Translator - English/Somali

Background

The International Development Law Organization (IDLO), with support from the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and in partnership with national institutions and consortium members, is implementing the Damal II Programme: Building Inclusive Justice Pathways and Early Conflict Resolution Mechanisms (2026–2030).

The programme aims to strengthen access to justice by improving community-based dispute resolution, enhancing coordination between Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centers and formal justice and security institutions, and promoting inclusive, survivor-centered justice services for vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and persons with disabilities.

Damal II builds on the achievements and lessons of Damal I and supports the Government's efforts to strengthen justice institutions, expand ADR services, improve referral pathways, and increase public confidence in justice and security systems.

IDLO is seeking a qualified English/Somali Translator to provide high-quality translation and language editing services for programme documents during the Damal II inception phase and implementation period.

The Translator will support the translation of legal, technical, and programme documents to ensure consistency, accuracy, and accessibility for government counterparts, justice institutions, implementing partners, and community stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Translator will be responsible for:

• Translating legal, technical, policy, and programme documents between English and Somali.
• Translating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Policy documents, training manuals, guidelines, assessment reports, communication materials, and workshop documentation.
• Reviewing translated documents to ensure technical accuracy, consistency, and appropriate legal terminology.
• Maintaining confidentiality of all programme documents and information.
• Working closely with the Damal II Programme team to ensure timely delivery of assignments.
• Incorporating comments received during quality assurance and technical review processes.
• Providing language editing and proofreading support where required.

The consultant is expected to deliver, as applicable:

• A brief work plan within three working days of contract signature.
• High-quality translations of legal and technical documents within agreed timelines.
• Edited and proofread bilingual documents.
• Weekly progress updates to the Programme Manager or designated focal point.
• Final translated documents in Microsoft Word format, incorporating all agreed revisions.

Education and Professional Experience

• A university degree in Law, Linguistics, Translation, International Relations, Social Sciences, or another relevant discipline.
• At least three (3) years of professional experience translating legal, governance, justice, or development documents.
• Demonstrated experience translating reports, manuals, policies, training materials, and technical publications.
• Previous experience working with international organizations, government institutions, or donor-funded programmes is highly desirable.
• Candidates may be requested to provide samples of previous legal or technical translation work.

Languages

• Native or professional fluency in Somali.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Demonstrated ability to accurately translate complex legal and technical terminology while preserving meaning and context.

Specific knowledge, skills and competencies

• Strong understanding of Somaliland's legal and justice systems.
• Knowledge of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), customary justice, and formal justice institutions.
• Familiarity with legal terminology and governance-related documentation.
• Excellent proofreading and editing skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

The Consultant will be engaged under a Single Engagement Agreement (SEA) for an initial period of one (1) year. The Consultant will provide translation and language editing services on an as-needed basis throughout the contract period in support of the Damal II Program.

Remuneration: Paid per translated page (one page = 270 words). Final fees will be negotiated based on previous rates for similar work and experience level.

Applications will be screened on a regular basis; a qualified applicant might be recruited before the deadline. In the interest of making the most effective use of resources, only short-listed candidates will be contacted during the selection process.

IDLO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for IDLO vacancies.

IDLO does not tolerate sexual exploitation or abuse, any kind of harassment, including harassment of a sexual nature, or discrimination. As such, IDLO will conduct careful reference and background checks of all selected candidates as part of its selection process.

Application deadline: 14 August 2026 (23:59hrs Rome Time).