Kurdish Linguist - Interpretation - Travel

About the role

SOSi is seeking Kurdish (Sorani or Kurmanji) Linguists to provide interpretation in a travel capacity. In this role you will integrate into a client team to provide a full range of language support, including providing linguistic and cultural expertise in a faced-paced settings. Flexibility is required and 100% of work will be performed on a travel basis. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and collaborate and engage with client personnel to further the mission. This position is part-time on call based on travel requirements.

Essential Job Duties

• Read, write, and speak Kurdish-Sorani or Kurdish-Kurmanji at a fluent or native level.
• Provide consecutive translation/interpretation back and forth between Kurdish and English in a variety of settings, including conference settings and individual meetings.
• Gist, summarize, and transcribe Kurdish from printed, electronic, or audio/visual material into clear, understandable, and idiomatically correct English.
• Leverage knowledge of culture, media, technology, politics, and military issues to provide high quality translations.
• Use a variety of computer programs including Microsoft Office products and SharePoint. Must be able to learn new tools and applications specific to the customer.
• Part-time on call work to support travel: CONUS, OCONUS, and war/conflict zones.

Qualifications & Requirements

• The federal government requires all linguists on this contract to obtain and maintain a security clearance. This security clearance requires U.S. citizenship.
• Prior to beginning work, candidates must complete the process for a fully adjudicated TS/SCI (with poly) security clearance. SOSi will sponsor qualified candidates for clearance.
• Bachelor's Degree completed in the United States OR in country of language skill.
• Minimum of three years of experience in translation support.
• Candidates must possess native or near native competency in Kurdish. Competency will be determined by standardized language exams which must be completed as part of the application process. Must score a minimum of 2+ on Kurdish Interpretation exam and a minimum of 4/4/4 on Speaking/Listening/Reading exam.
• Candidate must be familiar with the culture, media, and linguistic nuance of Kurdish.
• Candidates must possess excellent English written and verbal communication skills. Competency will be determined by a standardized exam which must be completed as start of the application process.
• Experience in workflow management and quality control to ensure all requests are triaged and products are properly gisted/summarized and edited.
• Experience with word processing (including typing at least 45 words/minute), proficiency with Microsoft Office, and ability to learn additional programs and applications as needed.
• Candidates will be required to maintain a passport and secure medical clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing, in-scope TS/SCI clearance with a polygraph.
• Expertise or training related to counter-proliferation, counter-terrorism, cyber, economics, geospatial, law, military, narcotics topics.
• Experience with media monitoring.
• Experience writing reports and terminology management for consistency translations.
• Degree in linguistics, international affairs, or foreign languages.
• Experience in the US intelligence, military, cryptographic, or law enforcement communities.

Additional Information: Work Environment

• All work will be performed during TDYs. No possibility of remote work. Work in more than one location may be required, including CONUS, OCONUS and war/conflict zones.
• Additional qualifications, including to carry a firearm may be required.
• Core hours are 9AM to 2PM, flexibility for night and weekend coverage during travel required.
• Some travel coverage may require extended hours, up to 11 hours per day, and non-traditional schedules, including nights and weekends.

Working at SOSi

All interested individuals will receive consideration and will not be discriminated against for any reason.