Freelance Kirundi Interpreter and Translator

SILA Linguists; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 62,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible freelance work

Remote and on-site mix

Professional development

Job summary

SILA Linguists is recruiting freelance Kirundi interpreters and translators for asylum, resettlement, healthcare and education work across the UK. Work available by telephone, video, or in person, with assignments ranging from asylum interviews to housing services.

You may translate Kirundi documents and statements into English, and even French where qualified. Applicants should have native or near-native Kirundi and English, a recognised interpreting qualification (DPSI/DPI or equivalent), and

Qualifications

• Native or near-native Kirundi and English required.
• A recognised interpreting or translation qualification (DPSI/DPI or equivalent) is preferred; CIOL/ITI/NRPSI membership is welcome but not required.
• Current DBS check or willingness to obtain one for assignments may be required.
• Right to work in the UK for on-site UK assignments.

Responsibilities

• Interpret between English and Kirundi, confirming preferred language at the start.
• Translate Kirundi statements and Burundian documents into English, and French where qualified.
• Interpret accurately and impartially, following professional code of conduct and confidentiality.
• Research subject-specific vocabulary before assignments, especially 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/video recordings if you have transcription skills.

Skills

Kirundi fluency

English fluency

Education

DPSI/DPI or equivalent interpretation qualification

Job description

We are recruiting freelance Kirundi interpreters and translators for asylum, resettlement, healthcare and education work, by telephone, video or in person.

Kirundi is the national language of Burundi and is spoken by almost the whole population. It is closely related to Kinyarwanda, and many Burundian clients also speak French or Swahili, particularly those who lived in refugee camps in Tanzania.

Assignments include asylum interviews, solicitor appointments, GP and maternity care, school meetings and housing services. Translators work on Burundian certificates, which are often in French, and statements in Kirundi.

Responsibilities

• Interpret between English and Kirundi, confirming the client's preferred language at the start.
• Translate Kirundi statements and Burundian documents into English, and French documents where qualified.
• 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 Kirundi and English.
• 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.
• Kinyarwanda, French or Swahili 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.

Kirundi 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 Kirundi linguist with us, you can take on the full range of work we offer in Kirundi:

• Kirundi 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.
• Kirundi translation of documents into and out of English, from letters, medical reports and school records to contracts, research and websites.
• Certified Kirundi translation with a signed statement of accuracy, accepted by UK authorities such as courts, the Home Office, universities and employers.
• Kirundi 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.