Translation and Language Editing Specialist (Pashto, Dari, English)

Barm Research and Innovation Center is an independent, non-profit research institution. It studies Afghanistan's needs and challenges and develops practical solutions through applied research, strategic studies and innovation. Its work covers administration, economy and development, education and culture, science and technology, politics and international relations, health and the environment.

Purpose of the Position

The position ensures accurate, clear and natural translation of Barm content between Pashto, Dari and English. Its primary focus is translation, proofreading, language editing, terminology consistency and pre-publication quality assurance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Translate Barm research, proposals, reports, policies, job descriptions and other scientific and official documents between Pashto, Dari and English.

2. Translate internal documents, correspondence, meeting materials, presentations, forms and administrative content when required.

3. Translate vacancy announcements, news, statements, interviews, speeches, media content, brochures, newsletters and other print and digital materials.

4. Translate website, social media and library-related content between Pashto, Dari and English and adapt it to the intended audience and channel.

5. Preserve the original meaning, technical terminology, figures, names, dates, references and structure of each source document.

6. Produce natural and professional target-language text and avoid literal or word-for-word translation.

7. Proofread and edit English, Pashto, and Dari translations, comparing final versions against source texts before publication.

8. Develop and maintain a concise trilingual terminology glossary and language style guide to ensure consistent use of names, headings, numbers and technical terms.

9. Apply clear file naming, version control and archiving procedures while protecting confidentiality, academic integrity and copyright.

10. Coordinate with research, publications, design, website and administrative teams and deliver approved translations within agreed deadlines.

Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence

Translation must be produced primarily through the Specialist’s own language knowledge, human judgment and professional effort. Extensive, automatic or unreviewed use of AI and machine translation is not permitted, and machine-generated text will not be accepted as a final translation.

• Limited technical use is permitted for exploring alternative terminology, checking spelling and grammar, organizing sections of long documents, identifying repeated terms, and managing translation memory or glossaries.

• Any AI-assisted content must be checked line-by-line against the original source text, corrected, and approved under the Specialist’s personal responsibility.

• Confidential, sensitive, internal or unpublished documents must never be entered into public online or AI tools.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Translation Studies, Linguistics, Pashto, Dari or English Literature, Journalism, Communications or a related field. A master’s degree is an advantage.

• At least three years of relevant professional experience, preferably translating academic, research, official or policy-oriented material.

• Demonstrates excellent comprehension, writing, translation, and editing skills across Pashto, Dari, and English.

• At least three credible, non-confidential translation samples, including both original source and translated versions.

Required Skills

• Sound knowledge of formal and academic writing, research terminology and basic citation practices.

• Practical command of Microsoft Word, including Track Changes, Comments, Styles, Compare and version control.

• Ability to develop terminology glossaries, language style guides and quality-control checklists.

• Strong attention to detail, time management, confidentiality, professional judgment and teamwork.

Performance Standards

• Accuracy of meaning, figures, names, references and terminology.

• Clarity, natural language, professional style and consistent terminology.

• Timely delivery and completion of requested revisions.

• Identification of errors before publication and quality of the final product.

• Orderly version control, archiving, confidentiality and effective coordination.

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will complete a practical translation and language-editing test in addition to the interview. The test will assess translation from Pashto into Dari and English, accuracy of meaning, fluency, terminology, spelling, grammar and practical use of Microsoft Word editing tools.

How to Apply

Eligible candidates should apply through the online job portal on Barm’s official website via the link provided below and clearly state vacancy code BARM-PCD-2026-01 in their cover letter.

Link to job: https://barmric.org/en/opportunities/translation-and-language-editing-specialist-pashto-dari-english

To apply for this position, please complete the following steps through our online job portal:

1. Click the Apply Now button at the top of the announcement page to log in or create an applicant profile.

2. Complete your profile and attach the required documents:

• An updated CV including education, relevant experience, language skills, and contact details for two professional references.

• A concise cover letter highlighting your suitability for the role.

• At least three non-confidential translation or language-editing samples (combined into a single file).

3. Click Apply Now to submit your completed application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Barm may verify qualifications, work experience, translation samples and references. Recruitment is based on merit and fair competition.

Important Note: All applications must be submitted through the official Barm online application system. CVs, cover letters, or other application documents sent by email will not be considered or processed as job applications.