Вакансія: Field Interpreter / Translator – Humanitarian Mine Action

Position Title: Field Interpreter/Translator
Duty Station: Krasylivka (Brovary district Kyiv region), regular business trips to Mykolaiv and Kharkiv regions
Type of Appointment: Employment
Estimated Start Date: October 2025
Closing Date: September 30, 2025 23:59 Ukraine Time
Starting Salary: 65,000 UAH Gross

About APOPO:

APOPO is an award-winning Belgian NGO established in 1997 and currently operating in 10 countries. APOPO’s mission is to protect the people and the planet using scent detection animals. The organization trains and deploys rats and dogs in humanitarian missions such as the detection of explosives, diseases, illegal trafficking and search & rescue. APOPO currently has over 300 operational animals, most of which are working in Mine Action, which makes it the largest animal detection operator in the sector.

About APOPO in Ukraine:

Since the Russian invasion of 24th February, Ukraine has been severely affected by landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war. The scale of the conflict and the use of high impact and indiscriminate weapons requires an urgent and extensive response. APOPO aims to accelerate the reduction of suspected hazardous areas in Ukraine using its Technical Survey Dog Teams. APOPO registered in Ukraine in 2023. APOPO’s dog training centre is established in Krasylivka, and the operations will be conducted in partnership with Mines Advisory Group, in areas prioritized by the government. The main offices of APOPO Ukraine are in Kyiv.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Field Interpreter will be responsible for providing verbal and written translation between Team Leaders and dog-handlers during field operations aimed at detecting mines and explosive hazards. This role requires working directly in the field, accompanying operational teams, and ensuring clear and accurate communication under potentially challenging conditions.

This position plays a key role in supporting safe and effective field operations by bridging language barriers and ensuring mutual understanding across the team.

In close collaboration with Team Leaders and team members, the Field Interpreter will:

• Provide real-time interpretation and translation to facilitate effective communication during operational activities and training sessions.
• Translate documents, reports, and instructions from Ukrainian to English and vice versa.
• Assist in editing and ensuring the clarity and consistency of written communication.
• Develop a Ukrainian/English glossary of all relevant technical terms and definitions.
• Maintaining and updating all operational data terms and definitions.
• Maintain professional conduct in all duties and responsibilities
• Maintain professional behaviour in all duties and responsibilities in line with APOPO’s core values: quality, innovation, social transformation, diversity, solidarity, animal welfare.
• Ensure timely submission of all required documentation and compliance with reporting requirements.
• Perform any other duties within APOPO programming as required.

The Interpreter shall report to the Program Manager in Ukraine, providing on activities, achievements, and challenges encountered and difficulties encountered while performing his duties.

ABOUT YOU:

Ideally, this role will suit someone who enjoys being outside and likes animals. You will travel with a team of dog handlers and accompany them when they go to the minefields, usually as part of an extended business trip to Krasylivka, Mykolaiv or Kharkiv regions, to support their effective operations with your interpretations. You should be a flexible person who enjoys the opportunity to travel if needed. We organize our working schedule around the needs of the dogs. For example, in hot weather we work earlier to avoid the heat. It is a good opportunity for a person who wants to contribute to the mission of demining Ukraine and wants to maintain good working relations in international multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-disciplinary environment.

We are seeking a candidate with:

• Excellent written and spoken English. (+knowledge of other languages as Spanish will be strong advantage)
• University degree in translation or professional language skills
• 1-3 years of experience in translation or editing (preferably in an international organization)
• Self-motivation with the ability to work plans and objectives with minimal supervision.
• Must be computer literacy with MS Office particularly.
• Well-developed organizational skills.
• An ability to write clear, concise, factual reports.
• Willingness to travel frequently and work in remote or conflict-affected areas as needed.

How to apply:

This opportunity is available to Ukrainian nationals only. Interested candidates are invited to submit applications by sending a CV and Cover Letter in English to the email [email protected] by September 30, 2025.

CVs in Ukrainian will NOT be reviewed.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position could be assigned prior to closing date if we find a suitable candidate.

Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we are not able to respond to every application. If you have not heard back from us within 3 weeks of applying, it will mean that your application has not been successful.