The Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) at Addis Ababa University invites applications from qualified individual interpreters and interpretation firms to provide on-call professional interpretation services in the following languages: English, Amharic, Arabic, French, and Portuguese from 24 August to 31 December 2026.
The selected interpreter(s) or firm(s) will be engaged on an as-needed basis to provide simultaneous and/or consecutive interpretation during conferences, workshops, meetings, training sessions, and other institutional events. Selection under this call does not guarantee a minimum volume of work.
Qualifications
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Minimum of four (4) years of proven professional interpretation experience, preferably in academic, policy, diplomatic, or international development settings;
- Native or near-native proficiency in at least two of the following languages: English, Amharic, Arabic, French, and Portuguese, with demonstrated professional interpretation experience in the language combination(s) offered;
- Demonstrated experience providing simultaneous and/or consecutive interpretation for conferences, workshops, meetings, or similar events;
- Strong knowledge of terminology related to peace, security, governance, development, diplomacy, and international affairs;
- Demonstrated ability to deliver accurate, impartial, and high-quality interpretation while maintaining confidentiality and professional ethics;
- Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
Scope of Work
The selected interpreter(s) or firm(s) will provide simultaneous and/or consecutive interpretation services for a range of IPSS activities, including:
- High-level conferences and forums;
- Workshops and training sessions;
- Policy dialogues and stakeholder consultations;
- Official meetings and roundtable discussions;
- Public lectures and panel discussions;
- Bilateral and multilateral engagements;
- Virtual and hybrid meetings, where required;
- Other institutional events, as required.
Assignments may involve simultaneous, consecutive, or remote interpretation, depending on the nature and requirements of the event. Interpretation firms may also be requested to provide interpretation equipment and technical support, where applicable.
Application Requirements
Interested applicants are requested to submit:
- A current CV (for individual applicants) or company profile (for firms) highlighting relevant experience;
- A list of previous interpretation assignments, preferably for academic institutions, international organizations, government agencies, or conferences;
- A financial proposal indicating daily and/or hourly rates for simultaneous, consecutive, and remote interpretation services, where applicable, clearly specifying the language combination(s) offered;
- Availability and estimated response time for assignments;
- Contact details for at least two professional references.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed based on the applicants’ qualifications, relevant experience, previous interpretation assignments, language proficiency, and financial proposal. IPSS reserves the right to select one or more individual interpreters and/or interpretation firms under this call.
Submission
Applications should be submitted to [email protected] no later than 13 August 2026, 5:00 p.m. (EAT), with the subject line:
Application – Professional Interpretation Services (English, Amharic, Arabic, French, and Portuguese)
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.