The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) is inviting applications from qualified citizens of West African countries for an English Translator / Interpreter (Grade P2) position based at the Bank’s headquarters in Lomé, Togolese Republic. The opportunity is aimed at experienced language professionals with strong English and French language skills and a background in translation and interpretation.
The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Head of the Language Services Division, providing translation and interpretation services for the Bank’s economic, financial, legal, administrative, technical and operational activities. Applications must be submitted by 30 November 2026.
EBID English Translator / Interpreter Job 2026
The English Translator / Interpreter will support EBID by translating complex and sensitive documents from French into English and providing interpretation services during official meetings and other activities organised by the Bank.
The role is classified as Professional Staff Grade P2 and requires substantial professional experience. Candidates should be comfortable working with specialised terminology and handling confidential information in a multicultural and multilingual institutional environment.
The position may involve interpreting during meetings of EBID’s decision-making organs, including the Board of Governors, Board of Directors and Management Committee.
Key Responsibilities
The appointed candidate will be responsible for a range of translation, interpretation and language-support duties, including:
- Translating sensitive and complex documents from French into English.
- Using standard and specialised terminology appropriate to economic, financial, legal, administrative, technical and operational subjects.
- Ensuring translated documents meet approved quality standards.
- Proofreading translated materials and checking their accuracy and consistency.
- Aligning translations with other official EBID documents.
- Maintaining consistent terminology and a high standard of written style.
- Providing simultaneous interpretation into English during official meetings.
- Performing consecutive and whispering interpretation when required.
- Interpreting during meetings of EBID’s decision-making organs.
- Supporting other meetings, conferences and activities organised by the Bank.
- Contributing to technological research related to language services.
- Participating in the development of terminology databases and term banks.
- Helping create lexicological tools and resources for the Language Services Division.
- Performing other duties assigned by the relevant supervisor.
Educational Qualification
Applicants are expected to hold a Master’s Degree in Translation, Interpretation, Linguistics or a related discipline.
The academic qualification should provide candidates with an appropriate foundation in professional translation methodologies, interpretation techniques, language analysis and communication.
Professional Experience Required
The position requires experienced professionals. Candidates must have a minimum of eight years of experience in translation and interpretation.
Applicants should also demonstrate:
- Experience working in a multilingual and multicultural environment.
- Experience translating and interpreting financial documents.
- Experience working with legal or development-related documents.
- Strong knowledge of professional translation and interpretation practices.
- Experience with specialised terminology and complex institutional documents.
Experience relevant to banking, finance, development, law or international organisations may be particularly useful because of the technical nature of EBID’s work.
Language and Technical Skills
Candidates must have a perfect command of English and a very good knowledge of French. Knowledge of Portuguese will be considered an advantage.
The successful candidate should also possess excellent written and oral communication skills and demonstrate a strong understanding of translation methodologies and interpretation techniques.
Knowledge of Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools is required, while strong computer literacy is also expected. Applicants should have excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint.
Strong analytical, research, listening and time-management skills are also important for the position.
Personal Attributes
EBID is seeking a professional who can work effectively with sensitive information and operate within a demanding international environment.
Important personal attributes include:
- Professionalism and integrity.
- Confidentiality and discretion.
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity.
- Flexibility and adaptability.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
Because the role involves interpreting at high-level institutional meetings, candidates should be capable of listening carefully, processing information rapidly and communicating accurately in real time.
Who Can Apply?
A key requirement is that applicants must be nationals of West African countries and citizens of the ECOWAS Community.
Candidates should carefully assess their nationality, academic qualifications, professional experience and language proficiency before submitting an application.
Applicants who do not meet the required eight years of translation and interpretation experience or who lack the required Master’s qualification may not satisfy the stated eligibility requirements.
Documents Required
Interested candidates are required to prepare a complete application package containing:
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV).
- A cover letter.
- Copies of academic and professional certificates.
- A copy of a national identity card or passport.
- A copy of the birth certificate.
Applicants should ensure that the documents are clear, complete and accurately reflect their qualifications and professional experience.
How to Apply for the EBID Job
Qualified candidates should submit their applications by email to:
The application must be submitted no later than 30 November 2026.
Applicants should clearly indicate the following in the email subject line:
“RECRUITMENT PROGRAMME – TRANSLATOR / INTERPRETER”
Candidates are encouraged to check their application package carefully before submission to ensure that all required documents are included.
Important Information for Applicants
Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. EBID also reserves the right to withdraw the vacancy.
The opportunity represents a potential career path for experienced translators and interpreters seeking to work within a regional development finance institution. Professionals with expertise in financial, legal and development terminology, combined with strong English-French language capabilities, may find the role particularly relevant.
Applicants should therefore ensure that their CV clearly demonstrates their translation and interpretation experience, multilingual capabilities, CAT-tool knowledge and experience working in multicultural environments.
Final Takeaway
The EBID English Translator / Interpreter Job 2026 offers an opportunity for an experienced language professional to contribute to the work of a major regional development finance institution in West Africa. With a Master’s degree requirement, at least eight years of relevant professional experience, strong English and French proficiency, and experience in specialised translation and interpretation, the position is targeted at established professionals.
Eligible candidates should prepare their CV, cover letter and supporting documentation and submit their application by email before the 30 November 2026 deadline, using the required recruitment programme subject line.
