Translator

SAWA for Development and Aid is a Civil Society Organization founded initially as a spontaneous initiative in December 2011 to respond to the arrival of the first 40 Syrian families displaced from Syria into the North of Lebanon.

This initiative then grew to include individual activists, locals and internationals, who worked together (literally meaning ‘SAWA’ in Arabic) to share their knowledge and exchange their experiences in order to support Syrians, internally displaced or refugees in neighboring countries, united by their belief in their right to live in dignity, freedom, and to be active individuals in their communities and wherever they are.

SAWA sees itself as part and parcel of the society, and that it is on a continuous learning journey based on a participatory relationship at all levels with the communities that it works with, whether host or displaced, as well as with local and international partners.

SAWA believes that humanitarian, developmental, and civic work has to always strive to achieve social justice, and so it aims to work with individuals and communities through holistic interventions towards a society based on democracy, pluralism, and the values of citizenship and human rights. 
 

About the Job:

The Translator’s responsibilities include reading and thoroughly understanding the context of given material, using specialized dictionaries and translation tools and proofreading finished pieces of work. To be successful in this role, translators should have a keen eye for detail and be fluent in at least two languages in addition to the native language. Ultimately, h/she will provide ready-to-use translated content that meets SAWA’s internal needs and help us reach out to a broader audience. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

•    Check original texts to ensure that translations retain the content, meaning, and feeling of the original material.
•    Check translations of technical terms and terminology to ensure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation revisions. 
•    Compile terminology and information to be used in translations, including technical terms.
•    Compile terminology and information to be used in translations, including technical terms such as those for legal or medical material.
•    Proofread, edit, and revise translated materials. 
•    Refer to reference materials as needed to ensure translation accuracy.
•    Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information. 
•    Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meaning of words, concepts, practices, and behaviors.
•    Compile information about the content and context of information to be translated, as well as details of the groups for whom translation or interpretation is being performed.
•    Ensure translated content conveys original meaning and tone.
•    Prepare subtitles for videos and online presentations.
•    Cross-reference specialized dictionaries and translation tools to check quality of translation. 
•    Proofread translated texts for grammar, spelling, and punctuation accuracy.
•    Follow up with internal team members and clients to ensure translation meets their needs.
•    Edit content with an eye toward maintaining its original format (font and structure).
•    Network with field experts to stay current on new translation tools and practices.

Competencies and Skills:

•    Proven work experience as a Translator, Interpreter, or similar role.
•    Excellent proofreading skills with the ability to identify grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
•    Good knowledge of content editing tools.
•    Familiarity with translation software (if required).
•    Time-management skills.
•    Fluency in at least two languages in addition to the native language.
•    Additional certification in Linguistics is a plus.