Translator-referent

A translator-referent or a referent-translator (terminology used almost exclusively in the former Soviet Union) is a multilingual business or government professional who combines linguistic expertise with administrative and organizational responsibilities, particularly in contexts involving international communication. The role is most commonly found in post-Soviet states, where the title continues to be used in both public institutions and the private sector. A translator-referent is a specialist who not only performs written or oral translations, but also prepares reports and presentations for management, communicates with foreign partners, coordinates meetings and business events, organizes conferences (including sending invitations, booking venues, and negotiating details), handles business correspondence and translates official documentation. This profession requires not only language proficiency but also organizational skills and an understanding of the specific industry in which the professional works. This profession demands multi-functionality and subject-specific expertise. Translator-referents are often required to perform outside the bounds of conventional translation, necessitating proficiency not only in languages but also in diplomacy, event planning, and specialized knowledge domains. Since the term is not used outside of the former Soviet Union, there is no direct equivalent job title in the English-speaking world.

In the Soviet Union, a "Referent" (Russian: Референт) was a specific position in the system of state civil service belonging to the highest category of specialists; civil servants were assigned a class rank: "Referent of the State." The term is still used in many of these post-Soviet states, including Russia, Germany, and Ukraine.