Interpreter-Translator
Position Circumstances
- Career Category: Translation / Interpretation
- Schedule:Full-time
- Salary: Negotiable
The Interpreter-Translator reports to the Rotary Project Manager (or its assigned designate). This position supports the SSTC–Rotary International–University of Puthisastra project 2023-2026. This recruitment is an Independent Contractor on behalf of a Rotary Club of Phnom Penh project.
The Interpreter-Translator provides clear, accurate and real-time translation to and from Khmer and English between trainees, clinical staff and volunteers, patients and other stakeholders. It requires significant travel between the SSTC office and clinical sites. The position also helps with accurate written translation of text as well as other duties to support the project. This role requires independent management of own workload (e.g. task prioritization, engagement in relevant meetings, team liaison and usage of relevant tracking and reporting systems).
Hours, Compensation and Benefits:
- Full-time position: 35 hours per week (excluding 1 hour for lunch and breaks)
- Work Days: Monday to Friday, typically 09:00-17:00 although slightly flexible start/end times and occasional weekend (e.g. for university workshops) and evening work (e.g. for international meetings across time zones) is expected (with prior arrangement).
- Work Location: SSTC office in Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, and partner hospitals (predominantly Calmette Hospital, Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital and Techo Santé Pheap Hospital), and the University of Puthisastra in Phnom Penh. Other occasional site visits may be required.
- Contract: April 1, 2026 to October 2, 2026 (with possibility of renewal, based on performance, program needs and funding).
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Interpretation at clinical sites (70% of workload)
- Providing clear and accurate Khmer/English interpretation between English-speaking SSTC volunteers/team members (typically Speech and Language Pathologists), and Khmer-speaking university course participants, hospital staff, patients and families. This is within hospital settings in and around Phnom Penh. This role is predominantly a face-to-face, real-time interpreting role within busy hospital settings. The role will be exposed to unwell patients and busy hospital ward environments.
- Interpretation for training and education sessions (10%–15%)
- Providing clear and accurate Khmer/English interpretation between English-speaking SSTC volunteers/team members (typically Speech and Language Pathologists), and Khmer-speaking university course participants during lectures, workshops, presentations exams and other course activity. This may be in person or online based on the needs of the training session.
- Written translation (10%–15%)
- Providing clear and accurate Khmer/English translation for written communications (e.g. PowerPoints, teaching materials, formal ministry documentation, reports, plus informal and formal communication with team members, trainees, hospital administrators, university administration, etc.)
- Project support (5%–10%)
- Assistance for project activities not requiring interpretation (e.g. assisting with project planning and implementation, support event organization, purchasing resources, data collection and reporting, meeting minutes, documentation, etc.), as necessary.
- Positive Team Environment
- As a representative of the Cooperating Organization, consistently act in alignment with SSTC’s core values and ethical standards in all aspects of work and decision-making. Foster a positive, productive working relationships with team members and external partners. Continuously seek ways to improve efficiency, quality, and effectiveness through new ideas and processes.
Expected Profile of Candidates
Languages:
- Khmer - Fluent
- English - Fluent
Work History:
- Experience working full-time in a professional field as an interpreter or translator for 6 months as a minimum
- Although at least experience for 1 year is preferred
Skills & Knowledge:
General & Technical Skills
- Commitment to supporting SSTC’s mission, vision and values, and contributing to the organization’s growth.
- Experience of interpreting and translating in the healthcare sector would be an asset.
- Experience with real-time interpreting to and from English and Khmer.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Native Khmer speaker with excellent written skills.
- Ability to independently prioritize workload and complete tasks on time.
Soft Skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for working with clinical partners, patients and other stakeholders.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and multitasking skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, be self-motivated and responsible.
