The Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) is inviting applications from qualified individual specialists and firms to provide professional translation and interpretation services in support of its academic, research and policy communications.
The opportunities are suitable for experienced language professionals and service providers with demonstrated expertise in translating, editing, proofreading and interpreting content for conferences, research institutions, policy organizations and international development stakeholders.
The selected professionals or firms will support IPSS on an on-call basis, providing language services for research publications, policy briefs, institutional reports, conferences, workshops and policy dialogues.
Professional Translation Services: English–French
IPSS is seeking qualified professionals or firms to provide professional translation services between English and French.
The selected service provider will be responsible for translating and editing a range of institutional and research-related materials. Assignments may include research publications, policy briefs, institutional reports and other communications materials produced by IPSS.
The role will also involve editing and proofreading, ensuring that translated documents are accurate, clear, professionally written and appropriate for their intended academic and policy audiences.
Applicants should therefore have strong written proficiency in both English and French, alongside relevant professional translation experience.
Experience working with research, policy, peace and security, development or academic materials would be an advantage.
Professional Interpretation Services
IPSS is also seeking qualified individual interpreters or firms to provide professional interpretation services during its events and policy engagements.
Interpretation services will cover the following languages:
- English
- Amharic
- Arabic
- French
- Portuguese
Selected interpreters may provide both simultaneous and consecutive interpretation during conferences, workshops, policy dialogues and other institutional events.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to professional interpreters with experience working in multilingual international environments and with organizations involved in research, public policy, diplomacy, peace and security, development or academia.
About the Opportunity
The Institute for Peace and Security Studies is an academic and policy institution focused on peace and security issues in Africa. Its work involves research, education, policy engagement and knowledge exchange with stakeholders across the continent and beyond.
The language service opportunities will help IPSS communicate its research and policy work effectively across linguistic and regional boundaries.
Successful applicants may therefore gain the opportunity to support high-level academic and policy engagements involving researchers, policymakers, practitioners, development partners and other stakeholders.
Both individual specialists and firms are eligible to apply, provided they meet the relevant requirements outlined in the respective terms of reference.
Key Areas of Work
Depending on the position, selected service providers may be expected to:
- Translate English-language research and policy materials into French and vice versa.
- Edit and proofread translated documents.
- Maintain accuracy and consistency in terminology.
- Provide simultaneous interpretation during conferences and workshops.
- Provide consecutive interpretation during meetings and policy dialogues.
- Support multilingual communication during IPSS events.
- Handle academic, research and policy terminology professionally.
- Deliver high-quality language services within agreed timelines.
Applicants should carefully review the detailed job descriptions and requirements before submitting their applications.
Who Should Apply?
The opportunities are particularly relevant to:
- Professional translators
- Professional interpreters
- Translation agencies
- Interpretation firms
- Language consultants
- Specialists with experience in academic or policy translation
- Multilingual professionals with conference interpretation experience
Candidates with previous experience supporting international organizations, universities, think tanks, research institutions, government agencies, conferences or policy organizations may have an advantage.
Applicants should demonstrate the relevant technical skills, language proficiency and professional experience required for the specific service they are applying to provide.
Application Deadline
Interested individual specialists and firms should submit their applications in accordance with the application instructions provided by IPSS.
Application deadline: 13 August 2026 at 5:00 PM EAT
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and ensure that all required documents and supporting information are included.
Organization: Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS)
Opportunities: Professional Translation Services and Professional Interpretation Services
Translation languages: English ↔ French
Interpretation languages: English, Amharic, Arabic, French and Portuguese
Engagement: On-call professional services
Eligible applicants: Qualified individual specialists and firms
Deadline: 13 August 2026, 5:00 PM EAT
Professionals and firms with strong language expertise and experience supporting research, academia, policy, peace and security or international development are encouraged to explore this opportunity and review the full application requirements.
