Перекладач (англійська мова)

Position Title: Field Interpreter/Translator

Duty Station: Krasylivka (Brovary district Kyiv region), regular business trips to Mykolaiv and Kharkiv regions

Type of Appointment: Full-time employment

Estimated Start Date: May 2026

Starting Salary: 71,500 UAH Gross

About APOPO:

APOPO is an award-winning Belgian NGO established in 1997 and currently operating in 10 countries. APOPO’s mission is to protect the people and the planet using scent detection animals. The organization trains and deploys dogs and rats in humanitarian missions such as the detection of explosives, diseases, illegal trafficking and search & rescue. APOPO currently has over 300 operational animals, most of which are working in Mine Action, which makes it the largest animal detection operator in the sector.

About APOPO in Ukraine:

Since the Russian invasion of 24th February 2022, Ukraine has been severely affected by landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war. The scale of the conflict and the use of high impact and indiscriminate weapons requires an urgent and extensive response. APOPO aims to accelerate the reduction of suspected hazardous areas in Ukraine using its Technical Survey Dog Teams. APOPO registered in Ukraine in 2023 and has a main office in Kyiv and an established dog training centre in Krasylivka. Mine Action operations are conducted in partnership with Mines Advisory Group and Ukrainian Deminers Association, in Oblast areas prioritized by the government. 

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Field Interpreter will be responsible for providing verbal and written Ukrainian/English interpretation/translation for International Trainers, Field Managers, Supervisors and the program management team.

The role may also involve travel to Cambodia to provide interpretation/translation for dog-handler trainees during an extended 3–4 months training period at APOPOs dog training center there (All required equipment and uniform, travel, accommodation and per diem will be provided by APOPO). After the completion of the training period in Cambodia, the Field Interpreter is expected to continue working with APOPO, accompanying teams of dog-handlers in either Kharkiv, Kherson, Kyiv or Mykolaiv Oblasts, ensuring clear and accurate communication under potentially challenging conditions directly at operational sites. 

This position plays a key role in supporting safe and effective field operations by bridging language barriers and ensuring mutual understanding across the team.

In close collaboration with International Trainers, Field Managers, Supervisors and the program management team and teams of dog-handlers or trainees, the Field Interpreter will:

• Provide real-time interpretation and translation to facilitate effective communication during operational activities and training sessions.
• Translate documents, reports, and instructions from Ukrainian to English and vice versa.
• Assist in editing and ensuring the clarity and consistency of written communication.
• Develop a Ukrainian–English glossary of all relevant technical terms and definitions.
• Maintain and update all operational data terms and definitions.
• Maintain professional conduct in all duties and responsibilities.
• Demonstrate professional behaviour in all duties and responsibilities in line with APOPO’s core values: quality, innovation, social transformation, diversity, solidarity, and animal welfare.
• Ensure timely submission of all required documentation and compliance with reporting requirements.
• Perform any other duties within APOPO programming as required. 

The Interpreter shall report to either the Head Trainer or Technical Field Manager in Ukraine, providing updates on activities, achievements, and challenges encountered and difficulties encountered while performing his duties.

ABOUT YOU:

Ideally, this role will suit someone who enjoys being outside and likes animals, it is not an office based position. After extended training period in Cambodia, you will travel with a team of dog handlers and accompany them when they go to the minefields, usually as part of an extended business trip to either Kharkiv, Kherson, Kyiv or Mykolaiv regions, to support their effective operations with your interpretations. You should be a flexible person who enjoys the opportunity to travel if needed. We organize our working schedule around the needs of the dogs. For example, in hot weather we work earlier to avoid the heat.

It is a good opportunity for a person who wants to contribute to the mission of demining Ukraine and wants to maintain good working relations in an international multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-disciplinary environment.

We are seeking a candidate with:

• Excellent written and spoken English. (+knowledge of other languages as Spanish will be strong advantage)
• University degree in translation or professional language skills
• 1-3 years of experience in translation or editing (preferably in an international organization)
• Self-motivation with the ability to work plans and objectives with minimal supervision.
• Must be computer literacy with MS Office particularly.
• Well-developed organizational skills.
• An ability to write clear, concise, factual reports.
• Willingness to travel frequently and work in remote or conflict-affected areas as needed.

How to apply:

This opportunity is available to Ukrainian nationals only. Interested candidates are invited to submit applications by sending a CV and Cover Letter in English to the email Відправити резюме  

CVs in Ukrainian will NOT be reviewed.

We respect the contribution of our defenders to Ukraine’s security and warmly encourage veterans, both men and women, to apply for this position

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position could be assigned prior to closing date if we find a suitable candidate.