Job Description
Beginning of the main content section.
Return to the home pagePrintable Format
Job Description - Translator (2601145)Job Description 2601145 Translator Job Posting: 26/May/2026Closure Date: 10/Jun/2026, 12:59:00 AMOrganizational Unit: FRMLWJob Type: Non-staff opportunitiesType of Requisition: PSA (Personal Services Agreement)Grade Level: N/APrimary Location: Malawi-LilongweDuration: 6 months with possibility of extensionPost Number: N/AIMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions. FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and cultureQualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to applyEveryone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's valuesFAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checksAll applications will be treated with the strictest confidentialityFAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization. Organizational SettingFAO, in cooperation with the Government of Malawi and with funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), is implementing the project Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Resilient Watersheds and Communities in Malawi (EbAM). The project aims to enhance the climate resilience of vulnerable ecosystems and communities through integrated watershed planning and management, investment in diversified agricultural value chains, agricultural and agroforestry systems and institutional capacity consistent with Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) approaches. The potential for ecosystems to support the sustainable production of commodities, goods and services for subsistence and commercial use by individual farmers, farmer groups and MSMEs will be enhanced. The project will be implemented in 11 districts in Malawi over a period of 6 years, benefitting over 500,000 vulnerable people in rural communities, restoring, conserving or improving the management of over 250,000 ha of land and achieving net emission reductions or removals of 2.75 MtCO2e within the lifetime of project interventions.FAO is providing technical support to the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development through the Department of Land Resources and Conservation (DLRC) in implementing the “Ecosystems-based Adaptation for resilient Watersheds and Communities in Malawi (EbAM)” project across 11 districts. The Department of Agriculture Extension Services (DAES) will also be extensively engaged to support the roll out of the Farmer Field School (FFS) methodology. Services of a Graphics Designer are required to enhance communication and visibility of the project, particularly designing project communication products and materials (banners and apparel mock-ups and presentation templates) using the project visual identity.Reporting LinesThe incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and with technical guidance from the Chief Technical Advisor and Communications and Reporting Specialist for EbAM ProjectTechnical FocusThe incumbent will be engaged to translate project documents into local languages (particularly from English to Chichewa and Chitumbuka). Documents will include agriculture, natural resources mnanagement, the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), Household Approach, and Dimitra Approach. Tasks and responsibilitiesIn close collaboration with Office of Communications (OCC) branches and appropriate Communication focal points, the incumbent will:• Review the agriculture, natural resources management, gender and environmental social safeguards documents and develop a workplan for translation.• Translate the technical documents from English to recommended local languages (Chichewa and Chitumbuka).• Perform other related duties as required such as attending technical meetings and presentationsFAO Standards and guidelines:• Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes. • All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including: FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en FAOSTYLE https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm FAO Names of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff). • Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section. CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWINGMinimum Requirements • University Degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in qualification in Linguistics or Translation Studies.• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working in translating technical documents on agriculture, natural resource management, fisheries, nutrition and food security thematic areas. • Working knowledge (level C) of English, Chichewa and Chitumbuka. • National of Malawi or resident of the country with valid work permit FAO Core Competencies• Results Focus• Teamwork• Communication• Building Effective Relationships• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous ImprovementTechnical/Functional Skills• Ability to adhere to high standards of quality and deadlines Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency. ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONFAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing).Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help or have queries, please contact: Careers@fao.orgApplications received after the closing date will not be accepted.Only language proficiency certificates from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT) will be accepted as proof of the level of knowledge of languages indicated in the online applications.For other issues, visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. HOW TO APPLY• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications• Incomplete applications will not be considered• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/cspFAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT