Job Description
Position Title: Translator Department: Communication Reports To: Head of Department Duty Station: Mogadishu & Hargeisa
Job Type: Full-time
Employment type: Fixed-term
Background The Horn of Africa Policy Research Institute, reportedly founded in 2007, can be described as a policy research organization focused on studying political, economic, security, and social issues affecting the Horn of Africa. Its work aims to provide research, policy analysis, and practical recommendations to support informed decision-making, regional cooperation, peace, and sustainable development of the region. Duties and Responsibilities The Translator shall perform the following duties and responsibilities: 1. Translate written documents, reports, letters, official correspondence, policies, agreements, and other materials accurately from one language into another. 2. Ensure that translated documents preserve the original meaning, tone, context, terminology, and intent of the source text. 3. Translate administrative, technical, legal, humanitarian, development, and institutional documents as required. 4. Review, proofread, and edit translated materials to ensure accuracy, clarity, consistency, and grammatical correctness. 5. Maintain consistency in terminology, institutional vocabulary, and translation style across all documents. 6. Translate meeting minutes, presentations, training materials, publications, and communication materials. 7. Conduct research to understand specialized terminology, cultural references, and subjectspecific language. 8. Maintain the confidentiality and security of sensitive documents and institutional information. 9. Collaborate with interpreters, communication officers, program staff, technical experts, and other departments to ensure accurate translations.
10. Meet established deadlines while maintaining high standards of quality and professionalism. 11. Maintain translation databases, glossaries, terminology lists, and electronic document records. 12. Identify ambiguities in source documents and seek clarification from the relevant department before finalizing translations. 13. Adapt translated materials to suit the cultural and linguistic context of the intended audience without changing the original meaning. 14. Support multilingual communication with international partners, government institutions, donors, and other stakeholders. 15. Perform other language-related duties assigned by the supervisor
Qualifications and Requirements Applicants should meet the following qualifications and requirements: 1. A bachelor's degree in Translation, Languages, Linguistics, English, Arabic, Somali another similar relevant field, a master’s degree is an added advantage. 2. Fluency in Arabic, English and Somali with the relevant local languages if any; additional languages are an advantage. 3. Excellent written proficiency in at least English, Arabic, Somali languages, including the source and target languages required by the institution. 4. Strong knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, idiomatic expressions, and language conventions in the relevant languages. 5. Demonstrated ability to translate complex documents accurately while preserving their original meaning and tone. 6. Excellent writing, proofreading, editing, and research skills. 7. Good understanding of cultural differences and the ability to communicate appropriately with people from diverse backgrounds. 8. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email, and other relevant office applications. 9. Familiarity with computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, terminology databases, and translation management systems is an advantage. 10. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple translation assignments simultaneously. 11. High standards of accuracy, confidentiality, impartiality, and professional ethics. 12. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment. 13. Knowledge of international development, humanitarian affairs, diplomacy, human rights, or institutional operations agency is an advantage
Work Experience Required 1. A minimum of Five (5) years of relevant professional experience in translation, proofreading, editing, or language services. 2. Previous experience working with an international organization, United Nations agency, Embassy, international NGO, government institution, or multinational organizations. 3. Demonstrated experience translating official correspondence, reports, agreements, policies, presentations, and other professional documents. 4. Experience handling technical, administrative, legal, humanitarian, or developmentrelated terminology. 5. Proven ability to produce accurate, clear, consistent, and high-quality translations within established deadlines. 6. Experience reviewing and editing translated documents to ensure linguistic accuracy and compliance with institutional standards. 7. Experience using digital translation tools, terminology management systems, or electronic document management platforms is desirable. 8. Experience working with multicultural teams and communicating with international stakeholders is an advantage. 9. Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information and comply with organizational policies and professional standards. 10. A portfolio of previous translation work, relevant references, or successful completion of a translation assessment may be required. Personal Competencies and Professional Conduct The successful candidate should demonstrate: Excellent attention to detail and linguistic accuracy. Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills. Professional integrity and respect for confidentiality. Cultural awareness and sensitivity. Effective time management and the ability to meet deadlines. Flexibility, teamwork, and adaptability in a multicultural working environment. Commitment to impartiality, accuracy, and continuous professional development.
Application Requirements Interested candidates should submit an updated curriculum vitae (CV), a cover letter, copies of relevant academic qualifications, professional references, and samples of previous translation work where requested. Application Submission and Deadline All completed application documents and required supporting materials must be submitted via email to **[email protected]**, using “Translator” as the email subject line. Submission Deadline: 05 November 2026, at 12:00 AM (midnight). Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline. Any applications or supporting documents received after the specified date and time will not be accepted. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their submissions are complete and received on time.
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How to Apply
This role is listed on FursadLink and applications are submitted to the organization's official email address. Use the “Apply by Email” button above to proceed. Please reference “Translator, Somalia & Somaliland”. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.