Details of Translator

Role Summary

The Translator provides accurate and professional translation and interpretation services to support all departments within HALO Somaliland. Reporting to the Field Officer, the Translator ensures clear and consistent communication between Somali and non-Somali speaking staff across Operations, HR, Logistics, Finance, Medical, QA, and Administration.

The role involves both written and verbal translation of operational, administrative, and technical materials, as well as live interpretation during meetings, training, field visits, and interactions with internal and external stakeholders. The Translator will travel frequently to minefield camps to support operational activities and must be comfortable living and working in remote environments for extended periods.

Based in Hargeisa when not deployed, the Translator will also assist with administrative tasks such as document preparation, correspondence, and data entry for the Operations Department. This position requires excellent linguistic ability, discretion, attention to detail, and professionalism in handling sensitive or confidential information. They must be willing to move around the country and work/sleep in a remote or challenging environment, with irregular working hours while in the field.

Responsible to:  Field Officer

Responsible for: N/A

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Translation and Interpretation

• Provide accurate and impartial translation between Somali and English in written and spoken form for all HALO departments, including Operations, HR, Logistics, Finance, Medical, QA, and Administration.
•  Translate documents such as contracts, memos, meeting minutes, standard operating procedures (SOPs), training materials, and correspondence for internal and external communication.
• Provide live interpretation during meetings, training sessions, and field visits to facilitate communication between Somali and non-Somali speakers.
• Translate during operational and administrative briefings, ensuring clarity and consistency of messaging across all teams.
• Translate sensitive information, including disciplinary, safeguarding, or legal matters, maintaining strict confidentiality and professionalism.
• Support the translation of training and awareness materials for community and field-level activities, including risk education, medical, or HR-related sessions.
• Maintain accuracy and neutrality in all translation work, avoiding interpretation or alteration of meaning.

Operational and Field Support

•  Accompany the Field Officer and international visitors to field locations, acting as interpreter for interactions with Supervisors, Team Leaders, and deminers.
• Assist in the translation and recording of information gathered during minefield visits, including comments in task books and staff feedback.
• Support operational meetings, training sessions, and camp visits by ensuring effective two-way communication between field staff and management.
• Remain available for extended field deployments to support operational and community-level activities as needed
•  Provide translation support during donor visits, audits, or inspections when required.

Administrative and Departmental Support

• Support the preparation, translation, and filing of internal correspondence, reports, and forms across departments.
• Translate and distribute internal communications, ensuring that all staff receive accurate and accessible information.
• Assist the Operations team in maintaining staff communication boards, meeting records, and translated SOP summaries.
•  Provide administrative support in the Hargeisa HQ, including document management, scheduling, and printing when not deployed in the field.
• Coordinate with HR and Logistics on document translations related to recruitment, appraisals, medical reports, or procurement when requested.

Confidentiality and Professional Conduct

• Maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Demonstrate professionalism, impartiality, and respect when translating between staff members of all levels.
• Ensure neutrality in tone and content when delivering translated information.
• Promote clear, respectful, and inclusive communication across the organisation.
• Adhere to HALO’s Code of Conduct, safeguarding, and anti-harassment policies at all times.

Skills and qualifications

Person Specifications

Essential:

• Fluency in Somali and English, both written and spoken, with strong translation and interpretation skills.
• Excellent listening, comprehension, and communication abilities.
• Ability to travel and live in remote field camps for extended periods as required.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills.
• Competent in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and integrity.
• Professional attitude, reliability, and a calm approach under pressure.

Desirable:

• Previous experience providing translation services for NGOs, government, or international organisations.
• Knowledge of humanitarian or mine action terminology.
• Experience supporting training, HR, or technical departments with documentation.
• Familiarity with HALO’s operational structure and field conditions.

All HALO staff are expected to undertake the following general duties:

• Work within the framework of HALO’s core values, promoting its ethos and mission statement
• Work towards achieving programme and/or group business plan objectives
• Ensure familiarity with and adhere to all HALO policies and procedures and keep informed of HALO activities
• Travel overseas as and when required
• To discharge duties and responsibilities under HALO’s Health and Safety Procedures which may include Risk Assessments and participation in evacuation procedures as necessary.

This job description is intended to summarise the main duties and responsibilities of the post; this is not intended to be a full and exhaustive list of tasks. All HALO staff are expected to demonstrate flexibility and willingness to perform appropriate tasks when the need arises.

How to apply

Email your CV, cover letter, and two references to: hr.recruitment@halosom.org

Applications without a cover letter and references will not be considered

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

The application deadline is 10 December 2025,

The HALO Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage women to apply. Selection is based solely on ability and suitability for the role.

Apply to hr.recruitment@halosom.org