French Swahili Lingala Field Translator

About the role

The client seeks an independent French‑English translator/interpreter and community liaison to support lender‑appointed environmental and social advisory work on a fast‑moving rural infrastructure project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The role ensures accurate, culturally sensitive communication during field consultations, meetings, interviews and document review while preserving the independence of the advisory team.

Key responsibilities

• Provide accurate French‑English consecutive interpretation and translation during field visits, consultations, interviews, and meetings.
• Facilitate culturally appropriate communication with affected communities, local stakeholders and project counterparts.
• Act as a field community liaison under the direction of the Lead Environmental and Social Advisor, supporting logistics without representing the client.
• Prepare confidential consultation notes, translation records and follow‑up actions, flagging ambiguities or cultural context that may affect advisory understanding.
• Support administrative tasks such as meeting coordination, travel arrangements and fieldwork logistics.

Required profile

• Professional French‑English interpretation and translation experience in development, infrastructure, environmental or humanitarian settings.
• Academic or professional background in social sciences, anthropology, sociology, development studies or a related field.
• Experience conducting consultations or stakeholder engagement in rural or culturally sensitive environments, preferably in the DRC or similar Central African contexts.
• Proven ability to maintain reliable field notes, confidential documentation and independent advisory judgment.

Required skills

• Native or near‑native fluency in French and English.
• Strong consecutive interpretation and written translation capabilities.
• Understanding of culturally appropriate community engagement.
• Ability to coordinate field logistics, schedules and documentation.