QUALIFIED TRANSLATOR

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, non-profit medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, pandemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare. MSF started working in Yemen since 1986 and have been present in the country continuously since 2007. Today, MSF works in 23 hospitals across the country and provides support to more than 17 health facilities across 13 governorates, in line with our principles of independence, impartiality and neutrality. For more information, visit our Arabic website, www.msf-me.org

Médecins Sans Frontières Belgium in Yemen mission is looking for Yemeni nationals to recruit for 1 QUALIFIED TRANSLATOR position.

Location: Aden office, PHCCs and outreach activities in Aden and Lahj governorates
Contract duration: Six (6) months, with the possibility of extension
Contract type: Fixed-Term contract 
Reporting to: Project Medical Referent

Main Purpose:

Performing professional translation activities and delegated duties depending on supervisor’s specialization and instructions and according to MSF protocols, standards and procedures, in order to ensure a proper representation and translation of MSF activities and core values.  

Accountabilities:

• Performing professional written and oral interpretation and translation activities according to supervisor’s specialization (e.g. MD, RN, IC, Pharmacy, Mental Health, Lab, Logistics, Operations, HR), ensuring medical confidentiality, neutrality and respect towards patients, collaborators, authorities, military factions and MSF staff.
• Performing administrative tasks required by supervisor (arrangement of meetings, minute taking, and follow-up for patient care). Providing necessary feedback to supervisor following discussions and negotiations and. Assisting with report writing (MSF and Government required reports), ensuring that all meeting minutes are recorded and that translated documents are properly filed
• Depending on the supervisor’s specialization and the needs of the respective department, establishing and maintaining professional contacts with relevant authorities and communicating MSF’s messages to MoH counterparts and authorities (specifically related to patient care);
• Ensuring that supervisor is aware of cultural nuances when dealing with MoH authorities and counterparts to ensure a good working relationship. Educating supervisor on effective methods of culturally sensitive communication and informing international staff about local customs, tradition, etc. that will help in better communication and understanding of the context.
• Immediately informing supervisor of any problems that might be linked to individual behavior (counterproductive and/or culturally insensitivity) and declaring any “conflict of interest” when asked to translate (e.g. personal involvement).
• Upholding MSF’s core principles, values, quality standards and Code of Conduct. Respecting MSF’s identification materials and not abusing their use aside from their intended purposes.
• Observing security rules and regulations, NOT putting self and others in danger. Promoting and maintaining MSF quality standards

Brief contextual information:

MSF OCB (Operational Center Belgium) has been operating in the South of Yemen since 2022.
In 2026, Yemen mission will launch a new project based in the capital city Aden. This will be a comprehensive Primary Health Care program implemented through two fixed PHCCs and a mobile outreach approach serving four districts around Aden. One PHCC in located in Aden and the second one is in Al Farshah, approximately 83 km from the capital.

MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities:

A professional translator will provide oral interpretation during meetings with authorities, partners, and MoH PHCC team, as well as written translation of medical and non-medical documents related to the project activities. The role is essential to ensuring clear, accurate, and culturally appropriate communication across all project activities.

• Provide interpretation during meetings with local authorities, community leaders, and other actors upon need and request.
• Support interpretation during internal meetings, trainings and visits PHCCs by MSF international staff.
• Facilitate effective communication between international and national staff.
• Translate medical documents (e.g. health education materials, short information materials and reports).
• Translate non-medical materials correspondence, administrative documents.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and confidentiality in all translated materials.
• Assist in reviewing translated materials for quality and clarity.
• Work closely with medical and non-medical teams to understand medical, humanitarian terminology and context.
• Maintain organized records of translated documents.

Job requirements

Education:     

• Essential Higher education
• Preferable Health Degree 

Experience:     

• Essential at least 2 years previous working experience in similar role.
• Experience as professional translator/interpreter, preferably in humanitarian or health-related settings and performing administrative tasks
• Desirable previous experience within MSF or other NGOs

Knowledge:     

• Fluency in local language(s) - essential
• English (spoken and written) – essential
• Good computer skills - essential

Location:     

• Only candidates from Aden and Lahj governorates will be considered for the position