Professional Translators (Remote) – Sphere Standards
Job Description
Sphere Standards is inviting proposals from experienced translators working from English into Arabic, French, and Spanish.
- Job Title: Call for Proposals: Professional Translation Services
- Job Location: Remote
- Closing Date: 17 April 2026
- Contract: Project-based, compensation per word
Open to individual translators or small, focused teams with experience in humanitarian or development contexts and familiarity with technical or standards-based content. Large multi-language translation companies are kindly asked not to apply.
About Sphere Standards
Founded in 1997, the Sphere movement aims to improve the quality of humanitarian work during disaster response.
The Sphere standards, including the widely recognized Sphere Handbook, serve as a primary reference for NGOs, UN agencies, governments, donors, private sector, and practitioners worldwide. Sphere promotes accountability and best practices in humanitarian assistance.
Required Competencies and Experience
- Several years of professional translation experience from English into Arabic, French, or Spanish, especially with humanitarian or development organizations.
- Familiarity with humanitarian terminology, standards, technical guidance, or policy documents.
- Strong attention to detail, clear, inclusive language skills.
- Proficiency with structured file formats (IDML, XLIFF) and CAT tools (e.g., Trados, memoQ).
- Commitment to high ethical standards and responsible use of automated translation tools.
- Preference for applicants with lived experience of humanitarian crises or crisis-prone settings.
Use of Technology and Workflow - Translators may utilize AI-assisted tools, provided quality, accuracy, confidentiality, and responsibility are maintained.
Terms and Conditions - Regular quality assurance reviews by native speakers.
- Subcontracting requires prior approval.
- Successful applicants join Sphere’s approved translator pool via a framework agreement.
- Compensation is per word for translation and proofreading, reflecting current market conditions.
How to Apply - Interested candidates should submit their proposals via this online form and include:
- https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-
- A detailed résumé or agency profile
- Cost per word for translation and proofreading/revision (multiple rates if applicable)
- CAT tools used
- Workflow description, including automation tools
- Two translation samples (English into Arabic, French, or Spanish)
- Contact details for two recent clients
- All applications must be received by 17 April 2026.