Ukrainian/English Translator and Interpreter

About Project Expedite Justice

Project Expedite Justice (PEJ), founded in 2016, is a United States-based NGO with 501(c)(3) charitable organization designation.

PEJ’s mission is to use all available legal options to seek justice for individuals inadequately protected under the law, who cannot access legal resources, and who are exploited by governments, corporations, or others.

PEJ applies a novel, victim-centered approach to addressing mass atrocities. PEJ’s 3-step model includes training, mentoring, and providing independent legal consulting. We partner with and train local lawyers and investigators to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence according to international legal standards. Without evidence, there can be no accountability. We further build local capabilities and advance the justice process through case-specific mentoring and strategic guidance to local legal practitioners and investigators. Finally, we partner with local NGOs, pro bono law firms, and legal clinics to represent victims of international crimes and serious human rights abuses in court or alternative judicial mechanisms.

PEJ has projects in several countries. Our inclusive team includes people working remotely from Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and the US. We are deeply committed to increasing opportunities for lawyers and other human rights defenders from the global majority or global south to participate in international rule-of-law-based nonprofit work.

About the Role:

The Opportunity: Translator/Interpreter (Ukrainian-English)

Job Summary:

The Interpreter/Translator will provide high-quality English-Ukrainian and Ukrainian-English interpretation and translation support across PEJ’s Ukraine programming.

The position will support PEJ’s legal, programmatic, training, mentoring, and operational activities by providing interpretation for meetings, interviews, trainings, workshops, and other project activities, as well as written translation and editing of project documents and materials.

The Interpreter/Translator will work closely with PEJ’s Ukraine team and other project staff to ensure that communications and materials are accurately and appropriately translated, while maintaining the confidentiality and sensitivity of project information.

Key Deliverables:

Timely and accurate English-Ukrainian and Ukrainian-English interpretation for PEJ in person meetings, trainings, interviews, workshops, and other project activities.
High-quality English-Ukrainian and Ukrainian-English written translation
High-quality editing of project, legal, training, and administrative materials.
Consistent use of agreed terminology and appropriate legal and programmatic language.
Timely delivery of translation and interpretation services in accordance with project needs and agreed deadlines.
Accurate and well-organized records of translation and interpretation work completed.
Confidential and professional handling of sensitive project, legal, and beneficiary information.

Key Responsibilities:

Interpretation

Provide consecutive and simultaneous interpretation between English and Ukrainian and vice-versa during meetings, interviews, trainings, workshops, bootcamps, mentoring activities, and other PEJ events.
Support in-person and online interpretation between PEJ staff, Ukrainian justice sector counterparts, experts, trainers, and other project stakeholders.
Provide interpretation during in-person activities and online , including during missions to frontline regions of Ukraine, when security conditions permit.
Review relevant materials in advance of interpretation assignments to understand terminology, context, and subject matter.
Maintain consistent terminology and accurately convey the meaning, tone, and context of the speaker.
Seek clarification when necessary to ensure accurate interpretation.

Translation and Editing:

Translate documents and materials between English and Ukrainian, including legal, training, programmatic, administrative, and communications materials.
Proofread and edit translated materials for accuracy, clarity, consistency, and appropriate terminology.
Ensure that translations are culturally and contextually appropriate for the intended audience.
Maintain terminology lists and reference materials where useful to ensure consistency across project materials.
Incorporate reasonable revisions and corrections requested by PEJ.

Project Support:

Work closely with PEJ program and legal staff to understand translation and interpretation requirements.
Support preparation of training and workshop materials, including Justice Bootcamp materials and materials for the Digital Justice Hub.
Translate training presentations,  project communications, reports,, and other materials as required.
Support communication with Ukrainian counterparts where language assistance is required.
Provide timely updates regarding workload, deadlines, and any issues that may affect delivery.
Participate in relevant project meetings and coordination calls as needed.

Confidentiality and Quality Assurance:

Maintain strict confidentiality regarding PEJ’s work, project information, case-related information, communications, and materials.
Handle sensitive legal and investigative information with appropriate care and professionalism.
Ensure that all translations and interpretation accurately reflect the original content without introducing personal opinions or substantive changes.
Follow PEJ’s policies and procedures relating to confidentiality, safeguarding, information security, and professional conduct.

Profile (Qualifications and Attributes):

• Bachelor’s degree in Translation, Linguistics, Languages, Law, International Relations, Communications, or any related field. Equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• Minimum of three years of professional experience providing English-Ukrainian and Ukrainian-English interpretation and translation services.
• Demonstrated experience providing simultaneous and consecutive interpretation in professional settings, including meetings, interviews, trainings, workshops, and other events.
• Demonstrated experience translating and editing legal, human rights, justice sector, training, programmatic, or other technical materials.
• Experience working with international organizations, NGOs, justice sector institutions, legal practitioners, investigators, or donor-funded projects is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and spoken Ukrainian and English, with a high level of accuracy and fluency in both languages.
• Ability to interpret accurately and impartially while preserving the meaning, tone, context, and intent of the original speaker.
• Strong editing and proofreading skills, with exceptional attention to detail and consistency.
• Ability to work effectively with sensitive, confidential, and potentially case-related information.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently in a remote and international team environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across multicultural and international teams.
• High standards of integrity, professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word and PowerPoint; proficiency with other translation or terminology-management tools is an asset.
• Willingness and availability to travel within Ukraine as required, including to frontline regions, when security conditions permit.
• Must be based in Ukraine, preferably in Kyiv.
• Commitment to PEJ’s mission and values.How to Apply:

Email recruitment@projectexpeditejustice.org with “Application: Ukraine Translator/Interpreter” in the subject line, and attach:

• CV/resume (maximum of two pages); and
• Cover letter;
• By submitting your application, you consent to a reference check, where we will contact up to three professional references you provide.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis to fill this position as soon as possible.