
• Good Microsoft Office skills
• Strong drafting, analytical and organizational skills, and close attention to detail
• Experience in an international setting is a plus

The IMO especially encourages qualified women and persons with disabilities to apply.

The Key Thing to Know: Government Sponsorship

This is not an open job application. Here's how it works:

• Only governments can nominate candidates. The IMO does not accept applications from individuals.
• Your government pays for the position. Salary, benefits and travel are funded by the sponsoring country, not by the IMO.
• Each country can nominate up to three people for each position.
• There's no guaranteed job afterwards. Many JPOs do go on to UN careers, but the programme doesn't promise a permanent position.

So the first step is finding out whether your country sponsors JPOs, and whether it would consider sponsoring this post.

What You Get

• Hands-on professional experience inside a UN specialized agency
• A P-2 level position with real responsibility
• Training and mentoring on the job
• Up to three years working in London
• A strong network and a valuable addition to your CV for future UN and international roles

Pay and benefits are set by your sponsoring government's agreement with the IMO.

How to Apply

1. Contact your government's JPO focal point. This is usually the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the national maritime authority. Ask whether they sponsor JPOs and how they select candidates.
2. Prepare your documents:
   • A cover letter explaining why you're applying and what relevant experience you have
   • An up-to-date IMO Personal History Form
3. Your government sends the nomination to the IMO at rsd@imo.org, with "JPO 23-05" in the subject line and its official nomination letter attached.
4. Shortlisted candidates then go through the IMO's own recruitment process.

Simple Tips

• Start with your government early. National selection can take months, and governments often have their own internal deadlines before 31 December.
• Show your technical translation experience clearly. Legal, scientific or maritime texts will make you stand out.
• Mention every language you know, especially other UN languages.
• Fill in the IMO Personal History Form carefully. It's what the IMO uses to review your profile.
• Ask about other JPO posts too. If your country sponsors JPOs, there may be other IMO roles that fit you better.

Apply Here

📌 Official IMO circular letter: https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en/About/Careers/Documents/23-05%20JPO%20Circular%20Letter%20CD%20Rev8.pdf

📌 Nominations (through your government only): rsd@imo.org

Disclaimer: World Opportunities Hub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Always confirm details with your government and the official IMO documents before applying.

| Organization | International Maritime Organization (IMO) | | Region | London, UK | | Deadline | 31 December 2026 | | Level | Junior Professional (P-2) | | Funding | Funded by sponsoring government |