JOB VACANCY – QUALIFIED TRANSLATOR (FULL TIME – 100%)

Organization

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization providing emergency assistance to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, and exclusion from healthcare. MSF delivers aid based on need alone, irrespective of race, religion, gender, or political affiliation, and operates according to the principles of neutrality and impartiality, which apply to all MSF staff.

Position Details

  • Job Title: Qualified Translator
  • Reports To: Epidemiologist Activity Manager
  • Duty Station: Liwale, Lindi
  • Contract Duration: Two (2) months – Non-renewable
  • Employment Type: Full Time (100%)

Main Purpose of the Role

To perform professional written and oral translation and interpretation duties, as well as delegated administrative tasks, in accordance with MSF protocols, standards, and procedures. The role ensures accurate communication, proper representation of MSF activities, and adherence to MSF’s core values, including confidentiality, neutrality, and respect.

Key Accountabilities

Translation and Interpretation

  • Perform professional written and oral interpretation and translation based on the supervisor’s specialization (e.g., Medical Doctor, Nursing, Pharmacy, Mental Health, Laboratory, Logistics, Operations, or HR).
  • Ensure strict respect for medical confidentiality, neutrality, and cultural sensitivity toward patients, communities, authorities, and MSF staff.

Administrative and Reporting Support

  • Carry out administrative tasks as delegated by the supervisor, including meeting arrangements, minute-taking, and follow-up for patient care.
  • Provide feedback to the supervisor following discussions and negotiations.
  • Assist in report writing (MSF and Government-required reports).
  • Ensure accurate recording, translation, and proper filing of meeting minutes and documents.

Stakeholder Engagement and Cultural Mediation

  • Establish and maintain professional communication with relevant authorities and Ministry of Health (MoH) counterparts, particularly in relation to patient care.
  • Support supervisors by advising on cultural nuances and effective culturally sensitive communication.
  • Inform international staff of local customs, traditions, and contextual considerations.

Ethics, Conduct, and Security

  • Declare any potential conflict of interest when requested to translate.
  • Immediately report any behavioral or cultural issues that may negatively affect MSF activities.
  • Uphold MSF’s principles, Code of Conduct, and quality standards.
  • Observe all security rules and regulations to avoid putting oneself or others at risk.

Context-Specific Accountabilities

GBS Study – Liwale

For the study titled “Feasibility of Screening-based Intrapartum Antibiotic Chemoprophylaxis for Group B Streptococcus Disease Prevention”:

  • Facilitate communication between the study team and enrolled participants throughout all study processes.
  • Ensure correct transmission of study information and informed consent in participants’ own language.
  • Translate questions or concerns between participants and study midwives/coordinators.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of participants’ medical and personal information.
  • Conduct qualitative interviews in Swahili, Sukuma, or Ngindo.
  • Support moderation of focus group discussions when required.
  • Take notes during qualitative encounters, if requested.
  • Transcribe and translate interviews and focus group discussions from Swahili, Sukuma, or Ngindo into English in MS Word (.docx) format, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and confidentiality.

General Medical Activity Support

  • Support medical teams at health facilities and community level by facilitating communication with Sukuma-speaking women.
  • Translate medical documents into Sukuma as required.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

Education

  • Essential: Secondary education
  • Desirable: Higher education; health-related knowledge is an added advantage
  • Asset: Formal training or diploma in transcription and translation

Experience

  • Previous experience in translation or interpretation is required; experience in medical or humanitarian settings is an advantage.

Languages

  • Essential: Sukuma and/or Ngindo, Swahili
  • Desirable: English

Knowledge and Skills

  • Proficiency in computer applications: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Core Competencies

  • Results and Quality Orientation
  • Teamwork and Cooperation
  • Behavioral Flexibility
  • Stress Management
  • Commitment to MSF Principles
  • Service Orientation

Equal Opportunity Statement

Women, persons living with disabilities, and individuals from minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply. MSF is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive working environment with zero tolerance for abuse, discrimination, harassment, or sexual exploitation.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

  • Motivation letter
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Copies of relevant professional certificates
  • Supporting documents proving language proficiency in Sukuma or Ngindo

Application Deadline: Monday, 26 January 2026 at 5:00 PM
Email Subject Line: Qualified Translator

Submission Options

  • Email: MSFCH-Tanzania-Recruitment@geneva.msf.org
  • Physical Submission Locations:
    • MSF Office, Uporoto Street, Plot No. 74, House No. 22, Ursino Estate, Victoria, Dar es Salaam
    • MSF Offices in Liwale, Lindi
    • MSF Guest House or MSF Office, Kibondo / Nduta Refugee Camp

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If no feedback is received within six (6) weeks, applicants should consider that they have not been pre-selected.

Data Protection Notice

MSF values the protection of personal data. By submitting an application, candidates consent to the use of their data strictly for recruitment purposes. All data will be treated confidentially and accessed only by authorized recruitment personnel. MSF does not sell or share applicant data.

For inquiries, contact: MSFCH-Tanzania-PAM@geneva.msf.org

Applying to MSF is free of charge. MSF does not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process.