Translator

Job Posting: 26/May/2026
Closure Date: 09/Jun/2026, 11:59:00 PM
Organizational Unit: FRMLW
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition: PSA (Personal Services Agreement)
Grade Level: N/A
Primary Location: Malawi-Lilongwe
Duration: 6 months with possibility of extension
Post Number: N/A

Organizational Setting

FAO, 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 Lines

The 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 Project

Technical Focus

The 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 responsibilities

In 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 presentations

FAO 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 FOLLOWING

Minimum 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 Improvement

Technical/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.