Kurdish Linguist Interpretation Travel

SOSi; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

SOSi is seeking a Kurdish (Sorani or Kurmanji) Linguist to provide interpretation in a travel capacity. Responsibilities include delivering language support, conducting consecutive translations, and ensuring high-quality output by leveraging cultural knowledge.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and must obtain a security clearance. This part-time position requires flexible traveling for work in various environments, including conflict zones.

Qualifications

• Must obtain and maintain a security clearance; requires U.S. citizenship.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in translation support.
• Native or near-native competency in Kurdish verified by exams.

Responsibilities

• Provide interpretation between Kurdish and English.
• Read, write, and speak Kurdish at a fluent level.
• Leverage cultural knowledge for quality translations.

Skills

Fluent Kurdish-Sorani or Kurdish-Kurmanji

Excellent English communication skills

Workflow management

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

Job description

Job Description

SOSi is seeking Kurdish (Sorani or Kurmanji) Linguists to provide interpretation in a travel capacity. In this role you will integrate into a client team to provide a full range of language support, including providing linguistic and cultural expertise in a faced-paced settings. Flexibility is required and 100% of work will be performed on a travel basis. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and collaborate and engage with client personnel to further the mission. This position is part-time on call based on travel requirements.

Essential Job Duties

• Read, write, and speak Kurdish-Sorani or Kurdish-Kurmanji at a fluent or native level.
• Provide consecutive translation/interpretation back and forth between Kurdish and English in a variety of settings, including conference settings and individual meetings.
• Gist, summarize, and transcribe Kurdish from printed, electronic, or audio/visual material into clear, understandable, and idiomatically correct English.
• Leverage knowledge of culture, media, technology, politics, and military issues to provide high quality translations.
• Use a variety of computer programs including Microsoft Office products and SharePoint. Must be able to learn new tools and applications specific to the customer.
• Part-time on call work to support travel: CONUS, OCONUS, and war/conflict zones.

Qualifications

• The federal government requires all linguists on this contract to obtain and maintain a security clearance. This security clearance requires U.S. citizenship.
• Prior to beginning work, candidates must complete the process for a fully adjudicated TS/SCI (with poly) security clearance. SOSi will sponsor qualified candidates for clearance.
• Bachelor’s Degree completed in the United States OR in country of language skill.
• Minimum of three years of experience in translation support.
• Candidates must possess native or near native competency in Kurdish. Competency will be determined by standardized language exams which must be completed as part of the application process. Must score a minimum of 2+ on Kurdish Interpretation exam and a minimum of 4/4/4 on Speaking/Listening/Reading exam.
• Candidate must be familiar with the culture, media, and linguistic nuance of Kurdish.
• Candidates must possess excellent English written and verbal communication skills. Competency will be determined by a standardized exam which must be completed as start of the application process.
• Experience in workflow management and quality control to ensure all requests are triaged and products are properly gisted/summarized and edited.
• Experience with word processing (including typing at least 45 words/minute), proficiency with Microsoft Office, and ability to learn additional programs and applications as needed.
• Candidates will be required to maintain a passport and secure medical clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing, in‑scope TS/SCI clearance with a polygraph.
• Expertise or training related to counter‑proliferation, counter‑terrorism, cyber, economics, geospatial, law, military, narcotics topics.
• Experience with media monitoring.
• Experience writing reports and terminology management for consistency translations.
• Degree in linguistics, international affairs, or foreign languages.
• Experience in the US intelligence, military, cryptographic, or law enforcement communities.

Work Environment

• All work will be performed during TDYs. No possibility of remote work. Work in more than one location may be required, including CONUS, OCONUS and war/conflict zones.
• Additional qualifications, including to carry a firearm may be required.
• Core hours are 9AM to 2PM, flexibility for night and weekend coverage during travel required.
• Some travel coverage may require extended hours, up to 11 hours per day, and non‑traditional schedules, including nights and weekends.

All interested individuals will receive consideration and will not be discriminated against for any reason.