SRD Center is seeking an experienced Arabic–English Translator / Interpreter to support a research assignment involving quantitative and qualitative research on migration-related issues in Baghdad and Basra, Iraq.
The Translator / Interpreter will support the accurate translation of research instruments and qualitative research materials between Arabic and English and may also provide interpretation support during interviews, meetings, training sessions, or other research activities when required.
Given the sensitive and technical nature of the research, the successful candidate must be able to translate accurately while preserving the intended meaning, tone, terminology, and contextual nuances of participants’ responses.
Tasks:
The Translator / Interpreter will:
- Translate quantitative survey questionnaires from English into Arabic.
- Translate qualitative interview guidelines and research tools into Arabic.
- Review translated research instruments for clarity, consistency, and contextual appropriateness.
- Support refinement of terminology following questionnaire pre-testing or pilot activities.
- Translate qualitative interview transcripts, summaries, or notes from Arabic into English.
- Ensure translated transcripts accurately reflect the meaning and context of the original interviews.
- Provide interpretation during interviews, research meetings, training sessions, or consultations when requested.
- Support communication between Arabic-speaking field staff and English-speaking research experts.
- Maintain consistent terminology across all research materials.
- Review translated documents for grammar, clarity, and accuracy.
- Work closely with qualitative researchers to clarify culturally or contextually specific expressions.
- Maintain confidentiality of all research interviews, documents, and respondent information.
- Ensure that sensitive terminology is translated neutrally and professionally.
- Meet agreed translation deadlines and quality requirements.
- Revise translations based on feedback from the research team.
Qualifications:
Candidates should have:
- University degree in translation, languages, English, Arabic, linguistics, social sciences, or another relevant field.
- Demonstrated professional experience in Arabic–English and English–Arabic translation.
- Excellent command of both Arabic and English.
- Strong written English skills.
- Demonstrated ability to translate research, development, humanitarian, social science, or technical documents.
- Experience translating survey questionnaires, interview guides, transcripts, or research reports is highly desirable.
- Previous interpretation experience is an advantage.
- Familiarity with terminology related to migration, displacement, irregular migration, returnees, socio-economic development, or humanitarian programming is desirable.
- Knowledge of the Iraqi context and Iraqi Arabic terminology is strongly preferred.
- Ability to translate sensitive discussions accurately and neutrally.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work under tight deadlines.
- Commitment to confidentiality and responsible handling of sensitive information.
How to apply
Interested candidates should complete the following short online application form:
https://ee-eu.kobotoolbox.org/x/rxHlmdjI
Applicants should clearly indicate the position for which they are applying and provide information on their relevant qualifications and professional experience.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps and additional information.