Afar and Somali Translators & Transcribers (Timestamped) – Freelance

• Listing summary: The position seeks native or near‑native Afar and Somali speakers with strong written English and/or Amharic skills. Applicants must have proven experience in transcription or translation, be comfortable with dialect differences, and possess an own laptop, headphones, and stable internet. Familiarity with tools such as Word, Google Docs, Otter, Descript, or subtitle software (SRT) is advantageous.

FIRMA is a full-service creative and communications agency based in Addis Ababa. We produce documentaries, interviews and field content for development organizations across Ethiopia. Much of our work is recorded in regional languages, and we need reliable Afar and Somali specialists to turn that footage into accurate transcripts and translations.

What you’ll do

Listen to Afar or Somali interviews and field recordings and write them out word for word

Add timestamps at regular intervals and at each change of speaker

Translate transcripts into English and/or Amharic

Mark unclear audio, background voices and non-verbal moments (laughter, pauses) clearly

Keep names, places and local terms accurate, and flag anything you’re unsure of

Deliver files on agreed deadlines, often with short turnaround times

What we offer

Paid per audio minute or per project, depending on the assignment

Flexible, remote work with ongoing assignments

The chance to work on documentary and development projects that reach national and international audiences

Job Requirements

What we’re looking for

Native or near-native Afar or Somali speaker

Strong written English and/or Amharic

Proven experience in transcription or translation (subtitling or media work is a plus)

Comfortable with dialect differences within your language region

Careful with detail and consistent with formatting

Own laptop, headphones and stable internet

Familiarity with tools like Word, Google Docs, Otter, Descript or subtitle software (SRT) is an advantage

How To Apply

Apply through the link for your language below. Have your CV, the language pairs you work in, and a sample of past transcription or translation work ready. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to complete a short paid test transcript.

Afar: [link]
Somali: [link]

What we’re looking for Native or near-native Afar or Somali speaker Strong written English and/or Amharic Proven experience in transcription or translation (subtitling or media work is a plus) Comfortable with dialect differences within your language region Careful with detail and consistent with formatting Own laptop, headphones and stable internet Familiarity with tools like Word, Google Docs, Otter, Descript or subtitle software (SRT) is an advantage