About the role

Kirundi is the national language of Burundi and is spoken by almost the whole population. It is closely related to Kinyarwanda, and many Burundian clients also speak French or Swahili, particularly those who lived in refugee camps in Tanzania.

Assignments include asylum interviews, solicitor appointments, GP and maternity care, school meetings and housing services. Translators work on Burundian certificates, which are often in French, and statements in Kirundi.

What you will do

Interpret between English and Kirundi, confirming the client's preferred language at the start.
Translate Kirundi statements and Burundian documents into English, and French documents where qualified.
Interpret accurately and impartially, following the professional code of conduct and keeping all information confidential.
Research subject-specific vocabulary before assignments, particularly for medical and legal bookings.
Work remotely by video or telephone, or on site at the client's premises, arriving prepared and on time.
Transcribe and translate audio and video recordings, such as interviews and calls, if you have the skills for transcription work.

What we are looking for

Native or near-native fluency in Kirundi and English.
A recognised interpreting or translation qualification, such as the DPSI or DPI, or equivalent experience. Membership of CIOL, ITI or NRPSI is welcome but not required.
Kinyarwanda, French or Swahili is an advantage.
A current DBS check, or willingness to obtain one, for assignments that require it.
The right to work in the UK for on-site UK assignments.
A dependable internet connection and a confidential space for remote interpreting.

What we offer

Flexible freelance work that fits around your schedule.
A mix of remote (video and telephone) and on-site assignments.
Fair pay for your expertise and time.
Professional development to keep your skills current.
A supportive operations team to help with bookings and questions.
Varied work across sectors, from healthcare and law to government and business.

Kirundi work with SILA Linguists®

SILA Linguists® is a language services company providing interpreting, translation and transcription across the UK, North America, Australia, New Zealand and beyond, in more than 350 languages and dialects. As a Kirundi linguist with us, you can take on the full range of work we offer in Kirundi:

Kirundi interpreting of every type: face-to-face, telephone (OPI) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, video (VRI) through the SILA Linguists® app or the client's platform, consecutive, simultaneous, conference and remote simultaneous (RSI), community and escort interpreting.
Kirundi translation of documents into and out of English, from letters, medical reports and school records to contracts, research and websites.
Certified Kirundi translation with a signed statement of accuracy, accepted by UK authorities such as courts, the Home Office, universities and employers.
Kirundi transcription of audio and video recordings, with time stamps, translation of the transcript and subtitling.

Our vetted, trained and qualified linguists work in legal, police and court settings, immigration and asylum matters, NHS and private healthcare, social care, schools and universities, charities and business. Every assignment is covered by confidentiality agreements and UK GDPR.

Questions

Do you recruit Kinyarwanda interpreters too?

Yes, through a separate vacancy. If you speak both languages, apply once and list both.

How do I apply?

Use the application form on this page. Tell us your languages, dialects, qualifications and the type of work you are interested in.

Apply for this role

Freelance Kirundi Interpreter and Translator