Freelance Iraqi Arabic Interpreter and Translator

SILA Linguists; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible freelance work

Remote & on-site assignments

Professional development

Supportive operations team

Varied work across sectors

Job summary

SILA Linguists is expanding its pool of freelance Iraqi Arabic interpreters and translators for asylum, legal, healthcare, and community work across the UK. Roles include telephone, video, or in-person assignments with emphasis on accuracy and confidentiality.

Fluency in Iraqi Arabic and English is required, with DPSI/DPI or equivalent qualification preferred. DBS check may be needed for certain assignments; UK work eligibility is essential.

Qualifications

• Native or near-native fluency in Iraqi Arabic and English, spoken and written.
• A recognised interpreting or translation qualification (DPSI/DPI or equivalent).
• Knowledge of Kurdish (Sorani/Badini) is an advantage.
• DBS check or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Interpret in Iraqi Arabic for clients from Baghdad, Basra, Mosul and elsewhere, recognizing regional vocabulary.
• Translate Iraqi documents into English (identity cards, civil status records, court papers).
• Interpret accurately and impartially with confidentiality.
• Research subject-specific vocabulary before assignments (medical and legal).
• Work remotely by video/telephone or on site at client premises, arrive prepared and on time.
• Transcribe and translate audio/video recordings if capable.

Skills

Fluency in Iraqi Arabic and English

Research subject-specific vocabulary

Confidentiality and professionalism

Education

DPSI or DPI or equivalent qualification

Job description

We are recruiting freelance Iraqi Arabic interpreters and translators for asylum, legal, healthcare and community work, by telephone, video or in person.

Iraqi Arabic differs between Baghdad and the south, the north around Mosul, and the western desert, and it has many loanwords from Farsi, Turkish and English. Gulf and Levantine speakers can find it hard to follow, so clients are best served by interpreters who grew up with it. Many Iraqi clients also speak Kurdish, Turkmen or Assyrian (Sureth).

Assignments include asylum interviews, tribunal hearings, solicitor appointments, police interviews, GP and hospital care, and housing services. Translators work on Iraqi identity documents, civil status records and court papers.

Responsibilities

• Interpret in Iraqi Arabic for clients from Baghdad, Basra, Mosul and elsewhere, recognising regional vocabulary.
• Translate Iraqi identity cards, civil status records and court papers from Arabic into English.
• Interpret accurately and impartially, following the professional code of conduct and keeping all information confidential.
• Research subject-specific vocabulary before assignments, particularly for medical and legal bookings.
• Work remotely by video or telephone, or on site at the client's premises, arriving prepared and on time.
• Transcribe and translate audio and video recordings, such as interviews and calls, if you have the skills for transcription work.

Requirements

• Native or near-native fluency in Iraqi Arabic and English, spoken and written.
• A recognised interpreting or translation qualification, such as the DPSI or DPI, or equivalent experience. Membership of CIOL, ITI or NRPSI is welcome but not required.
• Kurdish (Sorani or Badini), Turkmen or Sureth is an advantage.
• A current DBS check, or willingness to obtain one, for assignments that require it.
• The right to work in the UK for on-site UK assignments.
• A dependable internet connection and a confidential space for remote interpreting.

What we offer

• Flexible freelance work that fits around your schedule.
• A mix of remote (video and telephone) and on-site assignments.
• Fair pay for your expertise and time.
• Professional development to keep your skills current.
• A supportive operations team to help with bookings and questions.
• Varied work across sectors, from healthcare and law to government and business.

Iraqi Arabic work with SILA Linguists

SILA Linguists is a language services company providing interpreting, translation and transcription across the UK, North America, Australia, New Zealand and beyond, in more than 350 languages and dialects. As a Iraqi Arabic linguist with us, you can take on the full range of work we offer in Iraqi Arabic:

• Iraqi Arabic interpreting of every type: face-to-face, telephone (OPI) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, video (VRI) through the SILA Linguists app or the client's platform, consecutive, simultaneous, conference and remote simultaneous (RSI), community and escort interpreting.
• Iraqi Arabic translation of documents into and out of English, from letters, medical reports and school records to contracts, research and websites.
• Certified Iraqi Arabic translation with a signed statement of accuracy, accepted by UK authorities such as courts, the Home Office, universities and employers.
• Iraqi Arabic transcription of audio and video recordings, with time stamps, translation of the transcript and subtitling.

Our vetted, trained and qualified linguists work in legal, police and court settings, immigration and asylum matters, NHS and private healthcare, social care, schools and universities, charities and business. Every assignment is covered by confidentiality agreements and UK GDPR.